CURRENT

AFF
AIRS
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CEMBE
R-2023

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 M.S.Shashank

DECEMBER - 2023 Current Affairs

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 M.S.Shashank

1. Polity & Governance ............................................................................ 6

1.1. Supreme Court Observation on Electoral Bonds Scheme................................................................................. 6
1.2. Guidelines for Appointment of State DGPs ...................................................................................................... 7
1.3. Bihar Assembly Passes Bill to Increase Caste Quota ......................................................................................... 7
1.4. Ethics Panel Recommends Disqualification of Moitra ...................................................................................... 8
1.5. Need for Quick Trial Against MPs and MLAs..................................................................................................... 9
1.6. Legal Literacy and legal Awareness Program (LLLAP) ..................................................................................... 11
1.7. Advocate-on-Record System ........................................................................................................................... 11
1.8. Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 ....................................................................................... 12
1.9. Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023 ................................................................................................................. 13
1.10. HC Struck down Haryana’s Reservation in Private Sector Law ....................................................................... 14

2. Economy ............................................................................................ 15
2.1. India to Become $30-trillion Economy by 2047 .............................................................................................. 15
2.2. Lewis Model .................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.3. The Indian Railways’ Revenue Problem .......................................................................................................... 16
2.4. Understanding Worker productivity ............................................................................................................... 17
2.5. Insurance Surety Bond .................................................................................................................................... 19
2.6. District Central Co-Operative Bank (DCCB) ..................................................................................................... 19
2.7. GST Collection Surge ....................................................................................................................................... 20
2.8. Right to Repair Framework ............................................................................................................................. 21
2.9. Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE).............................................................................................. 22
2.10. Global Digital Public Infrastructure ................................................................................................................. 22
2.11. International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) ......................................................................................... 23

3. International Relations ....................................................................... 24

3.1. 10 Year of China’s Belt and Road Initiative ..................................................................................................... 24
3.2. The UNGA Vote on Gaza War, and India’s Role .............................................................................................. 24
3.3. India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) ................................................................... 25
3.4. India to be added to U.K. safe states list ........................................................................................................ 25
3.5. Myanmar Refugees Cross Over to Mizoram ................................................................................................... 26
3.6. India-OPEC Energy Dialogue ........................................................................................................................... 27
3.7. India’s Stand on Israel Palestine ..................................................................................................................... 28
3.8. ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Plus (ADMM-Plus)............................................................................... 29
3.9. India’s Stand on RCEP ..................................................................................................................................... 30
3.10. India and Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue .................................................................................................. 31

4. Science & Technology......................................................................... 33

4.1. Cloud Seeding.................................................................................................................................................. 33
4.2. Bletchley Declaration on AI ............................................................................................................................. 33

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 M.S.Shashank
4.3. Euclid Mission ................................................................................................................................................. 34
4.4. Discovery of Oldest Black Hole ....................................................................................................................... 34
4.5. India’s Hypertension Map ............................................................................................................................... 35
4.6. Aditya-L1 captures first glimpse of solar flares............................................................................................... 36
4.7. India’s Hypertension Map ............................................................................................................................... 37
4.8. Electric Battery ................................................................................................................................................ 37
4.9. Minuteman III Missile ..................................................................................................................................... 38
4.10. Nitrogen-9 ....................................................................................................................................................... 38
4.11. NASA’s Psyche Mission ................................................................................................................................... 39

5. Social Issues & Justice ........................................................................ 39

5.1. Indian Army's Proactive Measures for Mental Health .................................................................................... 39
5.2. Domestic Violence and the Legal System in India .......................................................................................... 40

6. Health ................................................................................................ 42
6.1. Draft National Pharmaceuticals Policy 2023 ................................................................................................... 42
6.2. WHO 2023 Global TB Report........................................................................................................................... 44
6.3. CAR-T CELL THERAPY ....................................................................................................................................... 45

7. Education ........................................................................................... 46
7.1. QS Asia University Rankings 2024 ................................................................................................................... 46
7.2. Australia and India Cooperation in Education Sector ..................................................................................... 46
7.3. Future Leaders Scholarship Programme ......................................................................................................... 47

8. Agriculture ......................................................................................... 47
8.1. Pink Bollworm ................................................................................................................................................. 47
8.2. ‘Bharat Atta’ .................................................................................................................................................... 47
8.3. Poppy Cultivation ............................................................................................................................................ 48

9. Environment ...................................................................................... 49
9.1. Rapid Melting of West Antarctica’s Ice Sheet ................................................................................................. 49
9.2. COP28 Presidency’s Action Agenda ................................................................................................................ 50
9.3. Loss and Damage Fund ................................................................................................................................... 50
9.4. Production Gap Report 2023 .......................................................................................................................... 52
9.5. India’s Energy Conservation Building Code .................................................................................................... 53
9.6. India Exempted from CITES RST on Red Sanders ............................................................................................ 53
9.7. State of the Cryosphere 2023 ......................................................................................................................... 54
9.8. Emissions Gap Report 2023 ............................................................................................................................ 55

10. Internal Security................................................................................. 56

10.1. 15th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue ............................................................................................... 56
10.2. MiG-21 ............................................................................................................................................................ 56
10.3. Pralay’ Missile ................................................................................................................................................. 56
10.4. Breaching of Personal Data of Indians ............................................................................................................ 57
10.5. Mahabali ......................................................................................................................................................... 58

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11. Geography & Disaster Management ................................................... 59

11.1. Urban Expansion & Flooding ........................................................................................................................... 59
11.2. Study on Turkey Earthquake ........................................................................................................................... 59
11.3. Seismic Activity in Iceland ............................................................................................................................... 60
11.4. Mount Etna ..................................................................................................................................................... 60
11.5. Galapagos Islands ............................................................................................................................................ 61

12. History- Art & Culture......................................................................... 61

12.1. Meri Maati Mera Desh .................................................................................................................................... 61
12.2. Gwalior: the ‘City of Music’ ............................................................................................................................. 62
12.3. ‘3,000-year-old Iron Age’ Geoglyph Circle ...................................................................................................... 62
12.4. Mubarak Manzil .............................................................................................................................................. 63
12.5. Balban’s Tomb................................................................................................................................................. 63
12.6. Tamil Lambadi Art ........................................................................................................................................... 63
12.7. Sant Mirabai Janmotsav .................................................................................................................................. 64

13. Awards .............................................................................................. 64

13.1. British Academy Book Prize ............................................................................................................................ 64
13.2. Rohini Nayyar Prize ......................................................................................................................................... 64
13.3. ‘Wildlife Photographer Of The Year’ Award ................................................................................................... 64
13.4. Changemaker Of The Year .............................................................................................................................. 65
13.5. Lata Mangeshkar Award ................................................................................................................................. 65
13.6. International Emmy Award ............................................................................................................................. 65

14. Persons & Appointments .................................................................... 66

14.1. Saima Wazed ................................................................................................................................................... 66
14.2. Rajendra Menon ............................................................................................................................................. 66
14.3. Heeralal Samariya ........................................................................................................................................... 66
14.4. Justice Fathima Beevi Passes Away................................................................................................................. 66
14.5. Girish Chandra Murmu.................................................................................................................................... 67

15. Government Initiatives....................................................................... 67

15.1. AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ Portal................................................................................................................. 67
15.2. Sustainable Urban Development and Service Delivery .................................................................................. 68
15.3. Government e-Market (GeM) Portal .............................................................................................................. 68
15.4. National Efficient Cooking Programme ........................................................................................................... 68
15.5. Digital Mapping of Cities ................................................................................................................................. 69

16. Important Days .................................................................................. 69

16.1. World Tsunami Awareness Day ...................................................................................................................... 69
16.2. Infant Protection Day ...................................................................................................................................... 70
16.3. World Radiography Day .................................................................................................................................. 70
16.4. National Legal Services Day ............................................................................................................................ 70
16.5. World Science Day for Peace and Development ............................................................................................ 70

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 M.S.Shashank
16.6. National Education Day................................................................................................................................... 71
16.7. Children’s Day ................................................................................................................................................. 71
16.8. International Day for Tolerance ...................................................................................................................... 71
16.9. National Press Day .......................................................................................................................................... 71
16.10. International Students' Day ............................................................................................................................ 72
16.11. World Children’s Day ...................................................................................................................................... 72

17. Miscellaneous .................................................................................... 72

17.1. Operation ‘Nanhe Faristey’ ............................................................................................................................. 72
17.2. World Local Production Forum (WLPF)........................................................................................................... 72
17.3. National Coal Index ......................................................................................................................................... 73
17.4. Timed Out Rule ............................................................................................................................................... 73
17.5. UNESCO names Kozhikode ‘city of literature’................................................................................................. 73
17.6. Picocystis Salinarum ........................................................................................................................................ 74
17.7. Lake Titicaca .................................................................................................................................................... 74
17.8. World Energy Employment 2023: IEA ............................................................................................................. 74
17.9. Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) ................................................................................................................ 74
17.10. Global Centre for Excellence – DAKSHIN ........................................................................................................ 75
17.11. MITRA SHAKTI 2023 ........................................................................................................................................ 75
17.12. Cambridge's Word of the Year 'Hallucinate' ................................................................................................... 75
17.13. Awaous Motla ................................................................................................................................................. 75
17.14. SATHEE Portal ................................................................................................................................................. 76
17.15. International Tropical Timber Council ............................................................................................................ 76
17.16. Kambala Buffalo Race ..................................................................................................................................... 76
17.17. 16th World Wushu Championship .................................................................................................................. 77
17.18. Advancing Ayurveda ....................................................................................................................................... 77
17.19. Uttar Pradesh Imposes Ban on Halal Certification.......................................................................................... 77
17.20. Javier Milei Wins Argentina Presidential Election .......................................................................................... 77
17.21. International Sugar Organisation .................................................................................................................... 78
17.22. ASEAN-India Millets Festival ........................................................................................................................... 78
17.23. New ‘Music Frog’ Species Discovered............................................................................................................. 78
17.24. AAINA Dashboard for Cities ............................................................................................................................ 79
17.25. Vice-Chair of UN Panel of External Auditors ................................................................................................... 79

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 M.S.Shashank
1. Polity & Governance
1.1. Supreme Court Observation on
Electoral Bonds Scheme
Why in News?
• The Supreme Court of India observed the Electoral
Bond is selectively anonymous.
About:
• The Supreme Court said that the Electoral Bonds
Scheme (2018) suffers from ‘selective
anonymity/confidentiality’ leading to an
‘information hole’.
• The Apex court observed the scheme leaves scope
for misuse because donors may aggregate bonds
for smaller amounts from different buyers, instead
of investing a big sum to purchase the bond.
Challenges to the Electoral Bond Scheme in the
Supreme Court:
• Violates Right to Information: It seems that the
Electoral Bond scheme violates the • Does not reduce black money: Scheme did not
Citizen’s Fundamental Right to Information under
Article 19 (1) (a) about political parties.
o It is argued that if citizens have the right to
know about candidates then they certainly
have the right to know about who is funding the
political party.
• Enables backdoor lobbying and quid pro
quo: There is circumstantial evidence to prove that
there were kickbacks being paid by corporations via
electoral bonds to political parties in power to get
favours for the corporations.
• Transparency in Political Funding: In an affidavit
filed before the Supreme Court in 2019, the ECI said
that electoral bonds would wreck transparency in
political funding and invite foreign corporate
powers to impact Indian politics.
• Opens doors to shell companies: Government
allowed Indian subsidiaries of foreign companies to
make donations by removing the limit of 7.5% of
the annual profit for companies to make donations
to political parties.
• Not entirely anonymous: As nobody can come to
know other than the government who contributed
to whom.
• Usage for any other purpose than
Elections: Scheme is a misnomer as the money can
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be used for any purpose after it is withdrawn since
no one is asking how the parties spent the money.
• Promotes Corruption: It is a scheme to protect
criminals from being prosecuted under the
Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) and Prevention
of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• Eliminates level playing field for political parties in
Opposition: It is argued that the scheme destroys
and disturbs democracy in the country, by not
allowing a level playing field between political
parties which are ruling versus opposition parties;
or between political parties and independent
candidates.
o According to an analysis by the Association of
Democratic Reforms (ADR), between 2016-17
and 2021-22, the seven national and 24
regional parties in the country received a total
donation of ₹9,188.35 crore from electoral
bonds out of which the BJP’s share was
₹5,271.9751 crore, while all other national
parties together amassed ₹1,783.9331 crore.
primarily aim to reduce black money but rather
aimed to reroute non-anonymous funding from
normal banking channels to anonymous Electoral
Bonds.
o It is like an ‘alternative white money channel’
created by the government to replace the
already existing disclosure-based channels,
such as RTGS, bank drafts, and cheques with
added anonymity.
Conclusion:
• While the Electoral Bond Scheme was introduced
with the aim of bringing transparency in political
funding, its implementation has raised concerns
regarding anonymous donations.
• The Supreme Court’s approval of the scheme
indicates its legality, but debates on its
implications for transparency in political funding
continue.
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 M.S.Shashank

1.2. Guidelines for Appointment of State 1.3. Bihar Assembly Passes Bill to Increase
DGPs Caste Quota
Why in News? Why In News?

• Several States have appointed acting DGPs, instead
of regular DGPs, to avoid the UPSC process. Many
States have appointed ‘in-charge’ DGPs, or DGPs
with ‘full additional charge’.
What do the guidelines say?
About
• It says officers with 25 years experience to be
appointed as a DGP, against the earlier requirement
of a minimum 30 years of service.
• The number of shortlisted officers cannot exceed
three, but may consist of less than three officers in • Bills providing for the same increase in
‘exceptional circumstances’.
• These officers are to be of the rank of ADG or the
rank of police chief (and one below) stipulated for
that state. The list is supposed to be given to UPSC
six months before the incumbent DGP is to retire.
• An empanelment committee headed by the UPSC
chairman, and with the union home secretary, state Reservation in India
chief secretary, state DGP, and the chief of a central
police organisation in it, is supposed to select a
panel of three officers “based on merit”.
• Defining experience:
o The revised guidelines indicate the relevant areas
to assess the range of experience of an IPS
officer to head a State police department.
o It requires ten years of experience in areas such
as law and order, crime branch, economic
offences wing, or intelligence wing, and
deputation to central bodies such as the
Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing,
or Central Bureau of Investigation, among others.
Issues with Appointments
• Interim Status: The appointed DGP officer spent
their entire tenure in interim status which is against
the supreme court order where the SC has said
there must be no temporary or ad hoc
appointments of police chiefs.
• Seniority vs Merit issue: The senior officers
challenge the appointment of Junior officers as DGP
on grounds of seniority. The UPSC defended its
decision in court on the grounds of merit over
seniority.
• Extension of Tenure: Sometimes the officers are
given an extension of tenure beyond the stipulated Constitutional Provisions
term of 2 years.
• State-Centre friction: The centre has the power to
not release the officer for posting in the state which
the state recommends in the list, leading to friction.
• The Bihar Assembly unanimously passed a Bill
to increase reservation for Backward Classes,
Extremely Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes,
and Scheduled Tribes from the existing 50% to
65%.
• Together with the 10% Economically Backward
Class (EWS) quota, the Bill will push reservation
in Bihar to 75%, well past the 50% ceiling set by
the Supreme Court.
reservation in educational institutions and
government jobs, which were drafted based on
the caste survey conducted by the State
government recently, too were passed
unanimously through voice vote in the Assembly.
• As per existing instructions, reservation is
provided to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled
Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at
the rate of 15%, 7.5% and 27%, respectively, in
case of direct recruitment on all India basis by
open competition.
• In direct recruitment on all India basis, other than
by open competition, the percentage fixed is
16.66% for SCs, 7.5% for STs and 25.84% for OBCs.
• The Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act
2019 enables the State (i.e., both the Central and
State Governments) to provide reservation to the
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of the
society.
• Whether or not to provide reservation to the EWS
or appointment in States is to be decided by the
State Government.
• Since the 1992 order, several states have passed
laws breaching the 50% ceiling, including Haryana,
Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh
and Maharashtra.
• Laws made by many of these states have either
stayed or are facing legal challenges.
• Article 16: It provides for equality of
opportunity for all citizens but as an exception the
State can provide for reservation of appointments

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 M.S.Shashank

or posts in favour of any backward class that is not the representation of SCs and STs in a particular
adequately represented in the state services. cadre of service and form a judgement regarding
• Article 16 (4A): Provides that the State can make the inadequacy of representation based on that
any provision for reservation in matters of data.
promotion in favour of the Scheduled Castes and • Positive discrimination as represented can lead to
the Scheduled Tribes if they are not adequately important advances in societies along with deep-
represented in the services under the State. seated social inequalities, but such systems must
• Article 335: It recognises that special measures be periodically examined and redesigned.
need to be adopted for considering the claims of • The most obvious reform would be to reduce the
SCs and STs to services and posts, in order to bring number of relatively wealthy beneficiaries.
them at par.
• 103 Amendment of the Constitution of 1.4. Ethics Panel Recommends
India: Introduced 10% reservation for
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society by
Disqualification of Moitra
Why in News?
amending Article 15 and Article 16 of the
• The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee adopted a
Constitution.
report recommending the expulsion of Trinamool
Congress MP Mahua Moitra from the Lower
Arguments in Favour
House over a “cash-for-query” allegation.
• Caste-based reservations address the roots of
social injustice — and shouldn’t be replaced by
More About the News
economic status-based reservations.
• Ms. Moitra can be expelled only if the House
• The Constitution mandates realisation of
votes in favor of the panel’s recommendation.
substantive equality in the engagement of the
This is the first time, since the Ethics Committee
fundamental rights with the directive principles.
came into existence in the year 2000, that the
• It is a stereotypical assumption that the
panel has recommended expulsion of a
promotions drawn from the SCs and STs are not
Parliamentarian.
efficient or that efficiency is reduced by appointing
• The Privileges Committee has taken similar steps,
them.
including recommending expulsion of 10 MPs, in
• The main reason for giving reservations and even
the 2005 cash-for-query scam.
promotions is that there are very few SC/ST
candidates in the higher echelons of government.
Constitutional Provisions for Disqualification
• Article 102: Disqualification provisions are
Argument Against
outlined in Article 102 of the Constitution,
• Reservations discourage merit and genuine
specifying conditions barring individuals from
talent by providing an unfair advantage to
contesting elections or being a Member of
reserved candidates.
Parliament.
• Many deem poverty to be eligible for
o Disqualification Conditions: A person is
reservations in education and employment over
disqualified if holding an office of profit under
caste-based marginalization.
the Union or state government (except
• Reservations should only exist to level the playing
exempt offices), declared of unsound mind by
field initially; they should be discontinued for
a court, an undischarged insolvent, not a
higher positions/promotions.
citizen of India, or disqualified under
• Economically well-off members of marginalized
Parliament-made laws.
communities should not avail benefits of
• Parliament’s Legislative Power: Article 102 grants
reservation.
Parliament authority to enact laws defining
• Low-cutoffs and eligibility criteria for reserved
disqualification conditions. Similar provisions
candidates brings down the overall caliber of an
apply to members of state legislatures.
institution or organization.
• Continued reservation in education and public
Representation of the People Act, 1951
service were only a temporary measure.
• Imprisonment-Related Disqualification: The Act
stipulates disqualification if convicted and
Conclusion
sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more,
• The Supreme Court has established a provision
lasting the period of imprisonment and an
that states must collect quantifiable data on
additional six years.

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 M.S.Shashank
o Exception for Sitting Members: Sitting 1.5. Need for Quick Trial Against MPs and
members have a three-month appeal window
post-conviction, and disqualification is
Why In News?
deferred until the appeal’s resolution.
Disqualification on Ground of Defection
• Constitutional Defection Clause: The Constitution
mandates disqualification for defection under the
Tenth Schedule.
• Defection Criteria: Disqualification occurs if a
More about the news
member voluntarily abandons party membership,
votes against party directives, an independently
elected member joins a party, or a nominated
member joins a party after six months.
• Presiding Officer’s Role:
o Decision Authority: Disqualification decisions
under the Tenth Schedule are made by the
Chairman (Rajya Sabha) and Speaker (Lok
Sabha), subject to judicial review since a 1992
Supreme Court ruling.
About Ethics Committee
• Appointment and Composition : The Ethics
Committee consists of members appointed by the
Speaker, serving a term of one year. It comprise of
the 15 members,
• Function:The committee is tasked with the
responsibility of scrutinizing complaints concerning
the unethical conduct of Lok Sabha members.It is
entrusted with the authority to make appropriate
recommendations based on its examination.
• Procedure of Complaint:
o Complaint Submission: Any individual can file
a complaint against a Member via another Lok
Sabha MP, providing evidence and a non-false
affidavit. Members can file complaints without
an affidavit.
o Speaker Referral: The Speaker can forward
complaints against MPs to the Committee.
o Prima Facie Inquiry: The Committee assesses
complaints, avoiding those based solely on
media reports or subjudice matters,
conducting a preliminary inquiry before
examination.
o Recommendation and Reporting: After
evaluation, the Committee submits
recommendations to the Speaker, who seeks
House approval for consideration. A provision
allows a half-hour discussion on the report.
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MLAs
• The Supreme Court recently asked High Courts to
set up special benches for quick trials against MPs
and MLAs.
• Pending cases against MPs & MLAs:
o The SC noted that “as many as 5,175 subject
cases (were) pending” against MPs and
MLAs “as of November 2022”.
• Supreme Court’s directives for quick trials:
o Special benches: The Supreme Court has
asked High Courts to set up special benches
to monitor trials in over 5,000 such cases for
their speedy disposal.
o Prioritising cases: A three-judge bench led
by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud
said criminal cases:
▪ “Punishable with death or life
imprisonment” should be given
priority,
▪ Followed by “cases punishable with
imprisonment for five years or more,
and then other cases”.
o Condition for adjournment: The bench has
also said that the trial should not be
adjourned, except for rare and compelling
reasons.
o Registration & hearing of case: In its
directions, the SC asked the HC Chief Justices
to register a suo motu case with the title, “In
Re designated courts for MPs, MLAs”,
▪ The case may be heard by the Chief
Justice, or a bench assigned by him.
o Ensuring infrastructure facility: The apex
court has asked the principal district and
sessions judge to ensure sufficient
infrastructure facility for the designated
court and enable it to adopt the necessary
technology for effective and efficient
functioning.
• Significance of the move:
o Apex court has noted that criminal cases
pending against members of Parliament and
State Legislatures “have a direct bearing on
our political democracy”.
o Confidence and trust of the constituency in
their political representative, be it an MP or
MLA, is necessary for an interactive, efficient
9
 M.S.Shashank
and effective functioning of a parliamentary
democracy.
o However, such confidence is difficult to
expect when figures, as indicated in the Suggestions & way ahead
above referred table, loom large in our polity. •
Criminalization of Politics
• Meaning: It means the participation of criminals in
politics. This means that persons with criminal
backgrounds contest in the election and get
selected as a member of parliament or state
legislature
• Major Reasons:
o Criminalization of political parties is a result of
the connection between criminals and
politicians and vote-bank politics
o Lack of enforcement of laws and judgments
o lack of ethics, and values, and loopholes in the
function of the election commission.
o It is also linked to political control of state
machinery and corruption
o The political system is unwilling to change the
law or the system.
Issues of Criminalization of Politics
• Elected members with criminal records:
o Nearly 40 percent of members of the current
Parliament have criminal cases pending against •
them.
o Most of them do not feel vulnerable or
threatened as they are aware that it will take
years for trials to conclude.
• Question of safety & security:
o The main purpose of governance is to provide
safety and security to citizens who elect their
representatives for this role.
o But if the elected members themselves have
criminal records, would they be interested in a
criminal justice system that is prompt and
efficient?
• Low conviction rate:
o As per the National Crime Records Bureau’s
2021 report, only 10,416 cases of murder were
disposed of during the year with just a 42.4 per
cent conviction rate.
o The Law minister has admitted to more than 4.7
crore cases pending in various courts.
• Situation in police stations:
o Politicians play a very powerful role at police
stations, compromising both the integrity and
impartiality of field staff.
o In due course, ordinary criminals graduate to be
dreaded ones and form gangs extorting money,
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grabbing land, threatening witnesses in
criminal cases, etc.
Rightful demands:
o In this bleak scenario, our reaction as citizens
should be to demand more courts, judges
and judicial infrastructure and not to
encourage “encounters”, which we seem to
be applauding.
• Stopping the electability of criminals:
o Checking the nexus between crime, money,
and muscle power will be among the first few
steps required to be taken.
o The growing dependence of political parties
on criminals for muscle power and
“electability” must be stopped.
o It is high time all political parties came
together and developed a consensus on
keeping criminals — some with serious
charges including kidnapping, rape, murder,
grave corruption, and crimes against women
— out of the system.
• Vigilant voters:
o Voters also need to be vigilant about the
misuse of money, gifts, and other
inducements during election.
Efficient Use of technology:
o The use of technology as often stated by the
current Chief Justice of India, is a potent
weapon to ensure speedy trials.
o Citizens need to build up public opinion for
the introduction of online court hearings at
all levels.
▪ Courts shall curtail frequent
adjournments and reduce the trial
duration. Court production of jail
inmates can also be online and relieve
police from escort duties.
▪ For minor ailments, telemedicine
facilities can be used for persons in
custody.
▪ This will result in more police persons
being available on the ground.
• Regular training of Police force:
o Police officers need to be regularly trained
about the Constitution and human rights so
that they do not resort to their guns.
o It is unfortunate that after their basic police
training, very few officers undergo in-service
courses either in law or investigation.
10
 M.S.Shashank

o Online training: • Duration: DoJ has formulated a scheme on Access

▪ Of late, online training is becoming to Justice named ‘Designing Innovating Solutions
popular in many state police and Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA)’ to be
organisations. implemented during the period of 2021 to 2026.
▪ As per the Bureau of Police Research and o DISHA aims to merge different Access to
Development, vacancies in police all over Justice (North East & Jammu and Kashmir)
the country range at around 20 percent. programmes being implemented by DoJ while
Police station officers are thus reluctant simultaneously upscaling them to all India
to relieve their field staff for training in level.
police academies. o One of the key objectives of DISHA is
▪ Online training modules can bridge the implementation of Pan India Legal Literacy and
gap. Legal Awareness Programme.

1.6. Legal Literacy and legal Awareness 1.7. Advocate-on-Record System

Program (LLLAP)
Why In News?
Why In News?
• The Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Program • SC called for a “comprehensive plan” for reforming
(LLLAP) of the Department of Justice reaches and improving the AoR system.
more than 6 lakh people through 14
implementing agencies under the DISHA scheme. About
• An AoR is a lawyer who is qualified to represent
About Legal Literacy and legal Awareness Program clients in the Supreme Court of India. Only AoRs
(LLLAP) have the authority to file cases directly before the
Supreme Court.
• Since 2012, the Ministry of Law and Justice,
Government of India has been implementing the Eligibility criteria
Access to Justice Scheme in North Eastern States • Training: Minimum one year training with a court-
including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, approved AoR, before taking the AoR examination.
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura • Experience: The advocate must have at least four
and in UT of Jammu & Kashmir. years of legal practice before starting the training.
• Major focus of these programmes are on Legal • Examination: 3 hour test covering subjects such as
Empowerment of community, dissemination of Practice and Procedure, Drafting, Professional
simplified Information, Education and Ethics, and Leading Cases. To pass, the advocate
Communication (IEC) materials in local languages needs to score a minimum of 60% (240 out of 400)
and dialects and capacity development of with at least 50% in each subject.
Panchayati Raj Functionaries and Village Chiefs on
formal justice delivery system. Other Requirements
• Objectives: Aims to empower the poor and • An AoR must have an office in Delhi within a 16-
disadvantaged sections of society to seek and kilometer radius of the Supreme Court.
demand justice services. • Additionally, they are required to employ a
o To improve the institutional capacities of key
registered clerk within one month of being
justice service providers to enable them to registered as an AoR.
effectively serve the poor and disadvantaged.
o Use of Technology for enhanced delivery of
Rules Governing the AoR System:
legal literacy, its Knowledge Products and • Article 145 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court
implementation of Innovative and Holistic has the authority to create rules and regulate its
ideas. own procedures for hearing cases.
o Mainstreaming legal literacy through building
• The Supreme Court Rules, 2013 outline specific
and forging partnerships across Ministries and eligibility criteria and a rigorous examination that
allied Departments, Institutions, Schools etc. an advocate must clear to become an AoR.
o Developing Indicators to measure Legal
Literacy and Legal Awareness in India.

©AKS www.aksias.com 11
 M.S.Shashank

• The AoR system in India is somewhat based on the • Appropriate and advanced security infrastructure
British practice of barristers and solicitors, with and procedures shall be in place for the high-risk
AoRs serving as the equivalent of solicitors. prisoner ward in all central and district prisons.
o Barristers typically argue cases in court, while o Such prisons shall also have appropriate
solicitors handle cases from clients. provisions for an independent court complex
o Senior advocates in India are designated by for holding court hearings/trials
the Court and have a distinct gown. They • Appropriate technology: The States shall ensure
cannot directly solicit clients and are typically integration and embedding of appropriate
briefed by other lawyers, such as AoRs. technology for the effective management and
superintendence of prisons and for the safety and
1.8. Model Prisons and Correctional security of prisons and the inmates, which may
include biometrics, CCTV system, scanning and
Services Act, 2023 detection devices, Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID), video conference facilities, etc. in every prison
Why In News?
for prisoners to attend court hearings/trials and to
provide for seamless biometric access control system
Recently, a copy of the Model Prisons and Correctional
for movement of inmates.
Services Act, 2023 was for the first time published on
• Digitisation :It also asks the States to digitise the
the Union Home Ministry’s website.
entire prison administration and integrate the
• Ministry asked States to use tracking devices on
database with the Interoperable Criminal Justice
prison inmates released on parole
System.
o The States should use advanced cellular
About the Act
jamming and cellular detection solutions in the
jails to prohibit unauthorised use of cellphones
• The Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Bureau
by the inmates and prescribes three year-
of Police Research and Development, in
imprisonment for usage of phones inside jails.
consultation with various stakeholders, including
• Committee : It calls for a classification and security
State Prison authorities, correctional
assessment committee that may segregate the
administration experts, etc., had prepared a ‘Model
prisoners according to age, gender, length of
Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023’ and
sentence, safety and security requirements, physical
forwarded it to all States and UTs on 10th May,
and mental health needs, correctional needs, repeat
2023, for adoption in their respective jurisdictions.
offenders etc, as may be prescribed under the rules.
• It is a comprehensive document which covers all
• Separate cells: The prisoners classified into different
relevant aspects of prison management and It has
categories may be lodged in separate
appropriate provisions for reformation,
barracks/enclosures/cells with a view to protect
rehabilitation and integration of prisoners in the
other prisoners from negative influence and
society.
radicalised thought processes of the
o It also has provision for ‘Welfare Programs for
hardened/habitual/high risk prisoners.
Prisoners’ and ‘After-Care and Rehabilitation
o It also asked for segregation of male, female and
Services’, as an integral part of institutional
transgender people.
care.
o the prisoners may be further segregated and
lodged separately under other sub-categories
Features of the act
such as drug addicts and alcoholic offenders, first
• Wear electronic tracking devices: “Prisoners may be
time offenders, foreign prisoners, old and infirm
granted prison leave on the condition of their
prisoners (65+ years); those suffering from
willingness to wear electronic tracking devices for
infectious or chronic diseases; mental illness;
monitoring the movement and activities of such
prisoners sentenced to death; high risk prisoners;
prisoners.
women inmates with children and young
• Cancellation of prison leave: Any violation by the
offenders.
prisoner will attract cancellation of prison leave, in
o Dangerous and high-risk prisoners should be
addition to disqualification from any prison leave
accommodated in special cells or high security
being granted in future, as may be prescribed under
prisons. High-risk prisoners, hardened criminals
the rules,”
and habitual offenders should not be entitled for

©AKS www.aksias.com 12
 M.S.Shashank
parole, furlough, or any kind of prison leave in the
normal course.
Objective and Need in current scenario
• The administration and management of prisons
was till now regulated by two pre-Independence
Acts namely, The Prisons Act 1894 and The
Prisoners Act 1900.
• With the passage of time, many of the provisions
of these colonial Acts were found to be outdated
and obsolete.
• In the last few decades, an altogether new
perspective has evolved about prisons and prison
inmates, globally.
• Prisons today are not looked as places of
retributive deterrence but are considered as
reformative and correctional institutions where
the prisoners are transformed and rehabilitated
back into society as law abiding citizens.
o There is no provision for reform and
rehabilitation of prisoners in the existing Act.
• Mindful of the legal position and the significance of
prisons in the criminal justice system, the Home
Ministry has finalised a comprehensive Act to
replace the obsolete and colonial legislation.
Future Outlook
• Prisons”/ “persons detained therein” is a “State
List” subject under Entry 4 of List II of the Seventh
Schedule to the Constitution of India therefore it is
for the respective State Governments to make use
of the guidance provided in the Model Prisons and
Correctional Services Act, 2023 and enact a suitable
legislation on Prisons in their jurisdictions for
bringing improvement in prison management and
administration of prisoners.
1.9. Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023
Why in News?
• The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
approved the Comprehensive ‘Digital
Advertisement Policy, 2023’
Key Features of the Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023
• Role of Central Bureau of Communication (CBC):
Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023 enables and
empowers the Central Bureau of Communication
©AKS www.aksias.com
(advertising wing of the Union Government) to
undertake campaigns in the Digital Media Space.
o Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) will
now be able to leverage the growing number of
listeners to Podcasts and Digital Audio
platforms through empanelment of Digital
Audio platforms, and can channelize its public
service campaign messages through Mobile
Applications.
o The policy will enable CBC to empanel agencies
and organisations in the OTT and Video on
Demand Space.
o The policy streamlines the process through
which CBC can place advertisements for
government clients on Social Media Platforms.
o The policy empowers CBC to onboard new and
innovative communication platforms in the
digital space with the approval of a duly
constituted committee.
• Citizen at Centre Stage: Policy aims to facilitate
effective delivery of citizen-centric messages in a
targeted manner, resulting in cost efficiencies in
public-oriented campaigns.
• Transparency: The policy introduces competitive
bidding for rate discovery, ensuring transparency
and efficiency.
o Rates discovered through this process
will remain valid for three years and will
be applicable to all eligible agencies.
• Creating Awareness: The policy aims to
disseminate information and create awareness
regarding various schemes, programs, and policies
of the Government of India.
o It leverages the vast subscriber base in
the Digital Universe and technology-
enabled messaging options through
Digital advertisements.
Conclusion
• The Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023 reflects a
strategic and adaptive approach by the
government to leverage the digital media
landscape for effective communication. It aims to
capitalise on the popularity of digital platforms,
ensure transparency in advertising practices, and
enhance the government’s outreach in the
dynamic digital age.
13
 M.S.Shashank

• They also argued that the law was an infringement

1.10. HC Struck down Haryana’s Reservation
in Private Sector Law
Why in News?
• The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently
quashed a law of Haryana government that
provided 75 percent reservation in private jobs to
residents of the state in 2020.
About the Judgement
• The Haryana State Employment of Local
Candidates Act, 2020 is held
be unconstitutional and violative of Part III of the • It also argued that reservation on the basis of place
Constitution of India.
• The High Court underlined that a government
cannot discriminate against individuals merely
because they do not belong to a particular state,
and have a negative discrimination against other
citizens of the country.
• The bench said it is beyond the purview of the • It said unemployed local youth were a distinct class
State to restrict a private employer from
recruiting from the open market for the category
of employees who were receiving less than Rs
30,000 per month.
• Keeping in view the principles laid down by the
Supreme Court on the principles of morality, the • The State governments should enable the
State cannot direct the private employers to do
what has been forbidden to do under the
Constitution of India.
Arguments of the petitioners (Against Reservation)
• Petitioners had challenged the law saying that it
creates an unprecedented intrusion by the state
government into the fundamental rights of
private employers to carry on their business and
trade as provided under Article 19 of the
Constitution.
of Article 14of the Constitution of India.
o It added that a fundamental wedge is sought
to be created between persons domiciled in
different States by the statute in question
which is contrary to the concept of common
citizenship provided in the Constitution of
India.
Arguments of the Haryana government (Favoring
Reservation)
• It contended that the Act did not discriminate
regarding employment under the central or state
governments or any other organisation owned by
to
them.
of birth would violate provisions of the
Constitution but employment on the basis of
domicile would not offend Article 15(1) of the
Constitution.
• Constitution Talks about Government Jobs: As per
Haryana Government the act is constitutional as it
deals with jobs in Private Sector.
and reasonable classification could be made of this
particular class for the purpose of providing 75 per
cent employment in private sectors.
Way Ahead
reservation system to serve its original purpose
of making India a more just society and not a
political tool to serve the interest of political
parties.

©AKS www.aksias.com 14
 M.S.Shashank

2. Economy
2.1. India to Become $30-trillion Economy • Sustaining High Economic Growth Rates: Achieving
by 2047 and sustaining consistently high economic growth
rates will be challenging. India will need to
Why In News?
overcome periodic fluctuations and external
shocks.
• Niti Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said a vision
• Demographic Shifts: India’s demographic
document is being prepared for India to become
transition, with a large youth population, can be an
a developed economy of about USD 30 trillion by
asset, but it also requires significant investment in
2047.
education and job creation.
• Job Creation: Creating enough quality jobs to
About
accommodate the expanding labor force is a
• The vision document will outline the institutional
formidable task. Economic growth alone may not
and structural changes/ reforms that will be
necessarily translate into sufficient employment
needed for the country to become a developed
opportunities.
nation by 2047 with a $18,000–20,000 per capita
• Persistant Income Inequality: India has a significant
GDP.
income inequality issue. Addressing this and
• The goal of the national vision plan is to prevent
ensuring that the benefits of economic growth
the nation from falling into the middle-income
reach all segments of society will be critical.
trap.
• Environmental Sustainability: Balancing rapid
• It is also expected to include information about the
economic growth with environmental sustainability
country’s global engagement in trade, investment,
is challenging. Managing pollution, resource
technology, capital, and R&D entities.
depletion, and climate change while pursuing
• The economy must grow by an average of 9.2% per
growth is a matter of concern.
year between 2030 and 2040, 8.8% per year
• Ensuring Financial Sector Stability: Ensuring the
between 2040 and 2047, and 9% per year between
stability and efficiency of the financial sector is
2030 and 2047.
essential for funding economic growth and
managing financial risks.

Way Forward
• Achieving India’s ambitious economic vision will
require a long-term commitment from government,
private sector, and civil society. The strategies
which are expected to be outlined in the vision
document can serve as a foundation for a
Issue with Middle Income Trap
comprehensive and coordinated effort to overcome
• According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB),
challenges and work towards sustained economic
the middle-income trap captures a situation where
growth and development.
a middle-income country can no longer compete
internationally in standardized, labor-intensive
goods because wages are relatively too high, but it 2.2. Lewis Model
also cannot compete in higher value-added
Why in News
activities on a broad enough scale
• A Lower share of the manufacturing sector in
because productivity is relatively too low.
employment has raised questions about the
implementation of the Lewis Model in India.
Challenges need to be addressed
• Lack of larger firms: Even though India’s GDP has
What is the Lewis Model?
tripled from 1.1% in 1991 to 3.5% in 2023, making it
• Economist William Arthur Lewis set out the dual
the fifth largest economy in the world, none of the
sector model in his 1954 publication, “Economic
biggest banks, contractors, law, consulting, or
Development with Unlimited Supplies of Labor.”
accounting firms in the world are based in India.
The model seeks to provide a framework for

©AKS www.aksias.com 15
 M.S.Shashank
understanding how relatively poor countries can • It is often referred to as the “lifeline of India” due
develop economically. to its crucial role in transporting goods and
• It begins by assuming that one of the passengers across the country.
characteristics shared by poor countries is that • It carries over 23 million passengers and moves
their economies tend to consist largely of more than 2.5 million tons of freight daily, making it
“subsistence sectors” in which the supply of labor one of the busiest railway systems in the world.
is very large and the amount of capital invested per • Indian Railways has been actively working on
worker is very low. electrifying its routes to reduce its carbon footprint
• The Lewis model describes a path whereby a and dependence on fossil fuels.
developing economy can foster the growth of a
new “capitalist sector,” which will employ a Issues plaguing the Indian Railway’s Revenue
growing share of the excess labor available from
the subsistence sector. Over time, this capitalist • Cross Subsidization: Indian Railways has historically
sector can come to eclipse the subsistence sector, kept passenger fares artificially low, leading to a
causing the overall economy to grow. situation where passenger fares do not cover the
operational costs of running passenger trains. ping
Why has the Lewis Model in India not worked? points –
• Agriculture employed about two-thirds of India’s o For instance, the Comptroller and Auditor
workforce till the early nineties. The share fell General of India (CAG) report presented in
from 64.6% to 48.9% between 1993-94 and 2011- Parliament states that there was a loss of
12. Currently this share is 45.8%. ₹68,269 crore in all classes of passenger
• For manufacturing, the share in employment rose services during 2021-22
marginally, from 10.4% to 12.6%, between 1993- • High Operating Ratio: The railways have high
94 and 2011-12. In 2022-23 the share is 11.4%. operating costs due to a large workforce,
• The jobs being generated outside agriculture maintenance expenses, and other operational
are mostly in low-paid services and construction, expenditures. These costs have been challenging to
not in manufacturing and high-productivity reduce while maintaining service quality.
services. o For example, the Operating ratio during FY 22-
• Hence in India the virtuous structural 23 is 98.14%
transformation, entailing a transfer of surplus • Sluggish growth: In the period April-July 2023,
labor from “subsistence” to “capitalist” sectors annual growth in freight volume and revenue of the
hasn’t worked. IR are 1% and 3%, respectively, while the economy
• However, in the case of China the Lewis model grows at 7%.
was successful. The country, from the late 1970s • Decrease in freight transport share: Railway’s
to the 2000s, leveraged its demographic dividend modal share in India’s freight business has steadily
and large pool of surplus rural labor to become decreased to approximately 27% from upwards of
“the world’s factory”. 80% at independence.
• Limited Investment: Insufficient capital investment
2.3. The Indian Railways’ Revenue Problem in infrastructure, technology, and rolling stock has
hindered the railways’ ability to modernize and
Why In News? improve operational efficiency, which could
potentially boost revenue.
• While Indian Railways (IR) has been splurging on • Aging Infrastructure: The railways have a vast
capital expenditures (capex), there have been network with a significant portion of it being
concerns about its operating ratio and revenue outdated and in need of modernization. The cost of
generation. upgrading and maintaining this aging infrastructure
strain the railways’ finances.
About Indian Railways • Freight Tariff Structure: The complex and rigid
• Indian Railways is an extensive network covering freight tariff structure is a barrier to attracting more
over 67,000 route kilometers and serving around freight traffic.
8,000 stations. • Underutilized Assets: Railway assets, such as land
• It is the world’s 4th largest railway network, and properties, are underutilized or unused,
followed by the US, China and Russia. representing missed revenue-generating
opportunities.

©AKS www.aksias.com 16
 M.S.Shashank
Recommendations for improving railways revenue 2.4. Understanding Worker productivity
problems
D. K. Mittal Committee was formed in 2014 to provide
recommendations on raising revenue for the Indian Why in News?
Railways.
• Fare Rationalization: Periodic review and • Recently, the Infosys founder N.R. Narayana
adjustment of passenger fares to better reflect the Murthy sparked a debate urging young Indians to
operational costs. work 70 hours per week and noted that
o Implementing dynamic pricing to vary fares India’s worker productivity is one of the lowest in
based on demand and time of booking, the world.
particularly for premium trains.
• Freight Tariff Reform: Simplifying the freight tariff Intent behind this statement:
structure to make it more competitive and • Citing Japan and Germany as examples of
transparent. countries that grew because their citizens worked
o Offering discounts and incentives for high-
harder and for longer hours to rebuild their nations
volume cargo and long-term freight contracts. in the aftermath of the Second World War, urging
• Monetization of Assets: Exploring opportunities to
young Indians to work 70 hours per week. He
monetize railway land and properties through noted that India’s worker productivity is one of the
commercial development, leasing, or joint lowest in the world.
ventures.
o Developing railway stations as commercial
What is worker productivity?
hubs with retail spaces, restaurants, and
entertainment options, on the lines of National • Worker productivity refers to how much an
Monetization Pipeline. employee can accomplish within a set amount of
• Leveraging Non-Fare opportunities:Increasing non- time.
fare revenue by leasing advertising space on trains • Productivity can look different for different
and in stations. individuals and roles.
o Offering station spaces for commercial • On the other hand Labour productivity is a
activities, such as retail, warehousing, and measure of economic performance that compares
office rentals. the amount of output with the amount of labour
• Increasing Energy Efficiency: Focusing on energy- used to produce that output.
efficient technologies and practices to reduce
operational costs. Re-evaluating Productivity: The Role of Human
o Exploring the use of renewable energy sources Capital in Redefining Work Hours and Worker Well-
for railway operations. being
• Enhancing Public-Private Partnership: Collaborating
• However, in certain types of services, especially
with private sector companies through PPPs to fund
ones involving intellectual labour, measuring the
and operate certain railway services or
value of the output independently is very difficult,
infrastructure projects.
so the income of workers is usually taken as
o Attracting private investments for
proxies to suggest productivity.
modernization and expansion.
• Productivity in a more sophisticated usage is an
• Customer Outreach and Marketing: Developing
attribute not of time but of skill. Human capital (a
marketing & promotion campaigns to promote
more reductionist version of Human
railway services by attracting more passengers and
Development) including education, training,
freight customers.
nutrition, health etc., enhances the ability of
labour to become more productive, or churn out
Conclusion
greater quantum of value within the same number
• The future success of Indian Railways revenue
of working hours.
growth hinges on a combination of strategic fare
• Based on this understanding, the reduction in the
adjustments, infrastructure upgrades, asset
number of working hours does not hamper the
monetization, and technology adoption to enhance
value of output produced, but in turn enhances the
operational efficiency and revenue generation
leisure and quality of life of workers in real terms,
while maintaining a focus on safety and
while the value added to the economy could still
sustainability.
be increasing, nominal wages remaining the same.

©AKS www.aksias.com 17
 M.S.Shashank
Link between worker productivity and economic
growth
• Analyzing the Complex Relationship between
Productivity and Economic Prosperity: A Case
Study of India (1980-2015)
• In the period from 1980 to 2015, India witnessed a
remarkable increase in its Gross Domestic Product correlation to GDP?
(GDP) from 200 billion dollars to over 2,000 billion • Informal employment has grown in both organized
dollars. This growth may suggest overall economic
prosperity, but a closer look at income distribution
reveals a more intricate story.
• During this same period, income distribution in
India underwent significant changes.
• The share of national income held by the middle-
income group (40%) and the low-income
group (50%) decreased from 48% to 29% and 23%
to 14%, respectively. In contrast, the top 10% of
income earners saw their share rise from 30% to
58%.
• This implies that the income of the bottom 50% of
the population increased by 90% from 1980 to • These comparisons don’t seem to enable serious
2015, while the top 10% experienced a much more
substantial increase of 435%. The top 0.01% and
top 0.001% witnessed even more dramatic
increases of 1699% and 2040%, respectively.
• What's particularly interesting is that these
substantial increases in income for the wealthiest
individuals can't be solely explained by their
productivity. Instead, this prosperity appears to be
linked to inherited wealth generating substantial • Enhancing social investments, focusing on
returns (referred to as patrimonial capitalism) or
the extravagant compensation packages of a select
"super managerial" class, which often appear
disconnected from their actual productivity.
Does India have one of the ‘lowest worker
productivity’ in the world?
• As incomes are seen as a proxy for productivity,
there is a fallacious inference about productivity of
workers in India being low. The question as to why
over the years, beginning with the 1980s, the share
of wages and salaries have declined while the
share of profits has increased, perhaps is linked to
the informalisation of employment, labour laws
and the development and regulation regime
becoming unfavourable to workers.
• A U.S based multi-national workforce
management firm, has in fact observed that
Indians are among the hardest working employees
in the world.
• com an international ecommerce platform has
observed that India ranks one of the lowest in
terms of average wages per month globally.
Therefore, statement does not seem to be backed
©AKS www.aksias.com
by facts. It seems to be part of an effort to push
further labour reforms unfavourable to the
workers by creating a false narrative.
Does having a high informal labour pool complicate
the calculation of worker productivity and its
and unorganized sectors due to economic reforms.
Claims of increased formalization are limited to tax
compliance and haven't improved labor standards.
• Even in formal manufacturing, labor-intensive
Micro-Small-Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
dominate, cutting costs through lower wages. This
is driven by the profit motive, leading to worker
exploitation. Large corporations also outsource to
these smaller units, a trend seen in India and
globally, including the IT sector.
How far the comparison is tenable?
analysis. Japan and Germany are neither
comparable in terms of the size nor quality of
labour force nor in terms of the nature of their
technological trajectories or their socio-cultural
and political structures. India presents a unique
case and any arbitrary comparison would only lead
to dubious analytical inferences and fallacious
policy prescripts.
exploring domestic consumption potential for
increased productivity with a human centric
assessment of development achievements is the
way to a more sustainable and desirable outcome.
Way forward
• The advice to work longer hours to accelerate
India's development, while drawing inspiration
from other nations, must be considered in a more
nuanced context.
• Worker productivity is not solely defined by
working longer hours; it encompasses various
factors, including skill development and human
capital.
• Furthermore, the informal labour sector's growth
and income inequality in India complicate the
correlation between worker productivity and GDP.
• It is crucial to prioritize policies that promote
equitable growth, improve working conditions, and
address income disparities.
• These measures, rather than arbitrary comparisons,
will lead to a more sustainable and desirable
outcome for India's economic development,
fostering a society where prosperity is accessible to
all.
18
 M.S.Shashank
2.5. Insurance Surety Bond
Why In News?
State-owned National Highways Authority of India
(NHAI) has accepted the first insurance surety bond
for the monetization program of the upcoming bid
of Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) Bundle 14 to boost
liquidity and capacity of bidders.
• This will be the first time this innovative
instrument is being utilised as a Bank
Guarantee (BG) in the road infrastructure
sector for monetization of bids.
About Insurance surety bond
• Insurance Surety Bonds are instruments where
insurance companies act as ‘Surety’ and provide
the financial guarantee that the contractor will
fulfil its obligation as per the agreed terms.
• The Ministry of Finance, Government of India has
made e-BG and Insurance Surety Bonds at par
with Bank Guarantees for all Government
procurements.
• NHAI has been working closely with Highway
Operators Association of India (HOAI), SBI
General Insurance and AON India Insurance to
implement this initiative.
Importance
• Instruments like Insurance Surety Bonds will help
to strengthen National Highway Infrastructure
development, which has a cascading positive
impact on the Indian economy.
• This will translate into big savings for
concessionaires, which will further enhance
liquidity in the market, thereby fostering an
environment conducive to the growth and
development of the road sector.
• It will encourage private participation in the
highway sector and will be a significant step
towards facilitating ‘Ease of Doing Business’
2.6. District Central Co-Operative Bank
(DCCB)
Why in News?
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed
District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCBs) to
close un-remunerative branches without prior RBI
permission, but they must seek approval from the
©AKS www.aksias.com
Registrar of Cooperative Societies in their
respective state.
Highlights of the RBI's circular
• The decision to close down branches should be
made by the Board of the DCCB. The Board should
consider all relevant factors, and the decision
should be properly recorded and minutes in the
proceedings of the Board meeting.
• DCCBs are required to give two months' notice in
advance to all existing depositors/clients of the
branch. This notification should be done through
press releases in local leading newspapers and by
communicating directly with each constituent of
the branch.
• While DCCBs do not need prior permission from
the RBI to close un-remunerative branches, they
do require approval from the Registrar of
Cooperative Societies of the respective state.
• The DCCB must return the original license(s) issued
for the closed branch to the Regional Office of the
RBI concerned.
• DCCBs are not allowed to close branches if the RBI
has imposed restrictions on the bank.
District Co-operative Central Bank (DCCB)
• DCCBs are cooperative banks that operate at the
district level in India.
• They provide banking and financial
services primarily to rural and semi-urban areas,
focusing on the agricultural sector.
• DCCBs are crucial for the economic development
of rural regions, as they offer services like crop
loans, agricultural equipment financing, and
savings accounts to farmers and other community
members.
Structure of DCCBs
• Each district has its own DCCB, collectively known
as District Central Co-operative Banks.
• The governance structure includes elected
representatives and directors from various
professional cooperative bodies such as milk
unions, urban cooperatives, rural cooperatives,
etc.
• These elected representatives are responsible for
making decisions and shaping the policies of the
bank.
Election of President
• The president of a DCCB is chosen through
elections.
19
 M.S.Shashank
• Elected representatives and directors, • Integrated GST (IGST): IGST is the tax levied on all
representing different cooperative bodies,
participate in the election process.
• It's common for local politicians to be involved in
these elections, and winning the position of DCCB
president can be a significant boost to their • Cess: This component includes Rs 1,294 crore
political careers.
Role of State Apex Central Co-operative Bank
• Each state has a State Apex Central Co-operative
Bank.
• This apex bank acts as the central coordinating
body for all DCCBs within the state.
• It provides support, guidance, and financial
assistance to the individual DCCBs under its
jurisdiction.
Conclusion
• DCCBs are essential institutions that serve the
rural population in India. While political
involvement can bring positive changes, it also
carries the risk of misuse and instability. The
impact of political influence on DCCBs can vary
from region to region, and it's a complex aspect of
their functioning in the country's cooperative
banking system.
2.7. GST Collection Surge
Why in News?
• The total GST collection reached Rs 1,72,003 crore
in October, marking a substantial 13.4% year-on-
year increase and the second-highest collection
level since the introduction of the GST regime in
July 2017.
Monthly Averages Comparison
• The average monthly GST collection for the period
between April and October 2023 was Rs 1.66 lakh
crore. This is a significant 11.4% increase
compared to the average monthly collection of Rs
1.49 lakh crore during the same period in 2022.
This indicates sustained growth in GST revenue.
Breakdown of GST Components
• Central GST (CGST): CGST is the tax levied on intra-
state supplies of goods and services by the central
government. In October, CGST collection reached
Rs 30,062 crore.
• State GST (SGST): SGST represents the tax levied
on intra-state supplies of goods and services by the
states. SGST collection in October was Rs 38,171
crore.
©AKS www.aksias.com
inter-state supplies of goods and services,
including Rs 42,127 crore collected on the import
of goods. In October, the IGST collection was Rs
91,315 crore.
collected on the import of goods, and the total cess
collection in October was Rs 12,456 crore.
Increase in Domestic Transactions
• The Finance Ministry reported that revenues from
domestic transactions, including the import of
services, increased by 13% compared to the same
month in the previous year. This suggests a
growing level of economic activity within the
country.
State-Wise Growth
• GST revenues increased across various states and
union territories in October. At least 25 of them
recorded a growth rate higher than 10%.
• States with high SGST shares, such as Maharashtra,
Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, saw
impressive growth rates of 14%, 12%, 10%, and
9%, respectively.
• States facing specific challenges, like strife-torn
Manipur, recorded a 19% decline, while Himachal
Pradesh, affected by floods and landslides,
contracted by 2%.
Settlement of Disputes
• A significant factor contributing to the surge in GST
revenue is the settlement of disputes by
businesses. GST authorities had issued notices for
the recovery of non-payment of tax,
underpayment, or wrongful availing of input tax
credit. In response, businesses made payments to
settle these disputes, which contributed to the
increase in revenue.
Government Fiscal Support
• The increased GST revenue provides significant
support to the government's fiscal position. This
is particularly important because the government
may be facing challenges in meeting its
disinvestment receipts and direct tax revenue
growth targets.
• The stable revenue collection and growth rate are
expected to help meet fiscal targets and support
government finances.
Rate Rationalization
• With the stable collection and enhanced
compliance, experts suggest that the government
20
 M.S.Shashank
may consider rate rationalization as the next Need for Right to Repair
measure under the GST regime. This could involve •
adjusting tax rates to better suit economic
conditions and revenue collection goals.
Conclusion
• The surge in GST revenue collections reflects a
positive trend in economic activity and
consumption. Factors contributing to this surge •
include the settlement of disputes by businesses,
enhanced compliance, and economic growth.
• This increased revenue is expected to provide
crucial fiscal support to the government, especially
given challenges in other revenue streams. With
stable collection, the government can consider
rate rationalization and continue to use GST as a •
key tool in managing indirect tax collection.
2.8. Right to Repair Framework
Why In News?
• The government is in the process of replacing the
‘use-and-throw’ design philosophy of products
with a ‘right to repair’ framework.
About Right to Repair
• It is a framework to enable consumers to
independently repair and customize their
products, even when manufacturers typically
mandate the use of their services.
• It aims to harmonize trade between the original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the third-
party buyers and sellers, emphasizing on
developing sustainable consumption of products
and reduction in e-waste.
• To enable this, OEMs will have to mandatorily
share product details with the consumers.
• It originated in the United States with the Motor
Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act of 2012,
which mandated that manufacturers must furnish
the essential documents and information for
anyone to repair their vehicles.
• It has gained recognition in numerous countries
worldwide, including the United States, United
Kingdom, and European Union.
• The government has called on 112 companies,
such as Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Philips, to
guarantee that consumers retain the ability to
repair their products.
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Reducing E-Waste: India faces a growing e-waste
problem, and promoting repair can help extend
the lifespan of electronic devices, reducing the
environmental impact of electronic waste.
• According to reports, India generated around 1.6
million tonnes of e-waste in 2021-22, of which
only a third of it was recycled.
It is also crucial for India to achieve carbon
neutrality by 2070 alongside the LiFE movement.
• Consumer Empowerment: Allowing consumers
to repair their own devices or choose
independent repair providers empowers them to
make cost-effective choices and promotes
consumer rights.
Supporting Local Businesses: Encouraging repair
businesses and independent technicians can
stimulate local entrepreneurship and create job
opportunities in the repair sector.
• Digital Divide Mitigation: The right to repair can
help bridge the digital divide by making
technology more accessible and affordable for a
broader segment of the population.
• Promoting sustainability: In alignment with
India’s sustainability goals, it contributes to
resource conservation and supports the country’s
commitment to environmental protection.
Challenges
• Resistance from Manufacturer: Due to concerns
about intellectual property protection, potential
impacts on their revenue streams from repair
services, and perceived risks to product safety.
• Limited Access to Spare Parts: Manufacturers
often control the availability of spare parts,
making it difficult for independent repair
providers to access components needed for
repairs.
• Data Privacy Concerns: Repairing electronic
devices often involves handling user data, which
raises concerns about data privacy and security if
not done correctly.
• Use of Counterfeit Parts: It can pose risks to
product safety and reliability.
• Environmental Concerns: While right to repair
can help reduce e-waste, there is a need to ensure
that repairs are conducted in an environmentally
responsible manner, and this may require
regulatory oversight.
21
 M.S.Shashank
Way Forward Significance
• Governments should consider enacting a
comprehensive right-to-repair framework that • Help Startups:
mandates manufacturers to provide repair
manuals, diagnostic tools, and spare parts to
consumers.
• Encourage manufacturers to embrace the right to
repair as a consumer-friendly and
environmentally responsible practice.
• Raise awareness among consumers about their
• Strategic Significance: The program is seen as a
rights to repair and the benefits of repair over
replacement.
2.9. Rapid Innovation and Startup
Expansion (RISE)
Why in News?
• AIM, NITI Aayog launched a new accelerator
called Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion
(RISE) to support Australian and Indian circular
economy startups.
About
• Objectives:
o The RISE Accelerator focuses on startups,
small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India
and Australia that are working on circular
economy technologies and solutions.
o The program aims to address shared
challenges in both economies, with a
particular focus on environmental and climate
technology.
• Program Structure:
o The accelerator program, spanning nine
months, is designed to assist startups in
navigating the early stages of entering a new
region.
o It aims to facilitate connections with the right
partners, customers, and talent while building
credibility for success in international
markets.
o The first round of the RISE Accelerator
program is inviting startups and SMEs with
mature technologies and innovative business
models related to circular economy practices.
o Participating startups may be eligible for up to
INR 40,00,000 as non-equity grants.
o The program will be delivered virtually,
offering startups flexibility in participation.
However, there will be opportunities for
travel between Australia and India.
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o To gain valuable exposure to both country’s
market, cultural and regulatory insight.
o Fast track connections to the right partners
and customers.
o To grow and have benefits of scale.
o Access to new technologies and research.
means to strengthen diplomatic ties between
India and Australia.
2.10. Global Digital Public Infrastructure
Why In News?
• Prime Minister announced the launch of two
India-led initiatives: the Global Digital Public
Infrastructure Repository and a Social Impact
Fund.
What is Global Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?
• DPI is described as a set of shared digital
systems that should be secure and
interoperable, and can be built on open
standards and specifications.
• These are used to deliver and provide equitable
access to public and / or private services at
societal scale.
Components of DPI
• Technology: This comprises digital systems and
applications (e.g., software codes, building
blocks, protocols, standards) that are
interoperable.
• Governance: Governance facilitates user
adoption at scale by establishing trust in DPI.
o Governance frameworks may include rules
of engagement governing stakeholder
behavior, cross-cutting and domain specific
norms, laws and policies, and governance
embedded into digital technologies.
• Community: Vibrant and inclusive community
participation can enable value creation.
o This also comprises private sector and civil
society actors who can collaborate to
unleash innovation and unlock value.
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 M.S.Shashank
Foundational Digital Public Infrastructure 2.11. International Container Transhipment
Port (ICTP)
• Identification: The ability for people and
businesses to securely verify their identity, as well
Why in News?
as complementary trust services such as
electronic signatures and verifiable credentials.
• The Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways
• Payments: Easy and instant transfer of money
(MoPSW) recently inspected the location of the
between people, businesses, and governments
planned International Container Transhipment
• Data sharing with consent wherever
Port (ICTP) on Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island.
applicable: Seamless flow of personal data with
consent, with safeguards for personal data
More About the News
protection.
• The project is being developed on the basis
Global DPI Repository (GDPIR)
of investment from both the government and
the Public Private Partner (PPP) concessionaire.
• GDPIR is an initiative of the Indian G20
Presidency.
What is a Transshipment Port?
• Aim: It is aimed at promoting the development
• A transshipment hub serves as a location where
of Social Impact Fund to advance Digital Public
cargo or containers are transferred from one ship
Infrastructure (DPI) in the Global South.
to another for onward transportation to their
• The MeitY has developed it as a comprehensive
ultimate destination.
resource hub, pooling essential lessons and
• Unlike a traditional port where goods are unloaded
expertise from G20 members and guest nations.
and transported to the interior of the country via
• It will bridge the knowledge gap in the choices
rail, road, or air, a transshipment hub facilitates
and methodologies required for the design,
the direct transfer of cargo between ships,
construction, deployment, and governance of
streamlining the shipping process.
DPIs.
• Currently, the GDPIR features 54 DPIs from 16
Significance of Project
countries.
• Geo-Strategic: The islands play a crucial role in
Social Impact Fund (SIF)
maritime security due to their strategic positioning
within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• The SIF is envisioned as a government led,
o Improved infrastructure and connectivity will
multistakeholder initiative to fast-track DPI
empower India to bolster its military and naval
implementation in the global south.
capabilities in the region.
• This fund will offer financial support to
• Economic Benefits: This initiative aims to diminish
provide upstream technical and non-technical
inefficiencies in Indian trade logistics, addressing
assistance to countries in developing DPI
the significant cost, approximately 14 percent of
systems.
the GDP. Consequently, it will enhance the
• The SIF offers a platform for all relevant
country’s export competitiveness and open
stakeholders, including other governments,
avenues for India to emerge as a major hub for
international organizations, and philanthropic
container traffic trade between Asia-Africa and
entities, to contribute to this fund and help
Asia-US/Europe.
accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable
• Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief: India has
Development Goals (SDGs) in Low- and Middle-
the potential to utilize these facilities for providing
Income Countries (LMICs) through DPIs.
assistance during humanitarian crises and offering
• India has pledged an initial commitment of 25
relief in the aftermath of disasters.
million USD towards the fund.

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 M.S.Shashank
3. International Relations
3.1. 10 Year of China’s Belt and Road
Initiative
Why In News?
• 2023 marks a decade since the Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI), was first outlined.
About
• China proposed the BRI in 2013 with the purpose
of restoring the ancient Silk Route.
o The initiative aims to connect Asia with Europe
and Africa, through a network of railways,
highways, ports, airports, and other
infrastructure projects with the intent to
promote trade, investment, and economic
growth in participating countries.
• China has presented the BRI as an open
arrangement in which all countries are welcome to
participate. So far, China has signed BRI cooperation
agreements with more than 150 countries and 30
international organisations.
The BRI comprises two main components: The Silk
Road Economic Belt and the 21st century Maritime Silk
Road. The Silk Road Economic Belt focuses on improving
connectivity and cooperation between China and
countries in Central Asia, Europe, and West Asia, while
the 21st century Maritime Silk Road focuses
on strengthening maritime cooperation between China
and countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa.
The main portion of the required infrastructure build is
expected to continue until 2035.
How does India view the BRI?
• From the beginning, India had reservations about
the BRI – mainly due to sovereignty-related
issues, as the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) goes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
(PoK).
• The importance of the Indian Ocean for China has
increased significantly due to its expanding trade,
energy transport and investments.
o It started expanding its footprints in India’s
neighbourhood through investments in various
ports in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and
Myanmar.
o As commercial ports could be easily converted
into military use, these developments have
troubled Indian policymakers.
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• Moreover, many negative developments in broader
India-China ties (trade deficit, border tensions, etc.)
have also affected India’s perceptions of the BRI.
• The China’s Belt and Road Initiative
structure smacks of Chinese neo-colonialism. The
projects could push smaller countries on the road
into a crushing debt cycle, destroy the ecology and
disrupt local communities.
Conclusion
• The BRI can also be seen as China using its
infrastructural, intellectual and financial advantage
to forge stronger political ties with certain capital-
importing countries.
• India should look up to these realities and also
determine its geopolitical interests in the Indian
Ocean region which could pose serious security
challenges to India.
3.2. The UNGA Vote on Gaza War, and
India’s Role
Why in News?
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted
on a nonbinding resolution calling for a
‘humanitarian truce’ in Gaza and a cessation
of hostilities between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas
rulers.
About:
• The resolution called for an ‘immediate, durable
and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a
cessation of hostilities’ and unhindered
humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, was drafted
by a group of 22 Arab countries and was proposed
by Jordan.
o The resolution was co-sponsored by Bangladesh,
Maldives, Pakistan, Russia, and South Africa.
• However, Israel, the United States, five small Pacific
island nations, and four Eastern European countries
— Austria, Croatia, Czechia, and Hungary — were
among the 14 members who voted against the
resolution.
• India abstained in a resolution, which
exemplified the balancing act it has adopted on the
ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
o Gaza Strip is situated along the Mediterranean
Sea, and it is a Palestinian territory that
24
 M.S.Shashank
shares borders with Israel and Egypt’s Sinai
Peninsula.
o It, along with the West Bank, comprises the
State of Palestine, with Israel acting as a dividing
entity between these two regions.
Major Takeaways:
• India joined Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan,
Ukraine, and the United Kingdom in the group of 45
countries that abstained on the resolution titled
‘Protection of civilians and upholding legal and
humanitarian obligations’.
• The amendment proposed by Canada and co-
sponsored by the US, sought to fix the responsibility
of Hamas in the crisis, and asked for the insertion of
a paragraph in the resolution that would state that
the UNGA ‘unequivocally rejects and condemns the
terrorist attacks by Hamas’.
• Unlike resolutions of the UN Security
Council, resolutions of the UNGA are not legally
binding. Therefore, despite the comprehensive
defeat, Israel and the US are not obliged to act on
the resolution.
The balanced position taken by India was in line with
the one that it has maintained in the other ongoing and
deeply polarising conflict in the world.
Way Forward:
• India’s recent involvement in the UNGA has been
significant. India has taken a strong stance on
terrorism, abstained from the UNGA vote calling for
a truce between Israel and Hamas, and expressed
deep concern over the use of violence to resolve
disputes.
• India has also reiterated its support for a
negotiated Two-State solution to the Israel-
Palestine issue and urged all parties to de-escalate
hostilities, which reflect India’s commitment to
peace and security at a global level.
3.3. India-United States Defence
Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X)
Why In News?
• Innovations for Defence Excellence
(iDEX) organised the maiden INDUS-X Investors
Meet.
About INDUS X
• India-United States Defence Acceleration
Ecosystem (INDUS X) was launched at an event in
Washington DC, USA on 21 June 2023.
©AKS www.aksias.com
• The INDUS X event was co-organised by
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Ministry
of Defence, and US Department of Defence (DoD)
and hosted by US-India Business Council (USIBC).
• The initiative will expand the strategic technology
partnership and defence industrial
cooperation between the start-up ecosystems,
businesses and academic institutions.
• The collaboration agenda under the Defence
Innovation Bridge includes launch of Joint
Challenges, Innovation Partnership Program,
Academia partnership, Joint Innovation Fund,
establishing of Testing & Certification facilities in
India etc.
3.4. India to be added to U.K. safe states list
Why in news?
• The UK government has tabled plans to add India to
an expanded list of safe states.
• This would speed up the process of returning Indians
who travel from the country illegally and rule out
their chance of seeking asylum in Britain.
What is English Channel?
• The English Channel, also known simply as "the
Channel," is a body of water that separates southern
England from northern France.
• It is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean and is part of the
western extent of the North Sea.
• The Channel is one of the busiest shipping areas in
the world and has significant historical, cultural, and
economic importance.
• It is approximately 560 kilometers long and varies in
width from about 240 kilometers at its widest point
to just 34 kilometers at its narrowest point, which is
the Strait of Dover.
• Strait of Dover(narrowest part of the English
Channel):
o It is where the waters of the Channel and the
North Sea meet.
o It separates England from mainland Europe.
Key highlights
• Aim of this move
o Strengthening the country's immigration
system and help prevent abuse by people
making unfounded protection claims.
o Currently, people are exploiting country's
immigration system and making dangerous
and illegal journeys to the UK from
fundamentally safe countries.
25
 M.S.Shashank
• Countries included in the safe list
o India, Georgia, Albania, Switzerland, as well
as the European Union (EU) and European
Economic Area (EEA) states
▪ The EEA links the EU member states
and three EFTA states (Iceland,
Liechtenstein, and Norway) into an
internal market governed by the
same basic rules.
• When can a country be added to the UK's safe
states list
o If the Home Secretary is satisfied that:
▪ there is, in general, no serious risk of
persecution of its nationals, and;
▪ removal of nationals to that country
cannot go against the UK’s
obligations under the Human Rights
Convention.
Need for such move
• Political context
o Policies to regulate immigration, specifically of
undocumented workers and asylum seekers,
have always been a sensitive political issue in the
U.K.
o With the rise of anti-immigrant
sentiments fuelling some aspects of the Brexit
campaign, the U.K. Conservative Party has been a
strong advocate for tighter immigration policies.
o The demand for tighter policy is aimed
at protecting U.K. jobs or shifting the focus to
skilled workers arriving through legal routes.
o Against this backdrop, in July 2023, the UK
government had passed the Illegal Migration Act
2023.
▪ The act makes it the Home Secretary’s duty to
remove illegal migrants from the U.K.
▪ By decreasing access to routes to asylum, it
seeks to deter illegal migration to the country
– especially via small boats crossing the
English Channel.
o The latest measures fall within the Illegal
Migration Act 2023, which aims to "stop the
boats" by changing the law.
• Rise in illegal immigrants
o Over the past year, the UK has witnessed a rise in
small boat arrivals from India and Georgia.
o This step is in line with a promise made in January
2023 by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, to “stop the
boats”.
▪ The so-called small boat arrivals comprised
approximately 45% of the total asylum
applications made in 2022, which was close
to 89,000.
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• Need to strengthen country's immigration system
o Recently, the government felt the need to reassess
its approach to asylum seekers from these
countries.
o Hence, such step was needed to stop people
making dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK
from fundamentally safe countries.
o Expanding this list will allow UK to more swiftly
remove people who have illegally entered into the
country.
What does it mean for India?
• The inclusion of India in the safe states list implies
that the UK government considers the country to be
generally safe, stable, and free from widespread
human rights abuses, ruling out their chance of
seeking asylum in Britain.
• As a result, Indians who travel from the country
illegally will have their chances of seeking asylum in
Britain diminish.
• It will enable the detention and prompt return of
individuals who enter the UK illegally, either to a
safe third country or their country of origin.
3.5. Myanmar Refugees Cross Over to
Mizoram
Why in News?
• Amid intense clashes between the Chin Defence
Force guerrillas and the Myanmar military near
the Indo-Myanmar international border,
approximately 5,000 refugees have reportedly
sought refuge in northeast Indian state Mizoram’s
Champhai area.
Who is a Refugee?
• According to the UNHCR, A refugee is someone
who has been forced to flee his or her country
because of persecution, war or violence.
• A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution
for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political
opinion or membership in a particular social group.
• Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid
to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious
violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their
countries.
How India Deals with Refugees?
• No International Commitment: India is not a party
to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967
Protocol and does not have a national refugee
protection framework.
26
 M.S.Shashank
o However, it continues to grant asylum to a large
number of refugees from neighboring States and
respects UNHCR’s mandate for other nationals,
mainly from Afghanistan and Myanmar.
• Legislations: There is no distinction made
between ‘foreigners’ and ‘refugees’ under Indian
law. The Foreigners Act of 1946, Passport Act of
1967, Extradition Act of 1962, Citizenship Act of
1955 (amended in 2019) and the Illegal Migrant
(Determination by Tribunals) Act of 1983 are some
of the laws applicable to both.
o Under these laws, foreigners can be detained
and forcibly deported, even if they are
refugees escaping their countries of origin in
fear of death.
• Administrative decision-making: The regulation of
refugees and asylum seekers in India is conducted
on an ad-hoc basis through administrative decision-
making.
• The judicial response: The Indian judiciary has
been stepping up from time to time to safeguard
refugees from deportation, expulsion and forced
repatriation.
o The Constitution of India safeguards the rights
of all persons within its territorial jurisdiction,
citizen or non-citizen,Indian courts have
extended the scope of constitutional rights.
▪ These rights include protection from
discrimination and arbitrary action under
Article 14 and the right to life and liberty
under Article 21.
Why Hasn’t India Framed a Law on Refugees Yet?
• Refugees vs Immigrants: In recent times, a notable
trend has emerged where individuals from
neighboring countries engage in illegal immigration
to India.
o Unlike seeking refuge from state persecution,
many migrants are driven by the pursuit of
enhanced economic opportunities within India.
Despite the distinction between refugees and
immigrants, the prevalent debate often
amalgamates these two categories.
• Potential for Misuse of Legislation: There is a
concern that any legislation addressing this issue
could be misused by anti-national elements,
terrorists, and criminals. Also,implementation of
such laws might pose a financial burden on the
country.
• Flexibility in decision making : The absence of
dedicated legislation in India provides flexibility in
dealing with refugee-related issues.The government
©AKS www.aksias.com
can categorize any group of refugees as illegal
immigrants, as exemplified in the handling of
Rohingya despite UNHCR verification
Why is there a Need for a law on Refugees?
• Long-term Solution: In response to the recurring
influx of refugees, India must transition from a
charitable approach to a rights-based one. The
enactment of a national refugee law is imperative
for a sustainable and comprehensive solution.
• Balancing Security and Human Rights: The
implementation of a national refugee law has the
potential to address India’s security concerns.
Simultaneously, it can prevent any unwarranted
detention or deportation under the pretext of
national security, striking a balance between
security imperatives and human rights.
• Consistent Treatment of Refugees: Despite a
significant refugee population from Sri Lanka, Tibet,
Myanmar, and Afghanistan, there exists
inconsistency in the government’s recognition.
Notably, only Tibetan and Sri Lankan refugees
receive official recognition, benefiting from specific
government policies and rules designed for their
protection and assistance.
Way Forward
• Preventing Persecution Through Legislation: The
absence of domestic legislation on refugees in India
leaves room for oppressive governments in the
region to persecute their populations without
consequence.
o Enacting such legislation could serve as a
deterrent, discouraging neighboring
governments from engaging in actions that force
people to flee to India.
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups: Emphasizing the
need for protection, especially for women and child
refugees, against violence and harassment by
authorities or local residents.
3.6. India-OPEC Energy Dialogue
Why In News?
• The 6th High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC
Energy Dialogue took place at the OPEC Secretariat
in Vienna, Austria
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 M.S.Shashank
About Dialogue
• It focussed on key issues related to oil and energy
markets, with a specific emphasis on ensuring
availability, affordability and sustainability, which
are necessary in ensuring the stability of energy
markets.
• It aims to address the evolving dynamics of the
energy landscape and promote shared interests
between India and OPEC.
• It concluded with a mutual commitment to fostering
enhanced cooperation, with plans for the next
meeting scheduled for 2024 in India.
About OPEC
• The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental
Organization, created at the Baghdad Conference
on September 10–14, 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait,
Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
• OPEC had its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland,
in the first five years of its existence.
o This was moved to Vienna, Austria, on
September 1, 1965.
• Members : The five Founding Members were later
joined by:
o Qatar (1961) – terminated its membership in
January 2019;
o Indonesia (1962) – suspended its membership
in January 2009, reactivated it in January 2016,
but decided to suspend it again in November
2016;
o Libya (1962);
o United Arab Emirates (1967);
o Algeria (1969);
o Nigeria (1971);
o Ecuador (1973) – suspended its membership in
December 1992, reactivated it in October 2007,
but decided to withdraw its membership
effective 1 January 2020;
o Angola (2007);
o Gabon (1975) – terminated its membership in
January 1995 but rejoined in July 2016;
o Equatorial Guinea (2017); and Congo (2018).
• Objectives: OPEC’s objective is to co-ordinate and
unify petroleum policies among Member Countries,
in order to secure fair and stable prices for
petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and
regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations;
and a fair return on capital to those investing in the
industry.
• Importance: It has 79.5% of the world’s proven oil
reserves, producing 39.7% of global oil production.
©AKS www.aksias.com
o India is the world’s 3rd largest importer of crude
oil behind only the United States and China.
▪ India’s imports from OPEC countries
constitute 60% of total crude imports.
o The relationship between India and OPEC will be
pivotal in the years to come, as the world seeks
to foster global energy security, deliver energy
affordability and reduce emissions.
3.7. India’s Stand on Israel Palestine
Why In News?
• India voted in favour of a resolution in the UN
General Assembly that condemns Israeli settlement
activities in the “Occupied Palestinian Territory”.
About resolution
• The draft resolution titled ‘Israeli settlements in the
“Occupied Palestinian Territory”, including East
Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan’ was
approved by the Special Political and Decolonisation
Committee (Fourth Committee) of the UN General
Assembly by a recorded vote of 145 in favour, seven
against and 18 abstentions
o India was among the 145 nations that voted in
favour of the resolution along with Bangladesh,
Bhutan, China, France, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives,
Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the U.K.
• The resolution “Reaffirms that the Israeli
settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
are illegal and an obstacle to peace and economic
and social development.”
• The resolution reiterated “its demand for the
immediate and complete cessation of all Israeli
settlement activities in all of the “Occupied
Palestinian Territory”,
India’s Position on Israel -Palestine
• India voted in favour of five of the six resolutions,
abstaining in one resolution that dealt with
investigating Israeli practices and operations for
human rights violations.
• India also reiterated India’s traditional position on
the Israel-Palestine conflict: “establishing a
sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine
living within secure and recognized borders, side by
side at peace with Israel.
• Past Linkages : Historically, India voted against the
partition of Palestine and the creation of a separate
state of Israel in 1948, and was the first non-Arab
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 M.S.Shashank
state to recognise the Palestine Liberation
Organisation (PLO) as the representative of the
people, and to recognise Palestine in 1988, and
consistently voted against Israel at the United
Nations.
• In 1992, India established full diplomatic ties with
Israel, while continuing to support the Palestinian
cause.
• There has been a shift towards Israel’s position,
given increasingly close bilateral relations, trade,
technological assistance, military procurement, and
counter-terrorism cooperation.
• In 2016, India even voted against a UNHRC
resolution that called for an International Criminal
Court (ICC) investigation into Israeli war crimes, and
voted with Israel at the United Nations Economic
and Social Council in 2019 in stopping a Hamas-
linked NGO from receiving observer status.
• In 2017, PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian
Prime Minister to visit Israel, while in 2018, Mr.
Netanyahu visited India.
• However, Mr. Modi was also the first Indian Prime
Minister to make an official visit to Palestine.
• In 2017, India voted against the U.S. and Israel for
an attempt to declare unilaterally all of Jerusalem as
the Israeli capital.
• The policy lines New Delhi is continuing to draw
seem clear: to abhor terrorism, but not to condone
indiscriminate reprisal bombings, even as it holds its
consistent position on Palestine.
• No claim to righting historical grievances can
possibly be used by Hamas to explain its inhuman
attacks on Israel.
Challenges for India
• Israel’s latest demand, that more than a million Gaza
residents must evacuate as it continues to pound
the city and plans a possible ground offensive, will
make Delhi’s challenge at balancing policy even
more complex.
Conclusion and Way Forward
• Terrorism is a malignancy and knows no borders,
nationality or race. The world should not buy into
any justification of terror acts.
o There is need to adopt a zero-tolerance
approach to terrorism
• India has always stood for a two-state solution, India
is in sync with the Arab world in its normalisation
with Israel, with groupings such as the I2U2 (India,
Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United
States).
©AKS www.aksias.com
• Therefore, going forward, it is important for India to
come out not just against terrorism but also more
forcefully against the human tragedy playing out in
Gaza.
3.8. ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting –
Plus (ADMM-Plus)
Why in News?
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh attended the 10th
ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting – Plus (ADMM-
Plus) in Jakarta, Indonesia.
ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus)
• The ADMM-Plus is an annual meeting of Defence
Ministers of 10 ASEAN countries and its eight
Dialogue Partners Australia, China, India, Japan,
New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the
United States (collectively referred to as the “Plus
Countries”).
• Establishment: The Inaugural ADMM-Plus was
convened in Ha Noi, Vietnam, in 2010. Since 2017,
the ADMM-Plus meets annually.
Objectives of ADMM-Plus
• To benefit ASEAN Member States in building
capacity to address shared security challenges.
• To promote mutual trust and confidence between
defense establishments through greater dialogue
and transparency.
Key highlights of the meeting
• India reiterated its commitment to freedom of
navigation, overflight and unimpeded lawful
commerce in the international waters in accordance
with international laws, including United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
• India committed towards nurturing practical,
forward-looking and result-oriented cooperation
with ADMM-Plus for enhancing maritime security in
the region.
• Recognising the threat of terrorism India proposed
to co-chair the Expert Working Group (EWG) on
Counter-Terrorism.
Steps taken by India for Maritime Security
• SAGAR Programme (Security and Growth for All in
the Region): It is a maritime initiative for ensuring
peace, stability and prosperity of India in the Indian
Ocean region.
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 M.S.Shashank
• The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness
(IPMDA) Initiative: IPMDA is a technology and
training initiative to enhance maritime domain
awareness in the Indo-Pacific region and to bring
increased transparency to its critical waterways.
3.9. India’s Stand on RCEP
Why In News?
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) Secretary-General has said
that Southeast Asian countries wants India to join
the Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP)
What is RCEP?
• It is a China-led initiative for a regional trading
bloc that will comprise one third of the world’s
population and 29% of the world’s GDP.
o A regional trading bloc is a co-operative union
where a group of countries agree to protect
its member nations from imports of other
non-members.
• RCEP is a free trade area (FTA) consisting of 10
ASEAN members and five of the bloc’s dialogue
partners — China, Japan, South Korea, Australia
and New Zealand. It was signed in 2020.
• Objective: To give preferential treatment for
trade between the member countries either
through lower tariffs, preferential market access,
customs union or free trade in specific sectors.
• India’s Stand: India decided not to join the RCEP
due to concerns about the potential impact on its
domestic industries, especially agriculture and
manufacturing.
Arguments in favor of India not Joining RCEP
• Concerns about Trade Imbalances: It raises the
possibility of a surge in imports, especially from
China, which could lead to trade imbalances.
o The elimination of tariffs could flood the Indian
market with cheaper goods, potentially hurting
local industries.
• Agricultural Concerns: Increased competition from
RCEP countries, particularly in agriculture, could
negatively impact Indian farmers.
• Manufacturing Concerns: There were fears that
Indian manufacturing industries might struggle to
compete with more efficient and lower-cost
producers in the RCEP region.
©AKS www.aksias.com
• Trade Remedies and Safeguards: India sought
stronger provisions for safeguard measures to
protect domestic industries from a sudden surge in
imports. Negotiations on these provisions did not
meet India’s expectations.
• Geopolitical Concerns: Given the ongoing
geopolitical tensions with China, there were
apprehensions about entering into a trade
agreement that included China without sufficient
safeguards.
• Concerns about Services Sector: India, being a
significant services-oriented economy, sought
more favorable terms for its services sector. The
final agreement did not provide the assurances that
India was looking for in this regard.
Arguments Against India not Joining RCEP
• Increased Market Access: Joining RCEP would
provide India with improved access to the markets
of the other member countries, fostering increased
trade and investment opportunities.
• Trade Diversification: RCEP covers a diverse range
of economies, each with its strengths and
resources.
o Being part of the agreement could help India
diversify its export destinations and sources
of imports, reducing dependence on any
single market.
• Supply Chain Integration: Joining the agreement
could enable India to become part of regional
supply chains, promoting efficiency and
competitiveness in its industries.
• Reduction in Trade Barriers: India could benefit
from lower tariffs on its exports, making its
products more competitive in the regional market.
• Enhanced Economic Growth: Increased trade and
investment resulting from RCEP membership could
contribute to India’s economic growth.
• Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The
agreement may make India a more attractive
destination for foreign investors looking to benefit
from the larger regional market.
• Political and Strategic Importance: Joining RCEP
could enhance India’s geopolitical standing and
strengthen its economic ties with other countries in
the Asia-Pacific region.
Conclusion
• It’s important to note that while India did not join
the RCEP in its current form, there were
discussions about the possibility of India rejoining
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 M.S.Shashank
the agreement in the future if its concerns could
be adequately addressed.
• The decision not to join RCEP was a complex one,
reflecting the need to balance economic
opportunities with domestic concerns.
3.10. India and Australia 2+2 Ministerial
Dialogue
Why In News?
The second India-Australia 2+2 Dialogue was held in
New Delhi.
• The inaugural India-Australia 2 plus 2 Ministerial
Dialogue was held on 11 September 2021
Focused Areas of the dialogue
• They exchanged views on deepening multifaceted
ties in several areas.
o These include defence and security, trade
and investment, critical minerals, energy,
climate change, Science and Technology, space,
education and people to people linkages.
o Regional and global issues were also discussed.
▪ The two sides also discussed pressing
geopolitical issues, including the crisis in
West Asia and the war in Ukraine.
• They discussed cooperation for joint research in
underwater technologies, and collaboration
between defence start-ups of both the countries,
including solving challenges jointly.
India and Australia relations: Brief Overview
• Historical Perspective: The historical ties between
India and Australia started immediately following
European settlement in Australia from 1788.
o They established diplomatic relations in the
pre-Independence period, with the
establishment of India Trade Office in Sydney in
1941.
• Strategic : Australia and India upgraded bilateral
relationship from ‘Strategic Partnership’ in 2009
to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in
2020.
• Bilateral mechanisms: Over the years, an array of
institutional mechanism has been put in place to
promote bilateral cooperation include high level
visits, Annual Meetings of Prime Ministers, Foreign
Ministers’ Framework Dialogue, 2+2 Defence and
Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, Joint Trade &
Commerce Ministerial Commission, Defence Policy
Talks, Australia-India Education Council, Defence
©AKS www.aksias.com
Services Staff Talks, Energy Dialogue, JWGs on
different issues etc.
• High-Level Exchanges: India’s relations with
Australia reached a new high with the first ever visit
of the President of India H.E. Shri Ram Nath Kovind
to Australia on 21- 24 November 2018.
o The two-way Prime Ministerial visits in 2014
gave significant momentum to the bilateral
relationship.
• Economic and Trade Relationship: They have
commercial ties dating back to the 18th century,
when India played a central role in nourishing the
young colony and trade with Australia came to be
an important element in the operations of the East
India Company in Bengal.
o As part of its efforts to develop a strong
economic relationship with India, the
Australian Government commissioned the
India Economic Strategy to 2035 to define a
pathway for Australia to unlock opportunities
offered by Indian Economic growth.
oThe India-Australia Economic Cooperation and
Trade Agreement (“IndAus ECTA”) was
signed.
o India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission
(JMC) was established in 1989 to enable
interaction at a government and business level
on a range of trade and investment related
issues.
o Bilateral Trade: India is Australia’s sixth
largest trading partner.
▪ Bilateral trade between India and Australia
increased from US$ 22.2 billion in 2021 to
US$ 31.4 billion in 2022, registering a growth
of 41%. India’s total exports to Australia
grew by 38% from US$ 6.3 billion in 2021 to
US$ 8.7 billion.
▪ India’s main exports to Australia are refined
petroleum, medicaments (incl. veterinary),
pearls & gems, jewellery, made-up textile
articles, while.
▪ India’s major imports are coal, confidential
items of trade, copper ores & concentrates,
natural gas, non-ferrous waste & scrap,
ferrous waste & scrap and education related
services.
• Civil Nuclear Cooperation: A Civil Nuclear
Cooperation Agreement between the two
countries was signed in September 2014
o The Australian Parliament passed the “Civil
Nuclear Transfer to India Bill 2016” on 01
December 2016 which allows Uranium
mining companies in Australia to fulfil
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 M.S.Shashank

contracts to supply Australian uranium to • Consular Cooperation, People to People

India for civil use . linkages: The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT)
• Defence Cooperation: In November 2014, both and the Extradition Treaty between India and
sides decided to extend defence cooperation to Australia, which were signed in June 2008, have been
cover research, development and industry ratified by both Governments, and have entered into
engagement and agreed to hold regular meetings force on 20 January 2011
at the level of the Defence Minister, and conduct o The Indian community in Australia continues to
regular maritime exercises. grow and importance, with the population of
o The first-ever Bilateral Maritime about 9.76,000 (Census 2021). After England,
Exercise, AUSINDEX was conducted in India is the second largest migrant group in
Visakhapatnam and the Bay of Bengal in Australia .
September 2015.
o Australia participated in Exercise Milan in • Quad: India and Australia’s partnership in the Quad
2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022. format has been beneficial for the Indo-Pacific
o Indian ships participated in Kakadu, the Region.
biennial Exercise of the Australian Navy (in o The first-ever Quad Leaders’ Virtual Summit held
which 27 nations participated) on 12 March 2021 saw the participation of Prime
o Indian Air force participated in Exercise Ministers of India, Australia, Japan and the
PITCHBLACK in 2018 and in September President of USA.
2022. • Latest Developments: India and Australia are
o India participated in the French-led naval currently engaged in advanced negotiations for a
exercises La Perouse in April 2021 in Bay of comprehensive economic cooperation agreement
Bengal along with Australia, USA and Japan. (CECA) that will build on the Economic Cooperation
o India and Australia signed a Mutual Logistics and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed in April 2022.
Support agreement in 2020, and the two
Navies signed the ‘Joint Guidance for the
India-Australia Navy to Navy Relationship’
document in August 2021.
• Agriculture, Science & Technology : India-Australia
S&T cooperation was formalized through the Inter-
Governmental Agreement signed in October 1986 .
• Education, Sports, Art & Culture: The number of
Indian students currently enrolled for studying in
Australia is estimated at around 118,869 (July
2023), making Indian students the second largest
cohort of foreign students in Australia
o India and Australia signed an Educational
Exchange Programme (EEP) in 2003.
▪ Cricket is something which has kept us
connected for ages…and now tennis and
movies are other connecting bridges,”

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 M.S.Shashank
4. Science & Technology
4.1. Cloud Seeding
Why in News?
• A cloud seeding experiment in Solapur city, which
is on the leeward side of the Western Ghats, was
able to achieve 18% relative enhancement in
rainfall.
What is Cloud Seeding?
• Cloud seeding is a kind of a weather modification
technology to create artificial rainfall. It works only
when there are enough pre-existing clouds in the
atmosphere.
• Rain happens when moisture in the air reaches
levels at which it can no longer be held, and cloud
seeding aims to facilitate and accelerate that
process by making available
chemical ‘nuclei’ around which condensation can
take place.
• These ‘seeds’ of rain can be the iodides of silver or
potassium, dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), or liquid
propane. The seeds can be delivered by plane or
by spraying from the ground.
Suitable Conditions for Cloud Seeding
• Cloud seeding requires existing clouds; it will not
produce rain out of thin air.
• Not all types of clouds are suitable for seeding.
Clouds must be deep enough and of a suitable
temperature (between -10 and -12 degrees
Celsius) to be seeded effectively.
• The wind must be below a certain speed. These
conditions are most common in mountainous
areas.
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Applications of Cloud Seeding
• Creation of Rain: Cloud seeding is the best way to
consider improving rainfall quantity in case of
inadequate rainfall.
• Boosting of the Economy: Rain is important in
achieving a proper harvest and boost the
economy.
Concerns
• Use of Chemicals: Some chemicals are potentially
harmful to the natural environment. Mostly, this
applies to the plants which depend on the
contaminated rain to produce food.
• Expensive: Cloud seeding is an expensive process.
Planes are used to get the chemicals into the air.
4.2. Bletchley Declaration on AI
Why In News?
• The United Kingdom (U.K.) hosted the first
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit.
About
• The UK’s AI Safety Summit, brought together tech
experts, world leaders, and representatives
from 27 countries and the EU.
• Aim: The summit sought to build a framework to
mitigate the risks of AI while maximising its
potential.
• It is taking place at Bletchley Park, a renowned
location that served as the home to codebreakers
during the Second World War.
• It resulted in the ‘Bletchley Declaration’.
• The next AI Safety Summit will be hosted
by South Korea in six months and a second one,
six months later by France.
Bletchley Declaration
• Over 27 countries including India and
China along with the US, UK and EU, signed the
Bletchley Declaration, vowing to develop AI in a
human-centric manner.
• The Bletchley Declaration represents a “world-
first” accord, designed to tackle the myriad
of safety concerns associated with advanced AI
models, particularly those developed by major
entities like OpenAI, Google and Microsoft.
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 M.S.Shashank
What is AI?
• Artificial intelligence (AI) is a wide-ranging branch
of computer science concerned with building
smart machines capable of performing tasks that
typically require human intelligence.
• Artificial intelligence allows machines to model, or
even improve upon, the capabilities of the human
mind.
• And from the development of self-driving cars to
the proliferation of generative AI tools like
ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, AI is increasingly
becoming part of everyday life — and an area
every industry are investing in.
Need for the Regulation
• Lack of transparency of AI tools: AI and deep
learning models can be difficult to understand,
even for those that work directly with the
technology.
• AI is not neutral: AI-based decisions are
susceptible to inaccuracies, discriminatory
outcomes, embedded or inserted bias.
• Manipulation through Algorithm: Online media
and news have become even murkier in light of
AI-generated images and videos, AI voice
changers as well as deep fakes infiltrating political
and social spheres.
• Lack of Data Privacy: AI systems often collect
personal data to customize user experiences or to
help train the AI models.
• Uncontrollable Self AI: There also comes a worry
that AI will progress in intelligence so rapidly that
it will act beyond humans’ control — possibly in a
malicious manner.
Way Ahead
• AI still has numerous benefits, AI regulation has
been a main focus for dozens of countries, and
now the U.S. and European Union are creating
more clear-cut measures to manage the rising
sophistication of artificial intelligence.
• AI has the potential to be dangerous, but these
dangers may be mitigated by implementing legal
regulations and by guiding AI development with
human-centered thinking.
©AKS www.aksias.com
4.3. Euclid Mission
Why In News?
• The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid
mission launched to investigate the mystery of
dark matter and dark energy has released its first
five science images.
About
• The newly launched Euclid space telescope is
designed to investigate the dark matter and dark
energy with contributions from The National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
• About 95 per cent of the universe seems to be
made of these units.
Dark Matter and Dark Energy
• The content of the Universe is widely thought to
consist of three types of substance: normal
matter, dark matter and dark energy.
• Roughly 68% of the universe is dark energy. Dark
matter makes up about 27%. The rest – everything
on Earth ever observed adds up to less than 5% of
the universe.
• Dark Matter: Unlike normal matter, dark
matter does not interact with the
electromagnetic force. This means it does not
absorb, reflect or emit light, making it extremely
hard to spot.
o Dark matter works like an attractive force —
a kind of cosmic cement that holds the
universe together. This is because dark
matter does interact with gravity.
• Dark Energy: Dark energy is a repulsive force — a
sort of anti-gravity — that drives the universe’s
ever-accelerating expansion. Dark energy is the
far more dominant force than Dark matter.
4.4. Discovery of Oldest Black Hole
Why In News?
• Scientists have recently discovered the oldest
black hole, dating back to 470 million years after
the Big Bang.
About
• Black Hole:
o Age: Given the universe is 13.7 billion years
old, that puts the age of this newly discovered
black hole at 13.2 billion years.
34
 M.S.Shashank
o Size: Even more astounding to scientists, this
black hole is a whopper 10 times bigger than
the black hole in our own Milky Way.
o Formation: The researchers believe the black
hole formed from colossal clouds of gas that
collapsed in a galaxy next door to one with
stars.
▪ The two galaxies merged, and the black
hole took over.
• How was it discovered?
o The two space telescopes — Webb and
Chandra — used a technique
called gravitational lensing to magnify the
region of space where this galaxy, UHZ1, and
its black hole are located.
o The telescopes used the light from a much
closer cluster of galaxies, a mere 3.2 billion
light-years from Earth, to magnify UHZ1 and
its black hole much farther in the background.
o With X-rays we can capture the gas that is
being gravitationally pulled into the black hole,
sped up and it starts glowing in the X-rays.
What are Quasars?
• A quasar (also known as a QSO or quasi-stellar
object) is an extremely luminous active galactic
nucleus (AGN).
• Quasars were first discovered six decades ago.
They are located in supermassive black holes,
which sit in the centre of galaxies.
• As a supermassive black hole feeds on gas and
dust, it releases extraordinary amounts of energy
in the form of radiation, resulting in a quasar.
• Black hole is a point in space where matter is so
compressed as to create a gravity field from which
even light cannot escape.
Significance of Quasars
• Quasars play a key role in our understanding of the
history of the universe, and possibly also the
future of the Milky Way.
• Quasars act as “cosmic lighthouses”, allowing
researchers to see the outer reaches of the
universe.
• NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope will study
the earliest galaxies in the universe. The telescope
is capable of detecting light from even the most
distant quasars, emitted nearly 13 billion years
ago.
©AKS www.aksias.com
Black Holes
• About: It is an astronomical object with a
gravitational pull so strong that nothing, not even
light, can escape it.
o A black hole’s “surface,” called its event
horizon, defines the boundary where the
velocity needed to escape exceeds the speed
of light, which is the speed limit of the cosmos.
o Matter and radiation fall in, but they can’t get
out.
• Role of Einstein’s theory: Most famously, black
holes were predicted by Einstein’s theory of
general relativity, which showed that when a
massive star dies, it leaves behind a small, dense
remnant core.
4.5. India’s Hypertension Map
Why In News?
• According to the recent study based on National
Family Health Survey data, there is a significant
variation in the level of prevalence, diagnosis,
treatment, and control of hypertension within
Indian states and districts.
Key Findings of Study
• Hypertension prevalence in southern states
slightly exceeded the national average (29.9% vs.
26.8%).
• In Meghalaya, the prevalence of hypertension
was similar in the districts of Garo Hills, Jaintia
Hill and Khasi Hills but the proportion of those
diagnosed was lower in Garo Hills as compared to
Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
• Men are more prone to hypertension. But women
are more likely to be diagnosed, treated and have
controlled blood pressure.
• The prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and control
were all higher among those over the age of 65
years when compared with youngsters.
What is Hypertension?
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the
pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90
mmHg or higher).
• It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle
choices like unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of
exercise, genetics, age, stress, and certain
medical conditions.
• An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79
years worldwide have hypertension, most (two-
thirds) living in low- and middle-income
countries.
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Govt of India Initiatives of the sun’s atmosphere) by masking the glare of

• India has set a target of 25% relative reduction in the photosphere (sun’s surface).
the prevalence of hypertension (raised blood o VELC will help to observe the corona
pressure) by 2025. continuously and the data provided by it is
• Launched the Indian Hypertension Control expected to answer many outstanding
Initiative (IHCI) to fast-track access to treatment problems in the field of solar astronomy.
services for over 220 million people in India who o No other solar coronagraph in space has the
have hypertension. ability to image the solar corona as close to the
solar disk as VELC which can image it as close
4.6. Aditya-L1 captures first glimpse of as 1.05 times the solar radius.
o It can also do imaging, spectroscopy, and
solar flares polarimetry at the same time, and can take
observations at a very high resolution (level of
Why in News?
detail) and many times a second.
• Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS): It
• The High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer
studies solar flares. The sun’s interiors contort the
(HEL1OS) payload, onboard the Aditya-L1
magnetic field, throwing out high-energy particles
spacecraft, has captured the first glimpse of solar
that reach Earth in the form of solar flares,
flares.
disrupting radio communication and damaging
satellites.
Background
• Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA): It is
designed to understand solar winds (outward
• Aditya-L1, the first space-based Indian mission to
expansion of plasma or a collection of charged
study the sun, is currently on its journey to
particles) from the sun’s corona and their
the destination of sun-earth L1 point (L1), and
composition. Solar winds pose a threat to
expected to reach at L1 point in January 2024 and
communications networks.
the satellite will spend its mission life orbiting
• Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT): It is a
around L1 in an irregularly shaped orbit.
UV telescope to image the solar disk in the near
o L1 is about 1.5 million km from the earth.
ultraviolet wavelength range to study complex
• The project was initially proposed as Aditya-1, a
active regions of the sun (where the magnetic field
400 kg class satellite carrying a single payload,
is more concentrated) and coronal mass ejections.
the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC).
• Aditya Solar wind Particle EXperiment (ASPEX): It
• It was however renamed ‘Aditya-L1
comprises two subsystems:
mission’ since the satellite was positioned in the
• Solar Wind Ion Spectrometer (SWIS): is a low
hallowed orbit of the Sun-Earth system’s
energy spectrometer designed to measure the
Lagrangian point 1 (L1).
proton and alpha particles, the two primary ion
• Named after one of many Sanskrit names for the
components of solar winds.
Sun- Aditya- is scheduled to be launched
• Suprathermal and Energetic Particle
from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh using the Polar
Spectrometer (STEPS): is designed to measure
Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-XL).
high-energy ions of the solar wind. They allow
scientists to study the properties of plasmas and
Payloads in Aditya-L1
their role in the transfer of mass, momentum, and
• High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer
energy from the sun to Earth.
(HEL1OS): It was developed by the Space
• MAGNETOMETER: It will study the sun’s low
Astronomy Group of the U. R. Rao Satellite
intensity interplanetary magnetic field, which is
Centre, ISRO, Bengaluru, and set to monitor the
carried by solar winds.
sun’s high-energy X-ray activity with fast timing
and high-resolution spectra.
Significance
o HEL1OS data enables researchers to study
• Studying solar flares and other space weather
explosive energy release and electron
phenomena is important because they can affect
acceleration during impulsive phases of solar
life here on Earth.
flares.
• They can affect power systems, satellite
• Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC): It
communication systems and radio
allows viewing of the corona (the outermost part
communications.

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 M.S.Shashank
• During worst-case scenarios, they can cause
blackouts that affect large parts of the Earth for
hours. Studying solar flares and solar activity can
help prepare for and insulate against such risks.
4.7. India’s Hypertension Map
Why In News?
• According to the recent study based on National
Family Health Survey data, there is a significant
variation in the level of prevalence, diagnosis,
treatment, and control of hypertension within
Indian states and districts.
Key Findings of Study
• Hypertension prevalence in southern states
slightly exceeded the national average (29.9% vs.
26.8%).
• In Meghalaya, the prevalence of hypertension
was similar in the districts of Garo Hills, Jaintia
Hill and Khasi Hills but the proportion of those
diagnosed was lower in Garo Hills as compared to
Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
• Men are more prone to hypertension. But
women are more likely to be diagnosed, treated
and have controlled blood pressure.
• The prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and control
were all higher among those over the age of 65
years when compared with youngsters.
What is Hypertension?
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the
pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90
mmHg or higher).
• It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle
choices like unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of
exercise, genetics, age, stress, and certain medical
conditions.
• An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79
years worldwide have hypertension, most (two-
thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries.
Govt of India Initiatives
• India has set a target of 25% relative reduction in
the prevalence of hypertension (raised blood
pressure) by 2025.
• Launched the Indian Hypertension Control
Initiative (IHCI) to fast-track access to treatment
services for over 220 million people in India who
have hypertension.
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4.8. Electric Battery
Why in News?
• The significance of electric batteries has increased
with the penetration of motorisation and
wirelessness in our lives.
What is an electric battery?
• A battery is a device that converts chemical energy
contained within its active materials directly into
electric energy by means of an electrochemical
oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction.
• In a battery the cell is the actual electrochemical
unit used to generate or store electric energy.
These cells are connected in series, or parallel, or
both, depending on the desired output voltage and
capacity.
How does a Cell produce electricity?
• A voltaic, or galvanic, cell uses redox reactions to
produce an electric current. The cell consists of
two half-cells. Each half-cell is made of a metal
electrode immersed in an electrolyte of that metal
– a zinc electrode (anode) in zinc sulphate and a
copper electrode (cathode) in copper sulphate.
• The two metal electrodes are connected by a wire.
The two tubs of electrolyte are connected by a salt
bridge (a material that conducts ions while
remaining electrically neutral).
• The cathode is the positively charged electrode,
the one to which electrons arrive. The anode is the
negatively charged electrode, which ‘supplies’
electrons.
• The energy imparted to the electrons by the half-
cells is called the source voltage. The higher the
source voltage, the greater the cell’s
electrochemical potential.
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 M.S.Shashank
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery
• The battery consists of a voltaic as well as an
electrolytic cell. A voltaic cell converts chemical
energy to electrical energy. An electrolytic cell
converts electrical energy to chemical energy. A
battery that can do both is thus rechargeable.
• These batteries can be used in electric vehicles and
smartphones. In smartphones a lithium metal
oxide is the cathode and graphite is the anode. The
electrolyte is a semisolid polymer gel.
Microporous polyethylene is used to separate the
two half-cells.
Hydrogen Fuel cells
• Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity by
combining hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
• At the anode, a catalyst separates hydrogen into
protons and electrons. The electrons flow through
an external circuit and the protons through the
electrolyte – both to the cathode. At the cathode,
the particles react with oxygen from the air to
create heat and water.
4.9. Minuteman III Missile
Why in News?
• The US military has set its latest Minuteman III
missile launch to "showcase" its nuclear capability.
About:
• The LGM-30 Minuteman is an American land-
based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
• ICBM, is an element of the nation's strategic
deterrent forces under the control of the Air Force
Global Strike Command.
Name
• The "L" in LGM is the Department of Defense
designation for silo-launched; "G" means surface
attack; "M" stands for guided missile, the 30
stands for the Minuteman series of missile and the
G after “30” is the current Minuteman III.
Features
• The Minuteman is a strategic weapon system
using a ballistic missile of intercontinental range.
• Missiles are dispersed in hardened silos to protect
against attack and connected to an underground
launch control center through a system of
hardened cables. Launch crews, consisting of two
©AKS www.aksias.com
officers, perform around-the-clock alerts in the
launch control center.
General Characteristics
• Primary Function: Intercontinental ballistic
missile
• Contractor: Boeing Co.
• Power Plant: three solid-propellant rocket
motors; First Stage ATK refurbished M55A1;
Second Stage ATK refurbished SR-19; Third
Stage ATK refurbished SR-73
• Technologies Chemical Systems Division
Thrust: First Stage: 203,158 pounds; Second
Stage: 60,793 pounds; Third Stage: 35,086
pounds
• Weight: 79,432 pounds (36,030 kilograms)
• Diameter:5 feet (1.67 meters)
• Range: 6,000-plus miles (5,218 nautical miles)
• Speed: Approximately 15,000 mph (Mach 23
or 24,000 kph) at burnout
• Ceiling: 700 miles (1,120 kilometers)
4.10. Nitrogen-9
Why in News?
• Recent study published in Physical Review
Letters, presents strong evidence for the
existence of an unusual nitrogen-9 isotope.
About
• Nitrogen-9: It is an isotope characterized by
seven protons and two neutrons, resulting in an
unusually high proton-to-neutron ratio. This
unique characteristic affects the isotope’s
stability and decay processes.
• Experimental Setup to detect: It involves an
energized beam of oxygen-13 atoms directed at
a target of beryllium-9 atoms. This collision
produced nitrogen-9 atoms with different
energy configurations or resonant states.
• Implications of existence of Nitrogen-9:
o The study provides strong evidence for the
existence of nitrogen-9, challenging
previous interpretations in nuclear
physics.
o The discovery adds a new point to the
nuclide chart, opening up possibilities for
more isotopes at the limits defined by drip
lines.
o The study opens avenues for further
exploration and contributes to our
understanding of the fundamental
building blocks of matter.
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4.11. NASA’s Psyche Mission
Why in News?
• Recently, NASA’s Psyche mission sends signals to
Earth from 16 million kilometres away.
About
• The goal of the Psyche mission is to reach a
special metal-rich asteroid named psyche that is
orbiting the Sun between Jupiter and Mars.
• The uniqueness of asteroid Psyche is that it
appears to be the exposed nickel-iron core of an
early planet, one of the building blocks of our
solar system.
5. Social Issues & Justice
5.1. Indian Army's Proactive Measures
for Mental Health
Why in News?
The Indian Army, acknowledging the critical issue of
suicides and fratricides within its ranks, has taken
significant steps to address the mental well-being of
its personnel.
▪ In a comprehensive study initiated in August
2023, in collaboration with the Defence
Institute of Psychological Research
(DIPR), the Army is focusing on understanding
and mitigating stress factors affecting troops
and their families.
▪ The DIPR is an institution under the Defence
Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) of India, engaged in research and
development in the field of psychology and
human behaviour to support the defence and
security sector.
What are the Stressors Faced by the Army
Personnel?
▪ In a study, by the United Service Institution of
India (USI), a service think tank, found that there
has been a significant increase in stress levels
among Army personnel in the last two decades,
due to operational and non-operational
stressors.
▪ Operational stressors:Related to the nature and
conditions of the military service, such as
o Prolonged exposure to counter-
insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI/CT)
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• The mission is led by Arizona State University.
• NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is responsible
for mission management, operations and
navigation.
• The spacecraft has a payload that includes an
imager, magnetometer, and a gamma-ray
spectrometer.
• The key enabler for the mission is a cutting-edge
technology called Deep Space Optical
Communications (DSOC), which utilises high-
bandwidth lasers or optical communications.
environment, which involves high risk,
uncertainty, and violence.
o Frequent transfers and separations from
family, which affect the personal and social
life of the soldiers.
o Lack of adequate facilities and infrastructure,
especially in remote and difficult areas.
▪ Non-operational stressors: Related to
the organizational and personal aspects of the
military service, such as
o Poor leadership, callous attitude of seniors,
and lack of trust and confidence in the chain of
command.
o Denial of leave, even in emergencies, and lack
of grievance redressal mechanisms.
o Family-related disputes, financial problems,
marital issues, or health concerns.
o Low job satisfaction, career progression, and
recognition, especially among the officers.
What Initiatives are Implemented for Mental Well-
being within the Army?
▪ Advisory and Guidelines:
o The Army issued an advisory in August 2023,
emphasizing the posting of officers, religious
teachers, and selected other ranks in each
unit to address stress and psychological
issues.
• The advisory provides guidelines to address
factors leading to increased stress levels,
warning signs, and intervention measures.
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▪ Psychometric Assessments:
o Pilot projects, including collaboration with a
civil agency (Disha Kiran), are being
undertaken at three nodal military stations
to gauge the mental well-being of military
personnel and their families.
▪ Training Programs:
o Various training programs are implemented,
such as the annual training of 30 officers at
the Defence Institute of Psychological
Research (DIPR) and the conduct
of "Religious Teachers Counsellor
Courses" for four weeks at Command
Hospitals, Base Hospitals, and Military
Hospitals.
▪ Unit Psychological Counsellor Course:
o A 12-week Unit Psychological Counsellor
Course is conducted for Junior Commissioned
Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers to
equip them with skills for addressing
psychological concerns within their units.
o The Indian Army has employed civilian
counsellors in all major military stations to
enhance mental well-being support for all
ranks.
▪ Helplines:
o Helplines offering immediate counseling
services have been established across all
Command Headquarters.
▪ Psychiatry Centres:
o These have been set up at major military
stations under the Directorate General of
Medical Service.
▪ Holistic Approaches:
o Measures include yoga, meditation, sports,
and recreation activities, liberalized leave
policies, improvement of amenities in
military stations, mutual buddy system for
soldiers, and a prompt grievance handling
mechanism.
o Regular seminars on mental well-being,
financial management, and domestic issues
are conducted.
▪ Continuous Evaluation and Improvement:
o The ongoing study, training programs, and
collaborative projects reflect the Army's
commitment to continuous evaluation and
improvement in addressing mental health
challenges.
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5.2. Domestic Violence and the Legal
System in India
Why in News?
• Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue
affecting women across India, despite the legal
provisions in place to address it. Here we look
into the challenges faced by women seeking
justice for domestic violence, exploring the legal
framework, societal attitudes, and the role of
law enforcement and the judiciary.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence involves the misuse of power in
an intimate relationship to control and induce fear.
• Physical Assault: Includes hitting, slapping,
kicking, or any form of physical harm.
• Psychological Abuse: Manipulates thoughts,
emotions, and behaviors, causing mental
distress.
• Social Abuse: Controls or manipulates social
interactions, isolating the victim from friends
and family.
• Financial Abuse: Controls or exploits the victim's
financial resources, limiting economic
independence.
• Sexual Assault: Involves non-consensual sexual
activity imposed on the victim against their will.
The Grim Reality of Domestic Violence
Various Forms of Violence:
• Women experiencing domestic violence endure
a range of abuses, including physical violence,
economic exploitation, verbal and emotional
abuse, and sexual violence.
• The severity of these offenses is alarming, with
cases reported involving beatings, strangulation,
economic control, and even heinous acts like
burning and assault.
Escalating Crimes Against Women
• Statistics reveal a disturbing trend, as crimes
against women continue to rise. Dowry-related
deaths, a deeply rooted issue, claim the lives of
21 women daily, according to the National Crime
Records Bureau (NCRB) report of 2015.
• The NCRB's 2019 report indicates a staggering 4
lakh cases registered under Section 498A of the
Indian Penal Code (IPC).
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 M.S.Shashank
• Moreover, the National Family Health Survey 5
(2019-20) highlights that 30% of women aged 18
to 49 have experienced physical violence,
affecting over 20 crore women, while 6% have
faced sexual violence in their lifetime.
Legal Framework: Section 498A of the IPC
Historical Perspective
• Section 498A of the IPC was introduced in 1983
to address the alarming number of women dying
in their homes due to domestic violence.
• Despite existing provisions in Sections 319 to 338
of the IPC dealing with assaults and grievous
hurt, a specific section was needed to tackle
domestic violence comprehensively.
Provisions of Section 498A IPC
• Section 498A addresses cruelty towards women,
both mental and physical, that could lead to
suicide or cause grave harm to life, limb, or
health.
• It also deals with the unlawful demand for
property or valuable security. Despite its
existence for over four decades, challenges
persist in its implementation.
Challenges in the Legal Process
Reluctance to File FIRs
• Forty years after the introduction of Section
498A, the police's reluctance to file FIRs (First
Information Reports) in domestic violence cases
is alarming.
• Burking, the refusal to record FIRs, is often
justified by advising counseling, emphasizing
family resolution, and discouraging criminal
complaints.
• This approach ignores the severity of domestic
violence and the potential consequences of
turning away victims.
Impact of Demeaning Comments
• Judicial remarks and media portrayal contribute
to the challenges faced by women seeking
justice. The perception that Section 498A is
misused by disgruntled wives is fueled by
comments such as those in the case of Rakesh
and Reena Rajput v. The State of Jharkhand.
• Such comments not only perpetuate a
patriarchal mindset but also undermine the
legitimate grievances of victims.
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Case Analysis: Rakesh and Reena Rajput v. The State
of Jharkhand
Judicial Scrutiny and Demeaning Comments
• In this case, the Jharkhand High Court expressed
concern about the misuse of Section 498A, citing
a phenomenal increase in matrimonial disputes.
• Demeaning comments, both in court and in
media headlines, portrayed the section as a
weapon rather than a shield, further diminishing
the credibility of women seeking justice.
Police Oversight and Responsibility
• The case also raises questions about police
oversight and responsibility. The court placed
the burden on the woman, ignoring potential
police oversights, such as inconsistencies in
dates and the general nature of allegations.
• The court's failure to hold the police accountable
perpetuates a narrative that women are
misusing the law rather than addressing
systemic issues.
Various initiatives of Government
• Constitutional Framework: Police and Public
Order are State subjects under the Seventh
Schedule of the Constitution.
• Responsibility for Law and Order: Maintenance
of law and order, and protection of life and
property, including preventing domestic
violence, is primarily the responsibility of State
Governments and Union Territory
Administrations.
• Government Initiatives:
1. One Stop Centres (OSCs): Providing
comprehensive support services for
women.
2. Universalisation of Women Help Line
(WHL): Ensuring a helpline for women in
need.
3. Ujjawala Homes: Schemes for the
rehabilitation of victims
4. SwadharGreh: Providing shelter and
support for women in distress.
5. Emergency Response Support System:
Immediate assistance in emergencies.
• Women-Centric Laws: Ensuring operational
authorities under laws such as the Protection of
Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005;
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961; Prohibition of Child
Marriage Act, 2006, etc.
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 M.S.Shashank
• Sensitization Programs: Undertaking programs
to sensitize officials in States and Union
Territories on issues related to domestic violence
and women's safety.
The Way Forward: Addressing Systemic Issues
Police Sensitization and Training
• Efforts must be directed toward sensitizing law
enforcement agencies to the complexities of
domestic violence cases.
• Training programs should focus on recognizing
the signs of abuse, understanding the
psychological impact on victims, and refraining
from perpetuating stereotypes that hinder
justice.
Judicial Accountability
• Judicial scrutiny of domestic violence cases
should prioritize accountability for both the
police and the judiciary.
• Demeaning comments and biased perspectives
must be addressed, emphasizing a fair and
impartial approach to evaluating evidence and
supporting victims.
6. Health
6.1. Draft National Pharmaceuticals Policy
2023
Why in News?
• The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has
recently come out with a draft National
Pharmaceuticals Policy (NPP) 2023, emphasising on
a holistic policy approach.
Draft National Pharmaceutical Policy, 2023
• About: The National Pharmaceutical Policy (2023)
serves as a comprehensive framework to address
the challenges faced by Indian Pharmaceutical
industries and provide definitive policy
interventions to enhance the collective ecosystem.
• Vision for National Pharma Policy encompasses five
key pillars:
o Fostering Global Pharmaceutical Leadership,
o Promoting Self Reliance,
o Advancing Health Equity and accessibility,
o Enhancing Regulatory Efficiency in Indian
Pharmaceutical Sector and
o Attracting investments.
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Media Responsibility
• The media plays a crucial role in shaping public
perception and influencing legal discourse.
• Responsible reporting is essential to avoid
sensationalizing domestic violence cases and
perpetuating stereotypes that undermine the
credibility of victims.
Conclusion:
• Addressing the persistent challenges faced by
women seeking justice for domestic violence
requires a comprehensive approach. Legal
reforms, police sensitization, judicial
accountability, and responsible media reporting
are integral components of creating a system
that empowers victims rather than perpetuating
their vulnerability. As India continues its journey
towards gender equality, it is imperative to
ensure that legal frameworks and societal
attitudes align to provide meaningful protection
to those affected by domestic violence.
• Alignment with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’:
o Objective of the Policy extends to fostering self-
reliance in alignment with the “Atmanirbhar
Bharat” (and Make In India initiative), rekindling
the imperative of prioritizing domestic
innovation that is not only sustainable but also
aligns with global standards.
• Policy implementation:
o A High-level Task Force will be set up in the
Department of Pharmaceuticals under the
Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers to guide
and review the implementation of the Policy.
o The Task Force will draw upon resource persons
from Departments and Organizations related
to the implementation as the success of the
policy requires coordinated action by several
agencies.
• Strategy and action plans:
o The Policy will be supported by a ten-year
strategy and action plans that will spell out the
policy and programmatic interventions required
from time to time within the Policy.
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Indian pharmaceutical industry
• About: Indian pharmaceutical industry is the 3rd
largest pharmaceutical industry in the world by
volume with a current market size of around approx.
USD 50 Billion.
o It is widely known as ‘Pharmacy of the World’.
• Significance & potential:
o The Indian pharmaceutical industry has played
a key role in driving better health
outcomes across the world by being a large and
reliable supplier of affordable and high-
quality generics drugs.
o The vaccine industry in India has proven its capacity
for manufacturing at scale, catering to more than
60% of global vaccine demand.
o With a potential to grow up to USD 120-130 billion
dollars over the next decade.
• Export:
oThe country exports pharmaceuticals to around
200 countries and territories in the world,
including highly regulated markets such as USA,
UK, European Union, Canada etc.
o India exported pharmaceuticals worth Rs 175,040
crore in the financial year 2021-22, including Bulk
Drugs/Drug Intermediates. Also, India is one of
the major producers of Active Pharma Ingredients
(API) or bulk drugs in the world.
o India exported Bulk Drugs/Drug Intermediates
worth Rs 33,320 crore in the financial year 2021-
22.
• Imports:
o However, the country also imports various
Bulk Drugs/ APIs for producing medicines from
various countries.
▪ Most of the imports of the Bulk Drug/APIs
being done in the country are because of
economic considerations.
• Research inistitutions:
oBesides largest number of US FDA approved
manufacturing plants outside of the US, India
also has several renowned pharmaceutical
educational and research institutes and a
robust support of allied industries.
• Government initiatives in the sector:
o Government of India has taken significant
measures to address the challenges in last few
years, it includes the
▪ Implementation of initiatives such as
Production Linked Incentives,
▪ Setting up Bulk Drug Parks,
▪ Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation
Assistance (PTUAS) Scheme,
▪ The National R&D Policy, and
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▪ The Promotion of Research and
Innovation in Pharma-MedTech (PRIP)
Scheme among others.
Challenges
• Safety of drugs:
o Except for some customary inspections, the
Indian drug regulator has so far failed to
institute measures to make sure drugs
produced in India for export and domestic use
are safe.
• Failing the quality tests:
According to a the Central Drugs Standard
o
Control Organization (CDSCO) survey in 2014-
2016, about five per cent of Indian drugs,
several of them manufactured by large pharma
companies, failed the quality test.
o Independent studies suggest that this figure
could be much higher.
o The country’s pharma industry has largely been
in denial over quality-related concerns
expressed by national and international
observers.
• Costs of production:
oThe cost of production in India is 50 percent
less than in developed nations, but it is still
around 18 percent higher than China.
o This is attributable to raw materials being 25-
30 percent costlier, electricity being 20
percent more expensive, and other costs such
as financing, logistics, transportation, etc.,
being 30 percent more expensive.
• Indian Pharmaceutical Industry also faces various
other challenges like:
o High degree of import dependence on Active
Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and Key
Starting Materials (KSMs);
o Relatively low pace of development of
biologics,
o Biosimilars and other emerging products/
trends;
o Regulation inefficiencies,
o Lack of skilled human resource and
o Access to funding for innovation in the
Pharma-MedTech domain among others.
Way ahead
• With changing global trends, heavy reliance on
imports and demand for better therapeutic
outcomes, the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry must
venture beyond its comfort zone and embrace
innovation as an essential element of its vision for
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global leadership, making it a central pillar of its
business strategies.
• The pursuit of Vision 2047 for AmritKaal
necessitates a reinvigorated, concentrated, and
results-driven holistic approach.
6.2. WHO 2023 Global TB Report
Why in News?
• The global progress toward achieving the WHO
End TB Strategy’s goal of a 50% reduction by 2025
is still a long way off.
About
• The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report
2023 provides a comprehensive and up-to-date
assessment of the TB epidemic and of progress in
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the
disease, at global, regional and country levels.
This is done in the context of global TB
commitments, strategies and targets.
• According to the WHO Report, 7.5 million new
cases of TB will be registered in 2022.
• TB remains the world’s second leading cause of
death from a single infectious agent.
Key Findings of the Report
• Overall, 30 high burden TB countries accounted
for 87 percent of the world’s TB cases in 2022.
• Among the top eight high burden countries,
Indonesia (10 per cent), China (7.1 per cent), the
Philippines (7.0 per cent), Pakistan (5.7 per cent),
Nigeria (4.5 per cent), Bangladesh (3.6 per cent),
and the Democratic Republic of Congo (3.0 per
cent) are included.
• India accounted for the highest number of
tuberculosis (TB) cases in the world in 2022,
representing a staggering 27 percent of the global
burden.
• The report highlights that multidrug-resistant TB
(MDR-TB) remains a public health crisis, with 1.1
lakh cases recorded in India in 2022.
• India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, which
together accounted for over 60 per cent of the
global reductions in the number of people newly
diagnosed with TB in 2020 and 2021, all recovered
to beyond pre-pandemic levels in 2022.
Challenges in Combating Tuberculosis in India
• Undernutrition and Poverty:
o Data from various agencies reveals that
approximately 16.4% of India’s population lives
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in poverty, with 4.2% facing extreme poverty
(deprivation score exceeding 50%).
o Poverty is closely linked to issues of
undernourishment and substandard living
conditions.
• Underreporting of TB Cases:
o A significant challenge in India’s fight against
tuberculosis is the under-reporting of TB cases.
o Underreporting poses the risk of further
transmission to healthy individuals.
• Inequitable Access to Diagnosis and Treatment:
o Ensuring equitable access to quality diagnosis
and treatment remains a major obstacle in the
battle against tuberculosis.
o The private healthcare sector, a substantial
contributor to TB care, is fragmented and
consists of diverse healthcare providers, often
lacking regulation.
• Drug Resistance in TB:
o Non-uniform adherence to standard TB
treatment protocols within the private sector
has contributed to the emergence of drug-
resistant strains.
• Issues with RNTCP (Revised National TB Control
Program): Weak implementation of the Revised
National TB Control Program at the state level is a
significant concern, hindering effective control and
management of TB.
• Social Stigma and Discrimination: Many TB
patients hesitate to seek treatment or even deny
their condition due to the fear of social
discrimination and stigmatization.
Government Initiatives
• Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana: It provides monetary
support through direct benefit transfer to the
patients.
• National TB Elimination Programme: It aims to
meet the goal of ending the TB epidemic by 2025
the country, five years ahead of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG) for 2030
• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: It’s an
initiative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(MOHFW) to accelerate the country’s progress
towards TB elimination by 2025.it provides
additional patient support to improve treatment
outcomes of TB patients.
• TB Mukt Gram Panchayat Abhiyaan: It aims to
involve the community to realize the goal of TB
elimination.it provides for TB Champions who
have been identified and sensitized on TB at the
Panchayat level .
• Inclusion of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG)
vaccine in the Indradhanush program.
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 M.S.Shashank
• Two vaccines VPM (Vaccine Projekt
Management) 1002 and MIP (Mycobacterium
Indicus Pranii) have been developed and are
under clinical trials.
6.3. CAR-T CELL THERAPY
Why in News?
• The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation
(CDSCO) this month granted market authorisation for
NexCAR19, India’s first indigenously-developed CAR-
T cell therapy, to ImmunoACT, a company incubated
by IIT Bombay.
About
• The therapy has gained attention for its ability to
provide a potential cure and long-term benefit,
differentiating it from traditional treatments like
chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy
involves modifying a patient's T-cells, a type of
white blood cell, to recognize and attack cancer cells
more effectively.
Mechanism of Action:
• The modified CAR-T cells are designed to target
specific proteins, known as antigens, found on the
surface of cancer cells.
• Once reintroduced into the patient's body, CAR-T
cells recognize and bind to these cancer-specific
antigens, leading to the destruction of cancer cells
through the immune system's cytotoxic response.
Applications and Successes:
• CAR-T cell therapy has shown remarkable success in
treating certain types of blood cancers, including
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-
Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
• It has provided a ray of hope for patients who have
not responded to traditional treatments, offering the
potential for long-term remission and improved
quality of life.
Challenges and Limitations:
• Despite its successes, CAR-T cell therapy poses
certain challenges, including potentially severe side
effects like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and
neurotoxicity.
• High costs and the need for specialized infrastructure
for production and administration remain significant
barriers to widespread adoption.
Ongoing Research and Future Directions:
• Researchers are exploring the use of CAR-T cell
therapy in treating various solid tumors and other
types of cancers beyond blood cancers.
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• Advancements in genetic engineering, as well as
efforts to minimize side effects and improve the
therapy's safety profile, are ongoing areas of
research.
NexCAR19
• NexCAR19, India's first indigenous CAR-T cell
therapy, has received market authorization from
the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation
(CDSCO) for the treatment of B-cell lymphomas.
• Developed by ImmunoACT, a company incubated
at IIT Bombay, this therapy is expected to be
available in India at a significantly reduced cost
compared to international alternatives.
Mechanism and Effectiveness:
• NexCAR19 is designed to target cancer cells
expressing the CD19 protein, effectively
eliminating them from the body.
• The therapy has shown promising results, with
around 70% of patients exhibiting positive
responses, particularly in cases of leukemia and
lymphoma.
Pediatric Application and Ongoing Trials:
• While the therapy is currently approved for
patients aged 15 years and older, ongoing trials at
Tata Memorial Hospital are exploring its potential
application in pediatric cases as well.
• The therapy's unique attributes have
demonstrated reduced toxicities such as
neurotoxicity and cytokine release syndrome,
ensuring enhanced safety for patients.
Availability, Hospitals, and Cost:
• Plans are underway to make the therapy accessible
to patients in various hospitals, including Tata
Memorial Hospital, Nanavati, Fortis, and Jaslok,
among others.
• The initial cost of the therapy is estimated to
range between Rs 30-40 lakh, with efforts to
reduce it to Rs 10-20 lakh in the future.
• Discussions with insurers and the government are
ongoing to ensure potential coverage under
national insurance schemes and private insurance
policies.
Conclusion
• India's foray into indigenous CAR-T cell therapy
marks a significant advancement in the country's
healthcare landscape, offering new hope and
improved accessibility to cutting-edge cancer
treatments for a wider patient population.
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7. Education
7.1. QS Asia University Rankings 2024
Why In News?
• The QS Quacquarelli Symonds has released the QS
Asia University Rankings 2024.
About
• The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is a UK-based
company specialised in the analysis of higher
education institutions around the world and it ranks
institutions on the basis of 10 indicators.
• 2024 Ranking features a total of 856 Universities out
of which 148 Universities are from India.
Findings
• A total of seven Indian institutions feature in
the top 100 ranks of QS World University
Rankings.
• The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT
Bombay) grabbed the top spot in India with
the 40th position followed by IIT-Delhi at the
46th position and IIT-Madras at the 53rd
position.
• IIT Kharagpur was ranked 59 and IIT Kanpur was
ranked 63.
• The two non-IIT institutions from India in top 100
Asia ranks are Indian Institute of Science
Bangalore and Delhi University.
• With 148 universities in the ranking list, India also
becomes the country in Asia with the highest
number of universities being
featured surpassing China with 133 and Japan
with 96 universities.
• Peking University, Beijing has been listed as the
best in the region.
7.2. Australia and India Cooperation in
Education Sector
Why in News?
• 1st Australia India Education and Skill Council
meeting (AIESC) was held in Gandhinagar,
Gujarat.
About
• The Australia India Education and Skill Council
(AIESC), previously known as the Australia India
Education Council (AIEC), was established in
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2011 to guide the strategic direction of the
education, training, and research
partnerships between the two countries.
• The scope of this forum was enhanced to align
with the national priorities of both countries,
promoting internationalisation, two-way
mobility, and collaboration in the domains of
education as well as the skill ecosystem.
Major Highlights of the Meeting
• AIESC aims to build stronger knowledge bridges
and establish knowledge vertically as one of
strongest pillars of India-Australia Friendship.
• There were 5 MoUs exchanged between
Australian and Indian Higher Education
Institutions (HEIs) to facilitate greater academic,
research and skill collaborations.
• India to go for focussed research in identified
sectors under Phase III of the Scheme for
Promotion of Academic and Research
Collaboration (SPARC) Programme.
o The SPARC is an initiative of the Ministry of
Education (formerly, Ministry of Human
Resource Development) that aims at improving
the research ecosystem of India’s HEIs by
facilitating academic and research
collaborations between Indian Institutions and
the best institutions in the world.
o Both countries welcome the imminent opening
of Deakin and Wollongong university
campuses in GIFT City in Gujarat.
• India sets aside 2.5 million USD for collaboration
with Australia for research in critical minerals
and other priority areas like agriculture, mines
and minerals, logistics, renewable energy, water
management, healthcare, and artificial
intelligence.
Significance:
• It is for the first time that education and skilling is
being brought under the same institutional
forum.
• It can act as a catalyst in charting new roadmaps
for building stronger knowledge bridges,
advancing mutual priorities in education and skill
development, boosting people-to-people
linkages and establishing the knowledge vertical
as one of the strongest pillars of India – Australia
ties.
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 M.S.Shashank
7.3. Future Leaders Scholarship
Programme
Why in News?
• Imperial College London, a leading UK university,
announced its biggest ever scholarship
programme for Indian students - Future Leaders
Scholarship Programme.
Future Leaders Scholarship Program
• This scholarship is awarded to international
students from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Nepal or Pakistan.
• The Future Leaders Scholarship is intended to
support the undergraduate academic career of a
deserving student.
8. Agriculture
8.1. Pink Bollworm
Why in News?
• Farmers across cotton-growing states are
struggling to manage the pink bollworm (PBW)
pest that is wreaking havoc, resulting in heavy
economic losses.
About Pink Bollworm (PBW):
• Pink Bollworm (Pectinophora Gossypiella) is a
significant pest that primarily affects cotton crops.
• It damages parts of the developing cotton fruit,
like the square (the flower bud) and the boll
(rounded sac of seeds with cotton fibres).
Concerns
• Indian farmers have faced consistent losses of Bt
cotton crops due to pink bollworm attacks since
the mid-2000s, when scientists found that the
insect had become resistant to Cry1Ac gene and
the genetically modified variety of cotton.
• Bt cotton was introduced to India in 2002 after its
success in the United States and Australia in 1996.
• Another major pest affecting cotton is the Fruit
borer.
Solution
• Cotton Pest Dynamics: It refers to the study of the
population behaviour of pests that affect cotton
crops, which involves understanding the factors
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• It will support equal numbers of men and women
scholars to nurture the full capacity of the next
generation of science leaders from India.
• The scholarship, which will cover the full cost of
tuition and living expenses, will be for students
studying Master's programmes in engineering,
natural sciences, business and medical research.
• At least 50 percent of these prestigious 'Future
Leaders' scholarships will be reserved for female
scholars
Significance
• The Future Leaders Scholarship will build a
pathway for the most talented students in India to
deepen their studies and expand their experiences
at one of the world's top universities.
that influence pest populations and developing
strategies to manage them effectively.
8.2. ‘Bharat Atta’
Why In News?
• The Union Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry
flagged off 100 mobile vans for sale of wheat flour
(Atta) under ‘Bharat’ brand, from Kartavya Path,
New Delhi.
About ‘Bharat Atta’
• 2.5 LMT of wheat @ Rs.21.50/kg has been
allocated for Semi-Government and cooperative
organisations i.e. Kendriya Bhandar, NCCF and
NAFED under Open Market Sale Scheme [OMSS
(D)] for converting to atta and offer it for sale to
the public under ‘Bharat Atta’ brand at an MRP
not exceeding ₹ 27.50/Kg.
• It will be available at all physical and mobile outlets
of Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED and NCCF and will be
expanded to other co-op/retail outlets.
• The launch will increase supplies in the market at
affordable rates, and will help in continued
moderation of prices of this important food item.
Other Steps taken by the GoI for the welfare of
ordinary consumers.
• Various measures were taken in the past with
regard to Tomato and Onion to cool off prices.
o The Government had procured tomatoes
under Price Stabilisation Fund and made it
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 M.S.Shashank
available at a highly subsidised rate to
consumers.
o In order to check the volatility in prices of
onion, the Government maintains an onion
buffer under the PSF.
o The Govt. has imposed Minimum Export Price
(MEP) of $800 per ton on onion on 28.10.2023
to check price rise
• The Centre is also providing Bharat Dal( (Chana
dal) at Rs. 60 per kg through Kendriya Bhandar,
NAFED and NCCF to provide relief to consumers.
• To prevent hoarding, stock limits have been
imposed on tur and urad under the Essential
Commodities Act, 1955 till 31.12.2023.
• The Basic Duty on Crude Palm Oil, Crude
Soyabean Oil and Crude Sunflower Oil was
reduced from 2.5% to Nil.
• The Basic Duty on Refined Soybean oil and
Refined Sunflower Oil was reduced to 17.5% from
32.5% and the Basic Duty on Refined Palm Oils was
reduced from 17.5% to 12.5% on 21.12.2021.
8.3. Poppy Cultivation
Why in News?
• Opium farmers have been agitated since
the Opium sector was opened up to private
players through a Union government policy in
2021.
About
• The farmers increasingly worry that this move
will threaten their livelihood, affect their profits
and family businesses.
• It also has a bearing on “national security” by
potentially increasing the problem of drug abuse.
Opium production in India
• In India, there are about 1 lakh farmers across 22
districts in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and
Uttar Pradesh with a licence to cultivate opium.
The majority of them are from three districts that
border Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan — Mandsaur,
Neemuch, and Chittorgarh. Together, these districts
produce 80% of India’s opium.
• Two types of narcotic raw materials can be
produced from opium poppy: opium gum
(latex) and the concentrate of poppy straw (CPS).
• Opium contains morphine, which is known to
relieve chronic pain and is used mostly by the
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pharmaceutical industry to produce medicines. On
the flip side, it also produces opioids like heroin.
• Because it is an addictive substance that can cause
mental clouding and hallucinations, opium
production is highly regulated in India.
• In the Mewar region, farmers collect opium gum
and send it to Government Opium Alkaloid Works,
Neemuch, a factory that began operations in 1935.
• The gum is procured solely by the Central Bureau
of Narcotics, which functions under the
Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
Policy change
• In the 2021-22 crop year, the Union government
changed its opium policy, allowing private players
to produce CPS from the opium poppy to boost
the yield of alkaloids.
• With a shift to the CPS method, India will be on a
par with other nations. As other countries have
already shifted to the CPS method, the demand for
Indian opium in the global market is reducing. This
is evident from the decreasing export of opium.
• Also, CPS is less labour-intensive than the lancing
method, which is used by farmers as of now.
• It will also help in ensuring better drug law
enforcement as it will reduce the illicit market for
opium gum.
A question of public health and profits
• Farmers believe that private companies are likely
to pose a threat not just to their profession, but
also to national security. Opium can be misused
and drug mafia can get access to alkaloids with the
entry of private players.
o Recently, 3000 kg of Heroine was confiscated
from a private port (Mundra) in Gujarat and
Heroin worth ₹11 crore was seized in Assam.
• Importantly, life-saving medicines which are
made using opium may become costly and poor
patients will suffer as private players monopolise
the opium trade.
Way Ahead
• Allowing private entry in opium processing should
be done with extreme caution, considering various
concerns associated with it.
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 M.S.Shashank
9. Environment
9.1. Rapid Melting of West Antarctica’s Ice
Sheet
Why in News?
• The study, ‘Unavoidable future increase in West
Antarctic ice-shelf melting over the twenty-first
century’, was published by Nature.
About
• According to the study, the rapid melting of the ice
sheet of West Antarctica is now unavoidable due
to warm waters around it.
• No matter how much carbon emissions are cut.
• The scientists have used a computer model of the
Amundsen Sea to provide the most
comprehensive assessment of warming in West
Antarctica to date, and run many different
simulations, totalling over 4,000 years of ocean
warming and ice-shelf melting in the Amundsen
Sea.
• The Amundsen Sea is an arm of the Southern
Ocean, off the Marie Byrd Land in the western
area of Antarctica, and lies just between Cape
Flying Fish and Cape Dart.
Highlights of the Study
• Implications: If lost completely, the ice sheet
would raise the global mean sea level by 5.3
metres — a potentially devastating consequence
for millions of people living in vulnerable coastal
cities across the world, including in India.
• Even under a best-case scenario of limiting global
warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels,
water in West Antarctica will continue to get
warmer three times faster than in the 20th
century, leading to an increased melting of the
region’s ice sheet.
What is an Ice Sheet?
• An ice sheet is a mass of glacial ice that covers
more than 50,000 square kilometres of land.
• There are two major ice sheets in the world today,
containing about two-thirds of all the freshwater
on Earth.
1. The Greenland ice sheet; and
2. The Antarctic ice sheet.
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• When ice sheets gain mass, they contribute to a
fall in global mean sea level, and when they lose
mass, they contribute to a rise in global mean sea
level.
West Antarctica
• It is already the continent’s largest contributor to
global sea level rise and has enough ice to raise sea
levels.
• It’s home to the Thwaites Glacier, also known as
the ‘Doomsday glacier’, because its collapse could
raise sea levels by several feet, forcing coastal
communities and low-lying island nations to either
build around sea level rise or abandon these
places.
The Melting Process:
• The main driver of ice loss in West Antarctica is
relatively warm ocean water that amplifies
melting underneath the ice shelves, which are the
floating extensions of the grounded ice sheet.
Consequences of Sea Level Rise
• Destructive Erosion and Wetland Flooding: When
sea levels rise rapidly, it can cause destructive
erosion, wetland flooding, and lost habitat for fish,
birds, and plants.
• Soil Contamination: Rising sea levels can lead to
aquifer and agricultural soil contamination with
salt.
• Permanent Flooding: The impacts of sea level rise
include permanent flooding (inundation) of low-
lying areas, and increased frequency, extent, and
depth of tidal inundation.
• Beach Erosion: Sea level rise will cause most sandy
beaches to recede (where beaches will move
further inland) and erode.
• Global Refugee Crisis: If sea levels rose
significantly, submerging some of the world’s
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 M.S.Shashank
megacities like New York, Shanghai, and Mumbai,
the amount of refugees worldwide could increase
20-fold or more.
• More Powerful Hurricanes: Higher sea levels can
lead to more powerful hurricanes.
• Destroyed Economies: The economic impact of
this sea level rise could run into the trillions.
Coastal hubs of economic activity would be
destroyed, infrastructural damage and health care
costs would be unprecedented, and the relief
efforts would be seemingly permanent.
• Food and Water Crises: As sea levels submerge
coastal cities, precious water sources could
become contaminated with saltwater and other
contaminants let loose by destroyed
infrastructure.
Conclusion
• The rapid melting of West Antarctica’s ice sheet is
a stark reminder of the urgent need for global
action on climate change. Despite efforts to
reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming,
some effects may now be unavoidable.
• However, understanding these processes can help
us prepare for and mitigate their impacts.
9.2. COP28 Presidency’s Action Agenda
Why in News?
• Recently a joint report was launched on the
sidelines of the Pre-COP28 titled “Tripling
Renewable Power and Doubling Energy Efficiency
by 2030: Crucial Steps Towards 1.5 °C”.
Findings of the report
• There is a need to cut 22 gigatonnes of greenhouse
gases in the next seven years in order to keep 1.5°C
within reach.
• The world’s installed renewable
power generation capacity has to be multiplied by
more than three times to reach 11,174 GW by
2030.
• Installed solar photovoltaic capacity, an increase
to more than 5,400 GW from 1,055 GW in 2022 is
required.
• Wind installations need to exceed
3,500 GW (3,040 GW onshore and 500 GW
offshore), from 899 GW in 2022.
• Global installed hydropower capacity (excluding
pumped hydro) would need to grow by almost 17
per cent from the 2022 level, reaching 1 465 GW
by 2030.
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Measures Needed
• Technical energy efficiency
improvements embodied by heat pumps, more
efficient appliances, and electric vehicles —
together with flexible, smart electrification
strategies and deployment of decentralized
energy – are of tremendous importance in
decarbonising end-use sectors such as buildings
and transportation.
• Funding from multilateral development
banks should be increased exponentially, and
public capital should be redirected from the fossil
fuel industry to renewable energy development.
• Energy efficiency policy measures: Adoption of
targets with specific time horizons; strong
regulatory frameworks including building codes
and energy efficiency standards for appliances;
fiscal and financial incentives; and public
campaigns to build awareness of the role of energy
efficiency measures.
• There is a need to boost cross sector infrastructure
planning, increase cross-border co-operation and
develop regional power grids.
9.3. Loss and Damage Fund
Why In News?
• As the climate crisis intensifies, two terms are in
sharp focus — adaptation and ‘loss and damage’
(L&D).
About ‘Loss and Damage’ (L&D).
• L&D represents the irreversible consequences of
climate change: impacts that can’t be avoided or
mitigated through adaptation efforts.
• It encompasses the real losses that extend beyond
monetary value and cut to the core of human rights
and well-being.
• It includes economic losses, human casualties, and
the degradation of ecosystems and cultural
heritage.
What is the Loss and Damage fund?
• At the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change(UNFCCC) held in Egypt in November 2022,
a historic agreement was reached to establish
a Loss and Damage Fund.
o It was designed as a multilateral entity that will
disburse money to recover from damage that
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 M.S.Shashank
poor countries have suffered due to climate
change-induced weather disasters and other
impacts.
• Timeline : At the COP 19 to UNFCCC in
Warsaw, Poland, in 2013, representatives
of member countries formally agreed to
establish the L&D fund.
o At COP 25, the Santiago Network for
L&D was set up, but countries didn’t
commit any funds.
o Subsequently, at COP 26, the Glasgow
Dialogue on finance for L&D was
established to continue discussions
over the next three years on the fund.
o Finally, at COP 27 in November 2022,
after intense negotiations,
representatives of the UNFCCC’s
member states agreed to set up the
L&D fund and a Transitional
Committee (TC) to figure out how the
new funding mechanisms under the
fund would operate.
• Purpose : The call for affluent nations to
acknowledge their accountability for historic
pollution is more than 30 years old.
o Historic pollution has elevated the world’s
average surface temperature by more than 1
degree Celsius and is currently inflicting
damage worldwide, but especially in the
poorest nations.
o It was being created to provide financial and
technical assistance to economically
developing nations that were incurring L&D
due to climate change.
Issues and Concerns
• No commitments : The developed nations,
particularly the U.S., have remained non-
committal about being primary donors to the
fund and have rejected references to the CBDR,
equity, and liability in the draft.
• No indication of the size : There is currently no
indication of the size of the fund because such a
statement was quashed under pressure from the
U.K. and Australia.
o The current draft simply urges and invites
developed nations to provide money.
• No consensus: The fourth meeting of the
Transitional Committee (TC)concluded in October
2023, with no clear consensus on operationalising
the L&D fund.
o The principal bones of contention had to do
with hosting the fund at the World Bank, the
foundational principle of common but
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differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), climate
reparations, and the eligibility of all developing
nations for the funds.
▪ The differences on these counts
deepened the rift between developed
and developing nations at the TC4
meeting.
Implications
• Lack of trust: The unwillingness of wealthy nations
to fulfil intended commitments undermines faith
in global climate negotiations and hampers the
cooperative spirit necessary to address climate
change.
• Diplomatic repercussions: It represents a missed
chance to take concrete steps to combat the
escalating consequences of climate change on
vulnerable communities and signifies a
breakdown in diplomatic efforts, leading to
doubts about nations’ ability to collaborate
effectively.
o The discontent among developing nations
stems from the perception that their concerns
and needs are not adequately addressed by
the international community, making the path
to climate action — and indeed other global
issues — even more complicated.
• Suffering of vulnerable People: It
threatens climate justice and exacerbates the
suffering of vulnerable communities in developing
nations.
o These communities have contributed
minimally to global emissions but today bear
the brunt of climate change.
• Humanitarian crises: The watering down can also
increase the number of humanitarian
crises, including food shortage, people
displacement, and conflict, and force communities
to cope independently with a worsening climate
and its consequences.
• Economic consequences: The absence of support
has economic consequences for both developing
and developed nations; financial crises and
economic downturns in one region can have
extensive repercussions due to the
interconnectedness of the global economy.
• Finally, climate-change-induced instability can
have security implications as well, as conflicts
and tensions emerge in vulnerable nations and
threaten to spill across borders.
Latest Developments
• An impromptu fifth meeting of the TC in Abu
Dhabi concluded a few days back, and a set of
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 M.S.Shashank
recommendations have been drafted and
forwarded to COP 28.
• At the TC5 meeting, developing nations conceded
to the fund being hosted by the World Bank
Financial Intermediary Fund for an interim period
of four years, serviced by a new dedicated and
independent secretariat.
• While the World Bank is yet to confirm that it is
willing, it is important to note that it charges an
exorbitant overhead fee.
Suggestions and Way Forward
• As we strive to mitigate the worst impacts of
climate change, we must remember that
adaptation and L&D are not mutually exclusive
concepts.
o They exist on a continuum of climate
resilience, and both have a place in our
collective efforts to combat climate change.
• A successful response to climate change requires
to balance the proactive measures of
adaptation with the moral and financial
responsibility of addressing the losses and
damages that are — regrettably — an inescapable
part of a climate-altered world.
• The L&D fund was conceived as a critical
component of global climate action, recognising
that some of the consequences of climate change
are irreversible and beyond the capacity of
vulnerable nations to handle.
o So to achieve climate justice, rich countries
must meet their obligations to reduce
emissions and deliver finance in line with
what is fair, and thus uphold the principles of
equity, justice, and solidarity in the face of a
changing climate.
o Otherwise, global climate action will get
derailed, putting more pressure on the already
beleaguered COP 28 talks later this month.
9.4. Production Gap Report 2023
Why In News?
• The 2023 Production Gap Report titled “Phasing
down or phasing up” is released.
About the Report
• The first edition was released in 2019.
• It is produced by the Stockholm Environment
Institute (SEI), Climate Analytics, E3G,
International Institute for Sustainable
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Development (IISD) and the UN Environment
Programme (UNEP).
• It tracks the discrepancy between governments’
planned fossil fuel production and global
production levels consistent with limiting
warming to 1.5°C or 2°C.
Findings of the Report
• Production Gap: If global carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions continue at the current pace, the world
could exceed the remaining emissions budget
compatible with a 50% chance of limiting long-
term warming to 1.5°C by 2030.
o Governments are planning on producing
around 110% more fossil fuels in 2030 than
would be consistent with limiting warming to
1.5°C, and 69% more than would be
consistent with limiting warming to 2°C.
o The magnitude of the production gap is also
projected to grow over time.
• Conflicts between Commitments: Major
producer countries have pledged to achieve net-
zero emissions and launched initiatives to reduce
emissions from fossil fuel production, but none
have committed to reduce coal, oil, and gas
production in line with limiting warming to 1.5°C.
• Increase in Production of Fossil
Fuels: Government plans and projections would
lead to an increase in global coal production until
2030, and in global oil and gas production until at
least 2050.
• India: India’s updated Nationally Determined
Contribution (NDC) pledges a reduction in the
emissions intensity of its GDP of 45% by 2030,
compared to 2005 levels, and an increase in the
share of non-fossil power capacity to 50% by 2030
which has a goal of reaching net-zero by 2070.
o While India has made significant investments
and set ambitious targets for renewable
energy no government policies or discourses
to support a managed wind-down of fossil
fuel production were identified.
Suggestions
• Governments should be more transparent in
their plans, projections, and support for fossil fuel
production and how they align with national and
international climate goals.
• There is a strong need for governments to
adopt near- and long-term reduction targets in
fossil fuel production and use them to
complement other climate mitigation targets.
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• An equitable transition away from fossil fuel
production must recognize countries’
differentiated responsibilities and capabilities.
• Governments with greater transition capacity
should aim for more ambitious reductions and
help finance the transition processes in countries
with limited capacities.
9.5. India’s Energy Conservation Building
Code
Why In News?
• India was cited as a “notable exception” by the
International Energy Agency (IEA) for being
among the few emerging markets and
developing economies to have energy efficiency
building codes.
About Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)
• ECBC was launched by the Ministry of Power
(MoP) in 2007, as the first step towards
promoting energy efficiency in the commercial
building sector.
• It defines norms of energy performance for
various building components, and takes into
consideration the climatic region.
o The code is applicable to commercial
buildings like hospitals, hotels, schools,
shopping complexes, and multiplexes
which have a connected load of 100 kW or
more, or contract demand of 120 kVA or
more.
• Currently, 23 states have notified rules to enforce
ECBC compliance, while large states like
Maharashtra and Gujarat are still in the process
of drafting rules.
o While ECBC acts as a national standard,
states across India have the flexibility to
modify the code depending on unique
regional needs.
o To enforce the code, states have to draft
rules and notify them as state laws.
Significance
• It sets minimum energy standards for commercial
buildings, with the objective of enabling energy
savings of between 25 and 50 percent in
compliant buildings.
• Implementation of ECBC is important as buildings
in India account for 30 per cent of total electricity
consumption, a figure that is expected to touch 50
percent by 2042.
• The application of these norms lowers the
building’s energy requirement without affecting
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the function, comfort, health or productivity of the
occupants.
9.6. India Exempted from CITES RST on
Red Sanders
Why In News?
• India has been removed from the CITES’s Review of
Significant Trade (RST) for Red Sanders.
CITES RST
• The Review of Significant Trade (RST) Management
System works on those cases within CITES where
there is concern that trade could be affecting the
viability of a specific species from a specific country.
• The CITES RST process enables disciplinary action in
the form of trade suspensions directed at countries
that do not meet their obligations.
Why was India exempted from CITES RST?
• India has been under the Review of Significant
Trade (RST) process for Red Sanders since 2004.
• The exemption is attributed to the 2022
amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act,
aligning with CITES provisions under the CITES
National Legislation Programme (NLP).
• India has now been exempted, allowing farmers in
India to participate in the legitimate trade of Red
Sanders.
Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)
• Red Sanders is a flora-species that is endemic to
the tropical dry deciduous forest in Eastern Ghats
region of Andhra Pradesh.
• It is locally known as Yerra Chandanam, Rakta
Chandanam.
• It is a very slow-growing tree species that attains
maturity after 25 – 40 years.
• It is fire-hardy and resistant to droughts.
• It is under ‘endangered list’ in the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
• Listed under Schedule IV of The Wildlife
Protection Act.
CITES
• About:
o CITES is an international agreement to which
States and regional economic integration
organisations adhere voluntarily.
o States that have agreed to be bound by the
Convention (‘joined’ CITES) are known as
Parties.
o Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties
– in other words they have to implement the
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Convention – it does not take the place of
national laws.
• Permit System:
o All import, export and re-export of species
covered under CITES must be authorised
through a permit system.
• Appendix:
o CITES Appendix I lists species threatened with
extinction — import or export permits for these
are issued rarely and only if the purpose is not
primarily commercial.
o CITES Appendix II includes species not
necessarily threatened with extinction but in
which trade must be strictly regulated.
o Every two years, the Conference of the Parties
(CoP), the supreme decision-making body of
CITES, applies a set of biological and trade
criteria to evaluate proposals from parties to
decide if a species should be in Appendix I or II.
9.7. State of the Cryosphere 2023
Why in News?
• Recently, the State of the Cryosphere 2023 report
was released.
Cryosphere
• The cryosphere is the name given to Earth’s snow
and ice regions and ranges from ice sheets,
glaciers, snow, and permafrost to sea ice and the
polar oceans – which are acidifying far more
rapidly than warmer waters.
Findings of the Report
• The State of the Cryosphere 2023 – Two Degrees
is Too High report shows that all of the Earth’s
frozen parts will experience irreversible damage at
2°C of global warming, with disastrous
consequences for millions of people, societies, and
nature.
• Confirming that just 2°C of global warming will
trigger irreversible loss to Earth’s ice sheets,
mountain glaciers and snow, sea ice, permafrost,
and polar oceans, it updates the latest science and
highlights the global impacts from cryosphere loss.
Key findings in the report on the impact of 2°C of
warming include:
• Ice sheets: nearly all of Greenland, much of West
Antarctica, and even vulnerable portions of East
Antarctica will be triggered to very long-term,
inexorable sea-level rise.
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• Glaciers: extensive, irreversible ice loss from the
world’s glaciers in many major river basins, with
some disappearing entirely. As glaciers melt, risks
of catastrophic events such as landslides, sudden
ice shears, and glacial lake outburst floods
increase.
• Sea ice: extensive sea ice loss at both poles, with
severe feedbacks to global weather and climate.
By 2°C, the Arctic Ocean will be sea ice-free in
summer every year, potentially for several
months.
• Permafrost: extensive permafrost thaw and
resulting greenhouse gas emissions will cause
temperatures to continue to rise, even once
human emissions reach zero. At 2°C, annual total
permafrost emissions (both CO2 and methane)
would total the size of the entire European Union’s
emissions from 2019.
• Polar ocean acidification: year-round, permanent
corrosive ocean acidification conditions in many
regions of Earth’s polar and near-polar seas. Shell-
building animals, and commercial fisheries that
rely on them in the food chain may not survive.
CONSEQUENCES OF TEMPERATURE RISE:
▪ Sea-Level Rise and Ice Loss:
▪ A temperature increases of 2°C, it spells
catastrophic sea-level rise from ice sheet
melting in Greenland and parts of Antarctica,
potentially leading to extensive and rapid
irreversible effects.
▪ Permafrost Thawing:
▪ Both 2°C and 1.5°C scenarios signify significant
permafrost thawing, releasing substantial CO2
and methane emissions that could amplify
global warming.
CALL TO ACTION AND COP28:
▪ Urgent Course Correction:
▪ The report urges a significant shift in climate
action, highlighting COP28 as a pivotal
moment for global leaders to prioritize the
1.5°C target and avert long-term
environmental catastrophes.
▪ Potential Consequences:
▪ Failure to act decisively risks displacing
millions due to rising sea levels, disrupting
freshwater resources, harming polar
ecosystems, and committing future
generations to offset irreversible permafrost
emissions.
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CONCLUSION:
▪ The report’s comprehensive analysis emphasizes
the urgency of addressing global warming to
protect the cryosphere.
▪ It stresses the significance of limiting temperature
rise to 1.5°C, outlining the profound repercussions
of exceeding this threshold on glaciers, polar
regions, and permafrost.
▪ The report serves as a critical call to action for
global leaders to prioritize ambitious climate
policies at COP28 and beyond to prevent
catastrophic consequences for humanity and the
environment.
9.8. Emissions Gap Report 2023
Why In News?
• The United Nations Environment Program
(UNEP) has released the 14th edition of
Emissions Gap Report 2023.
o World leaders will soon meet in Dubai for
the annual U.N. climate summit COP28 with
the aim of keeping the Paris Agreement
warming target of 1.5°C alive.
About the Report
• It is UNEP’s spotlight report launched annually in
advance of the annual Climate negotiations.
• It tracks the gap between where global emissions
are heading with current country commitments
and where they ought to be to limit warming to
1.5°C.
• Each edition explores ways to bridge the
emissions gap.
• The report assessed countries’ Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs), which they
are required to update every five years, to
determine how much the world might warm if
these plans were fully implemented.
Major Highlights
• Increase in Emissions: Global GreenHouse Gases
(GHG) emissions increased by 1.2 percent from
2021 to 2022.
• Breach of 1.5 Degrees: As many as 86 days this
year so far have already breached the 1.5 degree
Celsius temperature threshold.
• Global Emissions Trajectory: Countries’ current
emissions pledges to limit climate change would
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still put the world on track to warm by nearly 3
degrees Celsius this century.
o The anticipated level of warming is
slightly higher than the 2022
projections, which then pointed
toward a rise of between 2.4°C and
2.6°C by 2100.
o Even in the most optimistic emissions
scenario, the chance of now limiting
warming to 1.5°C is just 14%.
• Policy Recommendations: The world is heading
for a temperature rise far above the Paris
Agreement goals unless countries deliver more
than they have promised.
o Planet-warming greenhouse gas
emissions must fall by 42% by 2030 to
hold warming at 1.5°C.
• Conclusion: These findings underline that
immediate and unprecedented mitigation action
in this decade is essential.
o Over-complying with current NDC
targets for 2030 will enable countries
to put forward more ambitious
mitigation targets for 2035 in their
next NDCs.
India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs)
Goals
• The 2015 NDC comprised eight goals; three of
these have quantitative targets upto 2030
namely:
o cumulative electric power installed
capacity from non-fossil sources to reach
40%;
o reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 33
to 35 percent compared to 2005 levels and;
o creation of an additional carbon sink of 2.5
to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent
through additional forest and tree cover.
• As per the updated NDC, India now stands
committed to reduce Emissions Intensity of its
GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level and
achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric
power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-
based energy resources by 2030.
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10. Internal Security
10.1. 15th India-Singapore Defence Policy
Dialogue
Why in News?
• The 15th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue
was held in New Delhi.
About
• During the meeting, both sides reviewed the
existing defense cooperation between the two
countries and agreed to enhance collaboration in
Service-to-Service interactions and bilateral
exercises.
• Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully
implement the ‘Strategic Partnership’ based on
mutual trust and understanding, common
interests and shared values of democracy and rule
of law.
India-Singapore Defense Relation
• India and Singapore signed a Defence
Cooperation Agreement (2003, enhanced
Agreement signed in 2015), allowing the
Singapore army and air force to conduct training
on Indian soil.
• On the issue of deepening defense technology
collaboration, India and Singapore have set up a
bilateral Defense Technology Steering
Committee as well as the India-Singapore
Defense Industry Working Group.
• India-Singapore Bilateral Agreement for Navy
Cooperation was signed which gave Indian Navy
ships access to Singapore’s Changi Naval
Base near the disputed South China Sea, mutual
logistical support and refueling rights at the port.
Important Exercises
• The Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise
(SIMBEX) has been undertaken since 1994 and is
“the longest continuous naval exercise that the
Indian Navy has with any other country.”
• The Singapore Army and Indian Army conduct a
bilateral armor exercise, Bold Kurukshetra.
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10.2. MiG-21
Why In News?
• The Number 4 Squadron (Oorials) of the Indian Air
Force (IAF) based at Air Force Station Uttarlai
(Barmer) is converting from the MiG-21 to the Su-
30 MKI.
• This change signifies the unwavering commitment
of the Indian Air Force to modernise and at the
same time protect the skies of the nation.
About MiG-21
• The (Mikoyan-Gurevich)MiG-21 was the first
supersonic fighter in service of the IAF and was
inducted in 1963.
o The purchase of 12 MiG-21 fighters from
the Soviet Union and for Soviet technical
assistance in setting up production facilities
for the fighter in India was followed by the
procurement of SA-2 (Dvina) surface-to-air
missiles
• It has participated in all major conflicts since
then.
• More than 800 variants of the supersonic fighter
have been inducted into service, and it remained
the frontline fighter jet of the IAF for a long time.
• The IAF now has two MiG-21 squadrons in service
comprising the upgraded Bison variants, the No. 3
squadron ‘Cobras’ at Bikaner and No. 23 squadron
‘Panthers’ at Suratgarh, which will be phased out
by 2025.
10.3. Pralay’ Missile
Why In News?
• India successfully test-fires ‘Pralay’ missile from
Odisha coast.
About
• It is a short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic
missile (SRBM).
• Developed by: Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Range: 150-500km.
• Speed: 1to6 Mach.
• Payload capacity:500-1,000 kg.
• It has been developed for deployment along the
Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control
(LoC).
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Ballistic and Cruise Missile
• Ballistic missiles are based on rocket technology
and follow the principle of projectile.
• Cruise missiles are based on jet technology and
travel only in endoatmosphere and thus are
difficult to detect by ground-based radars.
10.4. Breaching of Personal Data of Indians
Why in News?
• Personally identifiable information of many Indian
citizens were being sold on the dark web.
More about the news:
• Resecurity, an American cyber security company,
said that personally identifiable information of 815
million Indian citizens, including Aadhaar numbers
and passport details, were being sold on the dark
web.
• The threat actors like pwn0001 and Lucius selling
the data claimed it was sourced from various
repositories like the Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR) and voter IDs and driving licence
records, which has been subjected to numerous
cyber-attack attempts that has been reported.
Personally Identifiable Information (PII):
• It is any information connected to a specific
individual that can be used to uncover that
individual’s identity, such as their social security
number, full name, or email address.
o It can be used alone or with other relevant
data, and can identify an individual.
• PII may be direct identifiers like passport
information or quasi-identifiers that can be
combined with other information to successfully
recognise an individual.
• Not all personal data is considered PII, and
it only refers to information that points to a
particular person.
Types of PII:
• Direct identifiers: Direct identifiers are unique to
a person and include things like a passport
number or driver’s licence number. A single direct
identifier is typically enough to determine
someone’s identity.
• Indirect identifiers: Indirect identifiers are not
unique, and they include more general personal
details like race and place of birth. While a single
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indirect identifier can’t identify a person, a
combination can.
How did such actors gain access to sensitive data?
• Threat actors selling stolen data on the dark web
declined to specify how they obtained the data
without which any effort to identify the source of
the data leak would be speculative.
• Threat actors leverage stolen identity
information to commit online-banking theft, tax
frauds, and other cyber-enabled financial crimes.
Threats arising from the leaked information:
• According to a survey from Resecurity, India
being one of the fastest growing economies of
the world, ranked fourth globally in all malware
detection in the first half of 2023.
• Another survey found that nearly 45% of Indian
businesses experienced more than a 50% rise in
disruptive cyberattacks in 2022.
o It also found that 67% of Indian government
and essential services organisations
experienced over a 50% increase in
disruptive cyberattacks.
Challenges associated with the PII:
• No uniformity in regulations: Different
regulations set different standards for what kinds
of data must be protected, complicating things
further.
• The European Union’s General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR) requires organisations to
protect all personal data, defined as ‘any
information relating to an identified or identifiable
natural person’.
o Under the GDPR, organisations must protect
sensitive and non-sensitive PII, but also things
that might not even be considered sensitive
data in other contexts, such as political
opinions, organisational affiliations, and
descriptions of physical characteristics.
o Complying with these regulations can be
difficult because different jurisdictions may
have different or even contradictory rules.
• Other major concerns related to PII are issues
related to privacy, data management and safety
because of increased cyber attacks, and
vulnerability to identity theft etc.
Data Privacy Laws and PII:
• International Privacy Regulations: According to
McKinsey, 75% of countries have implemented
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data privacy laws governing the collection,
retention, and use of PII.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Law:
o Individual consent to use data and data
principal rights: Under the new legislation,
personal data will be included and processed
only with explicit consent from the individual,
unless specific circumstances pertaining to
national security, law, and order require
otherwise.
o Personal data breach: This means any
unauthorised processing of personal data or
accidental disclosure, acquisition, sharing, use,
alteration, destruction or loss of access to
personal data, that compromises the
confidentiality, integrity, or availability of
personal data.
• Cyber Laws of India: Cyber crime is unlawful acts
wherein the computer is either a tool or a target
or both.
o Cyber crime can involve criminal activities that
are traditional in nature, such as theft, fraud,
forgery, defamation and mischief, all of which
are subject to the Indian Penal Code.
o The abuse of computers has given birth to a
gamut of new age crimes that are addressed
by the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Way Forward: Protecting The PII
• To safeguard PII, organisations typically create
data privacy frameworks. These frameworks can
take different forms depending on the
organisation, the PII it collects, and the data
privacy regulations it must follow.
o Identify all PII in the organisation’s systems,
and categorise PII according to sensitivity
level.
o Minimise the collection and use of PII, and
regularly dispose of any PII no longer needed.
o Apply data security controls. Example controls
that may include Encryption, Identity and
access management like two-factor or
multifactor authentication, zero-trust
architecture and role-based access controls
etc.
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• It’s worth noting that NIST and other data privacy
experts often recommend applying different
controls to different data sets based on how
sensitive the data is. Using strict controls for non-
sensitive data may be cumbersome and not cost-
effective.
• Organisations or individuals can follow the best
practices for web applications and browser
security, email security, wireless security, USB
security, and protection from Phishing etc.
10.5. Mahabali
Why in News?
• Recently, ‘Mahabali’ was launched by Cmde Sunil
Kaushik.
About
• ‘Mahabali’ is 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug.
• This Tug is the proud flag bearer of the “Make
in India” initiative of the Ministry of Defence.
Bollard pull is the most commonly used measure of
ship-assist tugs performance which have propellers
optimized for maximum thrust at close to zero speed.
Ships requiring high bollard pull can be fitted with a
nozzle, which increases thrust by up to 20-40%
compared to open propellers.
Construction
• These Tugs are built under the classification rules
of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
Working
• The Tugs will also provide afloat firefighting
assistance to ships alongside, and at anchorage,
and will have the capability to conduct limited
Search and Rescue Operations.
Significance
• The availability of Tugs will provide impetus to the
Operational commitments of IN by facilitating
assistance to Naval ships and submarines during
berthing and un-berthing, turning, and
manoeuvring in confined waters
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11. Geography & Disaster Management

11.1. Urban Expansion & Flooding • Implement improved storm-water management
plans, including the installation of storm-water
drains to collect and divert rainwater in flood-prone
Why in News? areas.
• Prioritize resilience in housing construction to
• A recent Nature journal study, conducted by withstand floods.
the World Bank reveals that urban expansion into • Upgrade and protect low-income housing, focusing
flood-prone zones has intensified flood risks. on their flood resilience.
• Learn from successful examples of stilt houses in
Findings of the Study riverside settlements for flood-prone areas.
• Rising Flood-Prone Settlements: The study • Promote resilient construction practices that adapt
reveals a more than twofold surge in human to flood risk and safeguard vulnerable
settlements in flood-prone regions since 1985, communities.
spanning 40 years.
• Middle-Income Countries Lead: Middle-income
11.2. Study on Turkey Earthquake
countries outpace low- and high-income nations in
urban settlement expansion within flood-prone
zones. Why in News?
• Global Trends: East Asia experiences the highest • A study published in the Journal Science unearthed
rate of expansion into flood-prone areas, while the intricate union of tectonic forces that led to the
Sub-Saharan Africa and North America exhibit the Turkey earthquake.
least expansion into these regions. India falls
under the low-middle-income category. About:
• Scientists used an array of geophysical
Reasons observations to produce models of how the
• Lack of Topographical Oversight: City expansions ruptures occurred, and found at least six faults,
often neglect topography, leading to adverse including a large portion of the East Anatolian
consequences like the 2022 Bengaluru floods. Fault.
• Impact on Socio-economic Groups: Urban • These observations and models are important for
expansion into flood-prone regions affects diverse understanding strike-slip faults and forecasting
socio-economic groups, with informal housing seismic hazards.
carrying higher risks, as seen in the Yamuna
floodplains.
• Lack of Governance Mechanism: Inadequate
governance mechanisms fail to prevent
environmentally unsustainable development in
flood-prone areas.
• Regulatory Gaps: Environmental regulations
primarily target major projects, neglecting
smaller-scale modifications in localities, leading to
disparities.
• Violation of Regulations: Widespread non-
compliance with regulations, illustrated by eco-
tourism resorts on forested lands and the
construction of significant infrastructure on river
Major Highlights of the Study:
floodplains, is a persistent issue.

Way Forward Geological Anatomy:

• Comprehensive scientific mapping of flood-prone • Turkey is located on the Anatolian tectonic plate,
areas in every city is essential. which is wedged between the Eurasian and

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African plates. On the north side, the minor
Arabian plate further restricts movement.
• The earthquakes in Turkey occurred along
the East and North Anatolian Fault Lines that
were constantly colliding with each other.
Cascade of ruptures:
• Because of continuous and unusual interaction
of plates, fault bends and step-overs are like
curves and gaps in a road.
• It initiated a cascade of ruptures, resulting in a
larger-than-usual total rupture length and a more
tremendous potential for destruction.
Methodologies:
1. Kinematic slip inversion: It is like rewinding an
earthquake video to understand how fault
surfaces moved, indicating what might have
occurred underground.
2. Fault-property modelling: In this method,
researchers estimate the characteristics of the
fault, like friction and material properties, to
predict how an earthquake is likely to spread
along it.
11.3. Seismic Activity in Iceland
Why in News?
• A state of emergency has been declared in Iceland,
after a swarm of 800 earthquakes rocked the
island country’s southwestern Reykjanes
peninsula in under 14 hours.
About
• Seismic swarms are earthquake sequences
without a discernible main-shock. Swarms can
last weeks and produce many thousands of
earthquakes within a relatively small volume.
• Swarms are observed in volcanic environments,
hydrothermal systems, and other active
geothermal areas.
Earthquake swarms: Precursor for volcanic activity
• Deep under the Earth’s surface, intense heat
melts rocks to form magma, a thick flowing
substance lighter than solid rock. This drives it
upwards and most of it gets trapped in magma
chambers deep underground.
• Over time, this viscous liquid cools and solidifies
once again. However, a tiny fraction erupts
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through vents and fissures on the surface, causing
volcanic eruptions.
• The movement of magma close to Earth’s surface
exerts force on the surrounding rock, which often
causes earthquake swarms.
• The underground movement of magma does not
necessarily lead to an eruption. But closer it gets
to the surface, more likely an eruption is, and
more frequent symptomatic earthquake swarms
get.
Reykjanes peninsula
• Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge,
between the Eurasian and the North American
tectonic plates.It is a seismic and volcanic hot spot
as the two plates move in opposite directions.
• The Reykjanes peninsula is in South West Iceland,
characterized by immense lava fields, volcanoes,
and heightened geothermal activity.
Volcanic eruption in Iceland
• Active volcanoes: According to United States
Geological Service, active volcanoes are those
which have erupted within the Holocene (the
current geologic epoch, which began at the end of
the most recent ice age about 11,650 years ago),
or which have the potential to erupt again in the
future.
• In the region there were no recorded volcanic
eruptions for 800 years. However, for the last 2-3
years Fagradalsfjall volcano has witnessed a
constant eruption.
• Other famous volcanoes include Eyjafjallajokull,
Hekla, Grímsvotn, Holuhraun, and Litli-Hrútur
(part of the Fagradalsfjall system).
11.4. Mount Etna
Why in News?
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano and one of
the largest in the world, has been erupting frequently
since February 2023, sending plumes of ash and
fountains of lava into the sky.
What are the Key Facts About Mount Etna?
• Mount Etna is a stratovolcano, which means it is
composed of layers of lava, ash, and rocks that
have accumulated over thousands of years of
eruptions.
• It is located on the east coast of Sicily, an island in
the Mediterranean Sea that belongs to Italy.
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• It stands about 3,300 metres above sea level and
covers an area of about 1,200 square kilometres.
• Mount Etna has four summit craters and hundreds
of lateral vents that can produce different types of
eruptions, such as explosive, effusive, or mixed.
• Mount Etna has been erupting almost
continuously since 1500 BC, making it one of the
most active volcanoes in the world.
11.5. Galapagos Islands
Why in News?
• Scientists recently found two new coral reefs and
two unexplored seamounts in the Galapagos
Islands.
About
• It is an archipelago of volcanic islands.
• Location: The islands are located in the eastern
Pacific Ocean, 973 km off the west coast of South
America.
• Distribution: They are distributed on each side of
the equator in the Pacific Ocean, surrounding the
center of the Western Hemisphere.
• Country: It belongs to the Republic of
Ecuador that lies 926 km to the east.
• Significance: The islands are known for their large
number of endemic species that were studied by
12. History- Art & Culture
12.1. Meri Maati Mera Desh
Why in News?
• PM Modi will participate in a programme marking
the culmination of Meri Maati Mera Desh
campaign’s Amrit Kalash Yatra at Kartavya Path.
Meri Maati Mera Desh
• The campaign is a tribute to the Veers and
Veeranganas who have made the supreme
sacrifice for the country.
• It is being organized by the Ministry of Culture.
• It comprises many activities and ceremonies
conducted across the country at Panchayat/Village,
Block, Urban Local Body, State and National levels.
• The campaign includes the Amrit Kalash
Yatra, which comprises collection of mitti and rice
grains from over 6 lakh villages in rural areas and
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Charles Darwin during the second voyage of HMS
Beagle.
• Galapagos Triple Junction: The islands are located
at the Galapagos Triple Junction. The Galapagos
Triple Junction is a geological area in the eastern
Pacific Ocean several hundred miles west of the
Galapagos Islands where three tectonic plates -
the Cocos Plate, the Nazca Plate and the Pacific
Plate - meet.
• The archipelago is precisely located on the Nazca
Plate (a tectonic plate), which is moving
east/southeast, diving under the South American
Plate at a rate of about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) per
year.
• Climate: The archipelago is mainly characterized
by a mixture of a tropical savanna climate and a
semi-arid climate. It also transits into a tropical
rainforest climate in the northwest.
• Highest Point: Mount Azul, at 5,541 feet is the
highest point of the Galapagos Islands.
• Endemic Species: The islands are well known for
their distinctive endemic species, including giant
tortoises, finches, flightless cormorants,
Galápagos lava lizards and marine iguanas, which
evolved to adapt to islands' environments.
• Recognition: In 1978 the islands were designated
a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Exclusive Species: Galápagos marine iguana is a
species of iguana found only on the Galápagos
Islands (Ecuador).
from wards in urban areas. The collected soil is
mixed and will be sent to the National Capital.
• The Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav
Memorial, is built at Kartavya Path from the soil
collected from every part of the country.
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform
• During the programme, the PM will also
launch ‘Mera Yuva Bharat (MY
Bharat) platform for youth of the country.
• MY Bharat is being established as an autonomous
body to serve as a one stop whole-of-government
platform for youth of the country.
• The aim of MY Bharat is to inspire youth to become
community change agents and nation builders, and
enable them to act as the ‘Yuva Setu’ between the
Government and the citizens.
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12.2. Gwalior: the ‘City of Music’
Why In News?
• Gwalior city of Madhya Pradesh was recently
added to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network
(UCCN) for its “strong commitment to harnessing
culture and creativity”.
Gwalior Gharana’s Historical Significance
• Gwalior Gharana is the oldest and one of the
most influential musical gharanas in the history
of Hindustani classical music.
• Raja Man Singh Tomar, during the 15th century,
played a crucial role in the flourishing of the
Gwalior gharana.
• Dhrupad and the Evolution of Khayal: The
Gwalior gharana played a significant role in the
evolution of Hindustani classical music from
dhrupad to khayal singing. Khayal, as we know it
today, emerged from the Gwalior gharana while
incorporating elements of qawwali.
• Influence of Persian Elements: Gwalior’s
musical tradition is characterized by the
inclusion of Persian words in musical pieces and
the concept of bandish ki thumri, a structured
style of thumri or love song.
• Mian Tansen was born in Gwalior and was
trained under Swami Haridas. During Akbar’s
reign, status of Gwalior was elevated as musical
hub.
• Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan of Gwalior, was associated
with the Bangash Gharana. He trained many
renowned musicians, including his son Ustad
Amjad Ali Khan and Pt Bhimsen Joshi.
UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
• Launched in 2004 by UNESCO (United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization).
• Promotes Cooperation: Aims to promote
collaboration among cities recognizing creativity
as crucial for sustainable urban development.
• Seven Creative Fields: Crafts and Folk Art,
Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media
Arts, and Music.
• Global Network: Cities demonstrating
excellence in these fields can join the network to
share experiences and best practices.
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12.3. ‘3,000-year-old Iron Age’ Geoglyph
Circle
Why In News?
• Recently, a geoglyph in the form of a circle said to
be 3,000 years old, has been unearthed in
Telangana.
More about the news
• Location: The geoglyph is discovered on the
outskirts of Mudichu Thalapalli in the Medchal-
Malkajgiri district of Telangana.
• Characteristics: Etched on a low-lying granitoid
hillock, the geoglyph spans 7.5 metres in
diameter and has a perfect circular shape.
o Surrounding the circle is a 30-centimetre-wide
rim, and within the circle are two triangles.
• Period: The geoglyph has been dated back to the
Iron Age, specifically around 1000 BCE.
• Significance: The archaeologists suggested that
this circle might have served as a model for
megalithic communities in planning their circular
burial sites.
o The newly found geoglyph displays the artistic
skills and etching techniques of Telangana’s
Iron Age inhabitants
o Archaeologists have termed it a first-of-its-
kind discovery in Telangana.
• Tourism Potential: The site could be developed
into an archaeological tourism destination,
comparable to the renowned Konkan petroglyph
sites in the Ratnagiri zone of Maharashtra.
o The site is only 30-40 kilometres from
Hyderabad and Secunderabad, making it
easily accessible to tourists.
Discovery of rock shelters & Groves
• The team has also identified several grooves,
which they believe to be from the Neolithic
period, dating to 4000 BCE, located five metres
away from the geoglyph.
• Also, within a one-kilometre radius of the
geoglyph’s location, they discovered
three prehistoric rock shelters adorned with
depictions of bulls, deer, porcupines and human
figures wearing masks.
• According to the team, these artworks date
to Mesolithic and Megalithic periods.
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12.4. Mubarak Manzil
Why In News?
• Begum Munawwar-ul-Nisa, the wife of Malerkotla’s
last ruler Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan, passed without
witnessing the ‘Mubarak Manzil Palace’ restored.
About
• It is a historic 19th-century palace located in
Malerkotla, Punjab, India.
• The palace is notable for its architectural
significance, featuring European influences in its
design.
• Mubarak Manzil served as the residence of the
ruling family of Malerkotla, with Nawab Iftikhar
Ali Khan being one of the prominent figures
associated with it.
• The palace suffered from neglect and decay,
primarily due to family disputes and financial
constraints.
Significance
• Malerkota town is revered for its historical
connection to Guru Gobind Singh, who blessed
Malerkotla for its stand against the execution of
his sons.
• Both Sikhs and Muslims hold deep sentiments
and respect for Malerkotla and its royal family.
• The historical significance of the town is a source
of pride and reverence for the local
communities.
12.5. Balban’s Tomb
Why In News?
• Several renovations within the Mehrauli’s
Archaeological Park were unveiled, with one of
them being the tomb of Balban
Ghiyas-ud-din Balban:
• Ghiyas-ud-din Balban was a Sultan of the
Mamluk (Slave) dynasty, the first of the Delhi
Sultanate dynasties.
• Ruled from Delhi between 1266 AD and 1287
AD.
• He was sold as a slave to the then-ruler Iltumish
in 1232 CE but was later released.
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Balban’s Tomb:
• Location: Mehrauli’s Archaeological Park, New
Delhi.
• The tomb is situated within the archaeological
park and was originally known as the “Dar-ul-
Amaan” or “Haven of Safety.” It was a square
building with spacious rooms on either side.
• It is considered one of the first structures in India
to feature true arch construction, with the
keystone placed at the center. This architectural
innovation allowed for even distribution of the
weight of the superstructure and became a
common feature in Indo-Islamic architecture in
Delhi.
• Purpose: It offered refuge to those seeking
protection from debt collectors and pursuers.
Even individuals who had committed murder
could find solace within its walls, as the Sultan
would compensate the families of the victims.
• Historical Accounts: The structure is referenced
by historical figures, including Ibn Batuta, who
spoke of it as one of Balban’s acts of generosity.
12.6. Tamil Lambadi Art
Why in News?
• Porgai Artisan Association Society, with 60 plus
women, has been making and selling embroidered
clothes to ensure that there is awareness about
the art form and that it is passed onto the next
generation.
History of Tamil Lambadi Art
• Origins in the Tamil Nadu region of India.
• Rooted in the cultural practices and traditions of
the Lambadi community.
• Influenced by historical, social, and religious
factors within the community.
Characteristics of Tamil Lambadi Art
• Vibrant color schemes with a focus on bold and
contrasting hues.
• Intricate embroidery and mirror work that
embellish textiles and clothing.
• Symbolic representations of nature, folklore, and
traditional beliefs.
• Usage of geometric patterns and intricate designs
to create visually appealing art forms.
• Incorporation of traditional Lambadi motifs and
symbols passed down through generations.
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12.7. Sant Mirabai Janmotsav • She was a 16th-century Hindu mystic poet
and devotee of Krishna. She is a celebrated Bhakti
saint, particularly in the North Indian Hindu
Why in News? tradition.
• ‘Sant Mirabai Janmotsav’ is being organized to • Her devotion was to such an extent that social
celebrate the 525th Birth Anniversary of Sant mores and traditions of the time didn’t matter to
Mirabai. her and for this, she was even persecuted
according to legend.
About Sant Mirabai • Many bhajans are attributed to Mirabai that are
still popular today.

13. Awards
13.1. British Academy Book Prize
Why in News?
• Nandini Das, an Indian-born author and Professor
in the English faculty at the University of Oxford,
won the 2023 British Academy Book Prize for
Global Cultural Understanding.
Key Highlights
• Nandini Das, a 49-year-old Indian-born author and
Professor in the English faculty at the University of
Oxford, won the 2023 British Academy Book Prize
for Global Cultural Understanding.
• Her winning book is titled "Courting India:
England, Mughal India, and the Origins of
Empire," which explores the origins of the British
Empire by focusing on the first English ambassador
in India, Sir Thomas Roe, in the early 17th century.
• The author is noted for her extensive use of
contemporary sources from both Indian and
British political figures, officials, and merchants.
This approach adds immediacy to the narrative
and brings to life the early encounters and
misunderstandings between the two cultures.
• Other Shortlisted Work: The shortlist for the prize
also included a work titled "Black Ghost of Empire:
The Long Death of Slavery and the Failure of
Emancipation" by Kris Manjapra.
• The British Academy Book Prize for Global
Cultural Understanding was formerly known as
the Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize. It was established in
2013 to recognize and celebrate outstanding
works of non-fiction known for their rigour,
scholarly excellence, and their contribution to
global cultural understanding and appreciation.
• The British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural
Understanding is an international non-fiction
award with prize money of £25,000.
13.2. Rohini Nayyar Prize
Why in News?
• Deenanath Rajput, an engineer-turned-social
worker, was awarded the Second Rohini Nayyar
Prize for his outstanding contribution to rural
development.
More Details:
• The prestigious award was presented in memory
of the late economist-administrator Dr. Rohini
Nayyar, and it came with a trophy, a citation, and
a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
• Deenanath Rajput’s commendable work focuses
on empowering tribal women in Bastar,
Chhattisgarh, a region known for its challenges,
including Naxalite activities. His efforts have been
instrumental in positively transforming the lives of
over 6,000 tribal women in the area.
13.3. ‘Wildlife Photographer Of The Year’
Award
Why in News?
• Vihaan Talya Vikas, a 10-year-old prodigy from
Bengaluru, has captured the hearts of
photography enthusiasts and conservationists
alike by winning the top prize in the ‘10 years and
under‘ category renowned Wildlife Photographer
of the Year (WPY) competition.

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 M.S.Shashank

More Details: • The award not only recognizes his achievements

• Vihaan’s winning photograph is a testament to his
extraordinary talent and creativity. His image
portrays a spider in a fascinating pose, positioned
alongside a sculpture of Lord Krishna, nestled on
the outskirts of his city.
• This captivating photograph not only stands out
for its aesthetic appeal but also for its thought-
provoking narrative. It beautifully captures the
spider, seemingly entranced by the divine notes of
Krishna’s flute, creating a connection between the
realms of nature and spirituality.
13.4. Changemaker Of The Year
but also underscores the rich cultural heritage and
talent within Maharashtra.
13.6. International Emmy Award
Why in News?
• Indian comedian Vir Das has achieved a milestone
by winning an International Emmy Award for his
Netflix show, “Vir Das: Landing on Monday.” This
accomplishment makes him the first Indian to
secure a victory in the comedy category.
Ekta Kapoor Receives Directorate Award

Why in News? • In another notable win, Ekta Kapoor, producer,

• Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was
honored with the ‘Changemaker of the Year‘
award. Governor Shaktikanta Das accepted it on
behalf of the RBI.
The ‘Changemaker of the Year’ Award
filmmaker, and co-founder of Balaji Telefilms,
received this year’s Directorate Award at the
International Emmy Awards.
• The award acknowledges individuals or
organizations for their outstanding contributions
to international television.

• Accepting the ‘Changemaker of the Year’ award,

Governor Shaktikanta Das acknowledged that this
recognition was a tribute to the hard work and
dedication of the more than 13,000 officers and
employees of the RBI.
• Their relentless efforts and teamwork were pivotal
in ensuring that the central bank effectively
managed the challenges posed by the COVID-19
pandemic and continued to safeguard the financial
stability of the nation.

13.5. Lata Mangeshkar Award

Why in News?

• The Maharashtra government has chosen the

esteemed playback singer and National Award
winner, Suresh Ishwar Wadkar, as the recipient of
the prestigious ‘Gansamragini Lata Mangeshkar
Award’ for 2023.

More Details:

• Suresh Wadkar’s selection for the ‘Gansamragini

Lata Mangeshkar Award’ is a testament to his
exceptional contribution to the music industry.

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 M.S.Shashank
14. Persons & Appointments
14.1. Saima Wazed
Why in News?
• Saima Wazed, daughter of Bangladesh's Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina, won a decisive victory in
the election for the WHO Regional Director for
South-East Asia, securing eight out of ten votes.
• As a result of her election victory, Saima Wazed is
set to take office as the WHO Regional Director for
South-East Asia on February 1, 2024, embarking on
a five-year term.
WHO South-East Asia Region (SEARO)
• The SEARO is one of the six regions within the
World Health Organization, with its headquarters
located in New Delhi.
• This regional body plays a crucial role in addressing
public health challenges and promoting healthcare
initiatives in the South-East Asian countries.
14.2. Rajendra Menon
Why in News?
• Former Chief Justice Rajendra Menon of the Delhi
High Court has been re-elected as the Chairman of
the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) for a four-year
term, ensuring his leadership until June 6, 2027.
More Details:
• The former judge was first recommended to the
post in 2019 and served for four years.
• Justice Menon was elevated as an additional judge
of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2002.
• Justice Menon has also served as Welfare
Commissioner for the Bhopal Gas Victims
Compensation Commission between December
2010 and March 2015.
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14.3. Heeralal Samariya
Why in News?
• Senior bureaucrat and former information
commissioner Heeralal Samariya was sworn in as
the chief of the Central Information Commission
(CIC) by President Droupadi Murmu
More Details:
• Samariya, 63, takes over as CIC after the
retirement of Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha who
retired in October. A career bureaucrat, Samariya
has held several important posts in the
government including the posts of secretary,
labour and employment ministry, and as joint
secretary in the chemicals and fertilizers ministry
• The CIC is appointed by the President, on the
recommendation of a committee including the
prime minister, leader of opposition in the Lok
Sabha, and a Union cabinet minister nominated by
the prime minister.
• This is the sixth time since 2014 that the post of
the CIC had fallen vacant. The Supreme Court on
October 30 asked the Centre and the state
governments to take steps to fill the post, saying
otherwise the 2005 RTI Act will become a “dead
letter”.
14.4. Justice Fathima Beevi Passes Away
Why in News?
• India bid farewell to its pioneering legal luminary,
Justice Fathima Beevi, the country’s first female
Supreme Court judge, who peacefully passed
away at the age of 96.
More Details:
• Justice Beevi was born in Kerala's Pathanamthitta
in April 1927. She graduated from the University
College, Trivandrum and studied law at the Law
College in Trivandrum.
• She enrolled as an advocate in November 1950
and worked her way up to become a district and
sessions judge in 1974.
• In 1983, she was elevated to the High Court and
became a permanent judge a year later.
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 M.S.Shashank
• She made history after she was elevated to the
Supreme Court as a judge in 1989. She retired in
1992.
• After retiring, she served as a member of the
National Human Rights Commission from 1993 to
1997, before becoming the Governor of Tamil
Nadu till 2001.
14.5. Girish Chandra Murmu
Why in News?
• Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and
Auditor General of India, has achieved a significant
position by being elected as the Vice-Chair of the
UN Panel of External Auditors.
15. Government Initiatives
15.1. AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ Portal
Why In News?
• The ‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal has
been made live by the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
About
• Through this portal, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
across the country can participate in this
pioneering initiative to voluntarily submit their
key data on a regular basis, through a simple,
easy-to-fill, data entry form on the portal.
• The primary objectives of the AAINA Dashboard
are to help cities to (i) see how they are faring vis-
à-vis other cities, (ii) inspire them by pointing to
possibilities and areas of improvement and (iii)
providing opportunity to learn and engage with
frontrunners.
• The dashboard for cities does not rank Urban
Local Bodies (ULBs).
• The ULBs will submit their data, including audited
accounts, and self-reported performance metrics
by logging in to the dashboard’s portal.
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Active Participation at the UN Panel
• Mr. Murmu actively participated in the session,
and his election as the Vice-Chair for the
forthcoming year highlights India’s dedication to
maintaining the highest standards of external
audit. This appointment reflects India’s
commitment to actively shaping the global audit
landscape, according to a statement released by
the C&AG.
Role of the UN Panel of External Auditors
• The Panel of External Auditors, comprising heads
of 12 Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) globally,
plays a crucial role in overseeing the external audit
of the UN Secretariat, funds and programs, and
specialized agencies. This independent body
conducts comprehensive financial, performance,
and compliance audits of various entities within
the United Nations.
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
• In India, local governments in cities are
established in accordance with the 74th
Amendment Act, which creates the ground for
democratic decentralisation in urban areas.
• The Amendment gives state legislatures the
authority to enact levies that support local
government budgets.
• This institutional framework comprises Urban
Local Bodies (ULBs) that administer cities or
towns with a specified population.
• Types: Municipal corporations, municipalities,
notified area committees, and town area
committees are some types of urban local bodies.
• Functions: These local bodies are entrusted with
functions related to welfare, public health and
safety, infrastructural works, and other activities
related to city development.
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 M.S.Shashank
15.2. Sustainable Urban Development and
Service Delivery
Why In News?
• The Government of India signed a 400 million
dollar policy-based loan with Asian Development
Bank (ADB) to support its urban reform agenda
under sub-programme 2 of the Sustainable
Urban Development and Service Delivery
Programme.
About the programme
• Sub-programme 1 approved in 2021 with a
financing of USD 350 million established
national-level policies and guidelines to improve
urban services.
• Sub-programme 2 supports investment planning
and reform actions at the state and urban local
body (ULB) levels.
o It is aimed at making cities livable and
centres of economic growth through the
provisioning of inclusive, resilient and
sustainable infrastructure.
Features
• Sub-programme 2 supports the reforms initiated
by states and ULBs in operationalising the
national flagship programme of Atal Mission for
Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
(AMRUT) 2.0 targeted for universal access to
water supply and sanitation.
• It also supports other mission objectives for
ensuring urban water security through reducing
water losses, recycling treated sewage for non-
domestic use, rejuvenation of water bodies, and
maintaining sustainable groundwater levels
• It also envisages integrated urban planning
reforms to control urban sprawls and foster
systemic and planned urbanisation through
enhancing the entire ecosystem of legal,
regulatory, and institutional reforms, along with
capacity building of ULBs and community
awareness, it said.
15.3. Government e-Market (GeM) Portal
Why in News?
• The procurement of goods and services from the
government portal GeM has crossed ₹2 lakh crore
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so far this fiscal due to higher buying activities by
different ministries and departments.
Government e-Market (GeM) Portal
• It was launched in 2016, for online purchases of
goods and services by all the central government
ministries and departments.
• It is hosted by the Directorate General of Supplies
and Disposals (DGS&D) under the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry where common user
goods and services can be procured. GeM is a
dynamic, self-sustaining and user friendly portal
for making procurement by Government officers.
Vision of GeM:
• To affect an evolution in public procurement
promoting a transparent, efficient and inclusive
marketplace.
Services offered through GeM:
• The portal provides a wide range of products from
office stationery to vehicles.
• Services, including transportation, logistics, waste
management, webcasting and analytical, are
listed on the portal.
15.4. National Efficient Cooking
Programme
The National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP)
and the Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP) are
initiatives launched by the Energy Efficiency Services
Limited (EESL) in India to promote energy-efficient
and environmentally friendly cooking and fan
solutions.
National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP)
• NECP is a part of the Clean Cooking Scheme,
with a focus on non-solar/electricity-based
induction cookstoves. It aligns with the Go-
electric initiative by the Ministry of Power.
• NECP promotes induction-based cook stoves,
which are known for their energy efficiency,
safety, and convenience. These stoves use
electromagnetic fields to directly heat the
cooking vessel, making them highly efficient.
• The market for induction cooktops has been
rapidly growing, with over 10 million units sold
in 2021-22. Factors contributing to this growth
include the rise of modular kitchens, increasing
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) costs, and the
versatility and safety of induction cooking.
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 M.S.Shashank
• Northern and western India have been leading
in the sales of induction cooktops, and their
popularity is due to factors like portability,
convenience, and safety.
• Induction cook stoves are considered more
environmentally friendly as they produce fewer
greenhouse gas emissions and indoor air
pollutants compared to traditional cooking
methods.
• EESL has partnered with Modern Energy
Cooking Services (MECS) to deploy 20 lakh (2
million) induction cookstoves across India.
Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP)
• EEFP focuses on promoting energy-efficient
BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) fans to reduce
energy consumption and environmental impact.
These fans are known for their energy efficiency
and lower power consumption.
• The annual ceiling fan market in India comprises
approximately 4.4 crore (44 million) units.
Ceiling fans contribute significantly to residential
electricity consumption, accounting for over
25% of India's overall electricity usage.
• EESL aims to deploy 1 crore (10 million) 5-star
energy-efficient ceiling fans across India.
• The adoption rate of 5-star energy-efficient fans
in India is currently low, standing at just 5%,
indicating a substantial potential for energy
conservation.
• Beginning on January 1, 2023, the Bureau of
Energy Efficiency (BEE) mandated that ceiling
fans in India must bear star labels to indicate
their energy efficiency.
Conclusion
• Both NECP and EEFP are aimed at promoting
energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption,
and lowering environmental impact in Indian
16. Important Days
16.1. World Tsunami Awareness Day
Why in News?
• Every year, World Tsunami Awareness Day is
observed on November 5.
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households. They align with the Indian
government's goals to transition to cleaner and
more sustainable energy sources while
promoting cost-effective solutions for citizens.
EESL, as the implementing agency, plays a crucial
role in achieving these objectives.
15.5. Digital Mapping of Cities
Why in News?
• In a move towards transforming India's mapping
ecosystem, Genesys International, a leading 3D
mapping company, signed a strategic tie-up with
Survey of India (SOI), the country's national
surveying and mapping authority.
More Details:
▪ This collaboration is set to revolutionize India's
map content through the implementation of
the ‘3D Digital Twin Mapping Program.'
▪ This is In line with India's National Geospatial
Policy 2022, emphasizing self-reliance in
geospatial data.
▪ This initiative will provide previously unavailable
data layers, including high-precision 3D
data, digital terrain models (DTMs), digital
surface models (DSMs), and ortho
imagery(image corrected by removing
distortion).
▪ The project will leverage Genesys’ navigable
maps of India and its constellation of sensors.
The company will access datasets from
the SOI’s CORS (Continuously Operating
Reference Stations) network of 902 stations
across all states, which provides for real-time,
high-precision positioning data
History:
• In Japan, the word Inamura-no-hi means burning
of the rice sheaves. During an earthquake in 1854,
a farmer saw the tide receding – a clear sign of a
Tsunami coming. He then set fire to his harvested
rice to make the villagers aware of the looming
disaster.
• To honour this true story of Japan, November 5 is
chosen as the day for observing World Tsunami
Awareness Day.
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 M.S.Shashank
Significance:
• The theme of this year's World Tsunami
Awareness Day is - Fighting Inequality for a
Resilient Future. "On this year’s World Tsunami
Awareness Day, of 5 November, Asia’s coastal and
island communities can look back and take pride in
having rebuilt their ways of life and regional
economies, but much still needs to be done to
achieve early warning services and greater
preparedness," wrote UNESCO in their official
website.
16.2. Infant Protection Day
Why in News?
• Every year, Infant Protection Day is celebrated on
November 7.
History:
• For building a healthy immune system and
ensuring that the newborn child is away from the
risk of contracting diseases in the early months
after being born, we should take extra care of the
baby. In the early 1990s.
• European countries came together to observe
Infant Protection Day in order to raise awareness
about child mortality rate and what steps should
be taken to combat it. On this day, the n this day,
the countries aimed to educate people on Child
Care Services as well. Later America also joined in,
and Infant Protection Day came to be celebrated
every year on November 7.
Significance:
• On this day, people come together to raise
awareness about the practices that should be
incorporated in order to ensure that the newborn
child is safe and healthy.
• The infant mortality rate in India is alarming and
proper childcare can help in curbing it. The initial
months of newborn babies are extremely crucial
for their development, and we should ensure to
provide a safe and healthy environment for them
to grow up.
16.3. World Radiography Day
Why in News?
• World Radiography Day will be observed
worldwide on Wednesday, November 8.
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World Radiography Day 2023 theme
• The theme for World Radiography Day 2023 is
"Celebrating Patient Safety". This theme highlights
the critical role that professionals play in
maintaining the effectiveness of healthcare
systems and ensuring the well-being of patients,
which extends beyond the field of radiation
protection.
16.4. National Legal Services Day
Why in News?
• Every year on November 9, India observes
National Legal Services Day, a significant occasion
aimed at providing legal relief to the weaker
sections of society.
• The day holds historical importance as it marks the
anniversary of the enactment of the Legal Services
Authorities Act in 1995.
History of Legal Services Day
• The Legal Services Authorities Act was passed on
November 9, 1995, with a vision to offer legal aid
to poor and marginalised people.
• This landmark legislation led to the establishment
of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
on December 5, 1995. Since then, National Legal
Services Day is celebrated annually.
• The day focuses on creating awareness about the
availability of free legal aid and alternative dispute
resolution methods. The day is aimed at extending
free legal support to those who can’t afford to hire
a lawyer.
16.5. World Science Day for Peace and
Development
Why in News?
• The World Science Day for Peace and
Development is celebrated annually on November
10.
More Details:
• It is a day to acknowledge the role of science in
society and highlights the significant role of
involving the public in debates surrounding the
effects of new scientific innovations and to create
awareness among people.
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 M.S.Shashank
• The day aims to connect science with society to
provide citizens with knowledge of science for
sustainable development and peaceful
cohabitation.
History:
• The origin of World Science Day for Peace and
Development is linked to the positive outcomes
that emanated from the 1999 World Conference
on Science in Budapest, Hungary. These
achievements led UNESCO to formally declare the
celebration of this day in 2001.
16.6. National Education Day
Why in News?
• Every year, National Education Day is celebrated
on November 11.
History:
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was the first Education
Minister of independent India. He served the
position from 1947 to 1958. His work towards
making education better and accessible is
applauded and respected.
• His contributions in the field of education and
educational institutions are remembered – to
commemorate the same, The Ministry of Human
Resource Development announced his birthday to
be celebrated as National Education Day. Since
2008, National Education Day has been
celebrated.
Significance:
• National Education Day is celebrated in schools,
colleges and educational institutions.
• By organising different types of programmes
including seminars, conferences and activities,
people spread awareness about the importance of
education, the significance of literary and the
necessity of making education accessible to every
person in the country.
16.7. Children’s Day
Why in News?
• Every year, Children’s Day is celebrated all across
India on November 14.
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More Details:
• This day was chosen to celebrate as Children’s Day
after the death of India’s first prime Minister
Jawaharlal Nehru, adorably referred to as Chacha
Nehru.
History:
• Earlier, Children’s Day was celebrated in India on
November 20, the day World Children’s Day is
celebrated by the United Nations. However, after
the death of Jawaharlal Nehru, a resolution was
passed in the Indian Parliament to mark his
birthday as Children’s Day.
• Jawaharlal Nehru died in the year of 1964 and
since then, to commemorate his birth anniversary,
Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14.
16.8. International Day for Tolerance
Why in News?
• Every year, International Day for Tolerance is
celebrated on November 16.
History:
• The Declaration of Principles on Tolerance was
produced by UNESCO on November 16, 1995. This
was done in order to raise awareness about the
importance of tolerance.
• "The Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither
indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and
appreciation of the rich variety of our world's
cultures, our forms of expression and ways of
being human. Tolerance recognises the universal
human rights and fundamental freedoms of
others.
16.9. National Press Day
Why in News?
• National Press Day is celebrated in India on
November 16 every year.
History and significance:
• Recommending the establishment of a Press
Council in 1956, the first Press Commission had
concluded that the best way of maintaining
professional ethics in journalism would be to bring
into existence a body with statutory authority, of
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 M.S.Shashank
people principally connected with industry whose
duty it would be to arbitrate. To this, end the Press
Council of India was established and the body that
has evolved since November 16, 1966 has not
belied the objective.
16.10.International Students' Day
Why in News?
• International Students' Day 2023 will be
celebrated across the world on Friday, November
17.
History of International Students' Day
• International Students' Day is celebrated on
November 17, the anniversary of the Nazi invasion
of a university in Prague in 1939. The Nazis
imprisoned nearly a thousand students, closed the
university, and killed and tortured several others.
• The aim of the day is to honour those students and
to raise awareness of the challenges facing us
today.
• Originally intended to honour the more than 1,200
students of the University of Prague who lost their
17. Miscellaneous
17.1. Operation ‘Nanhe Faristey’
Why In News?
• In October 2023, Railway Protection Force
reunited over 601 children with their families
under Operation ‘Nanhe Faristey’.
About
• This initiative was introduced on the Indian
Railways platform.
• It aims to rescue and safeguard children in need
of care and protection who encountered by the
railway system.
• Trained personnel rescue the children who have
come to railway stations without informing their
parents, because of some family issues or in
search of a better life.
• Under this program, these children were
promptly rescued and transferred to the relevant
authorities before being reunited with their
families.
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lives in World War II, International Students' Day
has evolved into an opportunity for higher
education institutions around the world to take
pride in their significant international student
populations and the positive work they do in their
local communities.
16.11. World Children’s Day
Why in News?
• World Children’s Day is observed on November 20
every year.
History:
• World Children's Day is celebrated on November
20 annually to commemorate the Declaration of
the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly
on the same day on 1959.
• It was first established in 1954 as Universal
Children's Day. Since 1990, World Children's Day
also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN
General Assembly adopted both the Declaration
and the Convention on children's rights. The
theme for this year's World Children's Day is For
every child, every right.
17.2. World Local Production Forum
(WLPF)
Why In News?
• An Indian delegation led by the Union Minister
of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers,
participated in the 2nd World Local Production
Forum.
About
• Initiated by: World Health Organisation (WHO).
• Secretariat: Local Production and Assistance
(LPA) Unit.
• Aim: Aligning with WHO’s mission it aims to
increase access to medicines and other health
technologies.
• Working: It provides Member States and the
global community with a regular platform to
shape strategies, galvanize collective action, and
foster partnerships on sustainable local
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 M.S.Shashank
production to improve timely and equitable
access to quality assured health products.
• 1st Edition: Organized in a virtual format in 2021
to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
on global events.
• 2nd Edition: Organized from 6 to 8 November
2023 at Hague, Netherlands.
o To provide a global platform for discussions
on key challenges related to promoting local
production and technology transfer in the
healthcare sector.
o To explore opportunities and mechanisms to
overcome bottlenecks in local production.
• Relevance of India’s Participation: India is
recognized as a major player in the
pharmaceutical supply chain and global public
healthcare, offering affordable and quality
healthcare solutions.
17.3. National Coal Index
Why In News?
• The National Coal Index increased by 3.83 points
in September. This incline was influenced by
temporary rise of coal prices in global markets.
About National Coal Index (NCI)
• It was rolled out on 4th June 2020 by
the Ministry of Coal and it is a price index which
reflects the change in price of coal in a particular
month relative to the fixed base year.
• The NCI is used to determine the Premium (on a
per tonne basis) or Revenue Share (on a
percentage basis) based on a market-based
mechanism.
• The Index is meant to encompass all
transactions of raw coal in the Indian market.
o This includes coking and non-coking of
various grades transacted in the regulated
(power and fertilizer) and non-regulated
sectors.
o The transactions include those at notified
price, coal auctions and coal imports.
• The NCI’s upward movement indicates rising
demand for coal because of the upcoming
festive season and winter in the country, which
will encourage coal producers to take maximum
benefit by further scaling-up domestic coal
production to meet the growing energy
demands.
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17.4. Timed Out Rule
Why In News?
• Angelo Mathews was timed out during Sri
Lanka’s clash against Bangladesh in Delhi in
a first in international cricket.
About Timed out Rule
• The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 playing
conditions pertaining to “timed out” dismissals
reads thus:
o 40.1.1 After the fall of a wicket or the
retirement of a batter, the incoming batter
must, unless Time has been called, be ready
to receive the ball, or for the other batter to
be ready to receive the next ball within 2
minutes of the dismissal or retirement.
▪ If this requirement is not met, the
incoming batter will be out, Timed out.
▪ The bowler does not get credit for the
wicket.
• It was the first time in international cricket, men’s
or women’s, that a batter was dismissed
according to the “timed out” law.
• Other instances : In 2007, Sourav Ganguly was
nearly timed out in a Test match against South
Africa after he took more than six minutes to
step out .
o Then South Africa skipper Graeme Smith
decided not to appeal and Ganguly went on to
bat.
17.5. UNESCO names Kozhikode ‘city of
literature’
Why in news?
• The city of Kozhikode in Kerala was added in
UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
• Gwalior from Madhya Pradesh was also among
the 55 new cities to join the network.
• These cities have been handpicked to represent
seven creative fields — crafts and folk arts,
design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts,
and music.
• Kozhikode was included in the category of
literature and Gwalior in the category of music.
UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
• The UCCN was created in 2004 to promote
cooperation among cities that have identified
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 M.S.Shashank
creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable
urban development.
• It now includes 350 cities in over a hundred
countries.
• It was launched to promote UNESCO’s goals of
cultural diversity and strengthen resilience to
threats such as climate change, rising inequality,
and rapid urbanisation.
Kozhikode’s literary tradition
• The first Malayalam novel Kundalatha was born
in Kozhikode in 1887. It was authored by Appu
Nedungadi.
• Several illustrious writers like S K Pottekkatt,
Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Uroob,
Thikkodiyan, NN Kakkad, P Valsala, Akbar
Kakkattil, Punathil Kunjabdulla and MT
Vasudevan Nair have brought laurels for
Kozhikode.
• The city has also produced many film and theatre
professionals in the last half a century.
17.6. Picocystis Salinarum
Why in News?
• Recently the molecular mechanism of the
species surviving in extreme conditions have
been decoded.
About
• Picocystis salinarum is a globally widespread
picoplanktonic green alga of saline lakes.
• It is a unique organism which survives the
hypersaline alkaline environments by enhancing
photosynthesis and ATP synthesis along with
chaperone proteins.
• Significance: P. salinarum can be used for
biotechnological applications and as a model
organism for deciphering the molecular
mechanisms of osmotic adaptation.
17.7. Lake Titicaca
Why In News?
• Experts say that Lake Titicaca is shrinking due to
climate change.
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About Lake Titicaca
• Lake Titicaca is a large freshwater lake in the
Andes mountains on the border of Bolivia and
Peru.
• Lake Titicaca lies between Andean ranges in a
vast basin that comprises most of the Altiplano
(High Plateau) of the northern Andes.
• It is often called the highest navigable lake in the
world.
17.8. World Energy Employment 2023: IEA
Why In News?
• The International Energy Agency (IEA) released
the World Energy Employment 2023 report.
Key Findings
• Global energy employment rose to 67 million
people in 2022, an increase of 3.5 million from
pre-pandemic levels.
o More than half of employment growth over
this period was in just five sectors: solar PV,
wind, electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries,
heat pumps, and critical minerals mining.
• China is home to the largest energy workforce
today with nearly 30% of the global total.
• In India, fossil fuel employment rose above pre-
pandemic levels of 2019.
o India and the Middle East were the only
major regions to see growth in both clean
energy and fossil fuel employment in the
2019-22 period.
o Overall, India has the third-highest
number of workers in the energy space,
after China and Asia-Pacific regions.
17.9. Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI)
Why In News?
• The Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) has
organised the International Conference-cum-
Exhibition on Aerospace and Aviation.
Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI)
• It was founded on December 27,
1948 and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the First
Prime Minister of independent India, became
the First Chief Patron of the Society.
• It is the principal Society in India serving the
professions in areas of aeronautics, aerospace
and aviation.
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• Objectives: To promote the advancement and
dissemination of knowledge of Aeronautical
and Aerospace Sciences / Technologies.
o To strive for the elevation of the
Aeronautical and Aerospace
profession.
17.10. Global Centre for Excellence –
DAKSHIN
Why in News?
• Prime Minister of India inaugurated a global
centre for excellence for the Global South
countries called DAKSHIN.
Key details:
• A Global South Centre of Excellence for the
Global South was launched at the first Voice of
Global South Summit.
• It is named as the Dakshin Development and
Knowledge Sharing Initiative Global South
Centre for Excellence.
• It is a Global South Science & Technology
initiative, a project to provide essential medical
supplies and Global South Scholarships for
students in developing countries.
• This institution will
undertake research on development solutions
or best-practices of any of these countries,
which can be scaled and implemented in other
members of the Global South.
• For example:
o The digital public goods developed
by India in fields like electronic-payments,
health, education, or e-governance, can
be useful for many other developing
countries.
• A Global-South Young Diplomats Forum was
17.13.
also announced to connect youthful officers of
our foreign ministries.
17.11.MITRA SHAKTI 2023
Why in News?
• Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023, being held in
Aundh (Pune) in November 2023, marks the joint
effort between Indian and Sri Lankan
contingents comprising troops mainly from the
Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and the 53
Infantry Division, respectively.
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More Details:
• This exercise focuses on rehearsing sub-
conventional operations under the UN Charter's
Chapter VII, emphasizing counter-terrorism
tactics like raids, heliborne missions, and search-
and-destroy operations. Exercise will also
involve the employment of Drones and Counter
Unmanned Aerial Systems
• Its objectives are to improve interoperability,
reduce risks during peacekeeping operations,
and exchange combat skill insights for mutual
learning.
17.12.Cambridge's Word of the Year
'Hallucinate'
Why in News?
The word of the year, 'hallucinate', chosen by the
Cambridge Dictionary, sheds light on the
complexities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its
potential dangers.
More Details:
• The original definition of "hallucinate" is to seem
to sense something that doesn't exist, usually
because of a health condition or drugs.
Cambridge Dictionary's expanded definition of
"hallucinate" includes the production of false
information by AI.
• The intelligentization of AI poses real dangers,
particularly in politics and public life, where
disinformation and misinformation can have far-
reaching consequences.
• The expanding reach of Open AI and its tools like
Chat GPT, Google Bard, and Microsoft's Copilot
have been widely discussed throughout the year.
Awaous Motla
Why in News?
• A group of scientists has discovered that an
edible freshwater fish, available in the markets
of western Odisha.
• The new species was named 'Awaous Motla'.
Details
• The specimens of the fish have a vibrant yellow-
colored body and a fleshy upper lip were.
• They were collected from the Mahanadi river
near Sonepur and Boudh bridge.
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 M.S.Shashank

• The species belongs to the family 'Awaous' United Nations Conference on Trade and
(Oxudercidae), and thus, is named 'Awaous Development and was ratified in 1985.
motla'. o ITTC is a group that meets at least
once a year to discuss a wide-ranging
17.14. SATHEE Portal agenda.
• 59th ITTC:
o It was held in Thailand to decide the future of
Why In News? IITO, whether it should continue and how to
proceed.
• Entrance exam preparation portal SATHEE (Self o It was aimed at promoting sustainable
Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams) tropical forest management and the trade of
has been launched by the Ministry of Education sustainably produced tropical timber.
and IIT-Kanpur. o The countries agreed to endorse eight projects
related to sustainable forest management
About and related objectives.
• It is an open learning platform available to o The session also approved and adopted a
students at no cost. budget of $7.1 million for the coming financial
• The portal uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to year 2024-25.
interact with students, and can ▪ The work programme for 2024-25 was
be customised to each student’s pace of also adopted.
learning.
• The preparation material will be available
17.16. Kambala Buffalo Race
in English, Hindi and other regional
languages to prepare for competitive exams
like JEE and NEET. Why in News?
• SATHEE hosts lectures and video content
prepared by Professors and students of the IITs, • The traditional buffalo race, Kambala, is set to
and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences take place for the first time in Bengaluru,
(AIIMS). Karnataka.
• The initiative is in line with the National
Education Policy, with the goal to More Details:
provide inclusive, high quality education even
to remote parts of the country. ▪ Kambala is a buffalo race held in Coastal
Karnataka districts (Udupi and Dakshina
17.15. International Tropical Timber Kannada) during the winter months when
Council farmers harvest their paddy crops.
o The race is held on two parallel tracks filled
Why in News? with mud and water. Each pair of buffaloes
will also have a jockey, or 'Kambala
• The 59th International Tropical Timber Council runner' to control and command the
(ITTC) was recently concluded. animals on the track.
o The team that wins qualifies for higher
About the International Tropical Timber Council rounds till a champion emerges.
▪ Apart from winning the race, targets also include
• About: splashing water; in fact, some winners are even
o The IITC is the governing body of the declared on the amount of water splashed; this
International Tropical Timber Organisation is called 'kolu'.
(ITTO), which aims to promote sustainable
management and conservation of tropical
forests.
▪ ITTO was established under the
International Tropical Timber Agreement
(ITTA), which was sponsored by the

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 M.S.Shashank
17.17. 16th World Wushu Championship
Why in News?
• The 16th World Wushu Championships recently
concluded in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
More Details:
• It was organized by the United States of America
Wushu-Kungfu Federation (USAWKF) under the
auspices of the International Wushu Federation
(IWUF).
• Wushu is a martial art that originated in China
and encompasses various forms and styles. It's a
disciplined and highly stylized form of combat
and self-defense.
• Among the standout performers from India,
Roshibina Devi (silver) , Kushal Kumar (bronze)
and Chavi (bronze) demonstrated remarkable
skill and resilience in their respective weight
categories.
17.18. Advancing Ayurveda
Why in News?
The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda
Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush,
launched the "Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative"
(AGNI) to promote evidence-based practices and
scientific validation within Ayurveda.
More Details:
▪ AGNI serves as a platform for Ayurveda
practitioners to report innovative treatments
and experiences in various diseases.
▪ Additionally, CCRAS has previously initiated
programs like SPARK, PG-STAR, and SMART to
foster research in Ayurveda colleges and
hospitals, recognizing the need for evidence-
based research in managing contemporary
health challenges through Ayurveda
interventions.
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17.19. Uttar Pradesh Imposes Ban on
Halal Certification
Why in News?
The recent ban imposed by Uttar Pradesh Food
Safety and Drug Administration Commission on
the production, storage, distribution, and sale of
Halal certified food products within the state
under Section 30 (2) (d) of the Food Safety and
Standards Act, 2006 and powers under the Section
30 (2) (a) of the same Act.
More Details:
▪ The order contends that halal certification
creates confusion regarding the quality of food
items, labeling various products such as dairy
goods, bakery items, edible oils, and more.
▪ Section 30 (2) of the Food Safety and Standards
Act, 2006:
o (a): Restricting for the sake of public
health, the production, storage,
circulation, or vending of any food
item, within the entire State or specific
regions thereof, for a duration not
surpassing one year, as delineated in the
order announced and published in the
Official Gazette.
o (d) ensure an efficient and uniform
implementation of the standards and
other requirements as specified and also
ensure a high standard of objectivity,
accountability, practicability, transparency
and credibility.
17.20. Javier Milei Wins Argentina
Presidential Election
Why in News?
The Prime Minister of India congratulated Javier
Milei for winning Argentina’s presidential
election and emphasized diversifying and
expanding India-Argentina's strategic
partnership.
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 M.S.Shashank
More Details:
▪ India‐Argentina relations were elevated to the
level of Strategic Partnership in February 2019.
▪ India is the 4th largest trading partner of
Argentina, with bilateral trade touching a
historic peak of USD 6.4 billion in 2022, recording
a growth rate of 12% over 2021.
17.21. International Sugar Organisation
Why in News?
• India is set to take the helm as the chairman of
the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) in
2024, marking a significant milestone for the
country.
More Details:
• As the world’s largest consumer and second-
largest producer of sugar, this leadership role
reflects India’s growing influence in the global
sugar sector. The announcement came during
the 63rd council meeting of the ISO,
headquartered in London.
Focus on Sustainability
• The chairmanship for 2024 brings a unique
opportunity for India to lead the global sugar
sector towards more sustainable practices.
• The focus will be on uniting member countries to
adopt environmentally friendly approaches in
sugarcane cultivation, sugar and ethanol
production, and the efficient utilization of by-
products.
• This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to
sustainable agricultural practices and
responsible production.
17.22. ASEAN-India Millets Festival
Why in News?
• India has launched a five-day “ASEAN-India
Millets Festival” in Jakarta, Indonesia, aimed at
raising awareness about millets as a farmer-
friendly and sustainable food choice.
©AKS www.aksias.com
• Organized by the Indian Mission to ASEAN and
the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’
Welfare, the festival features a millet-centric
exhibition with participation from Millet-based
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), start-
ups, and Indian chefs.
Objectives of the Festival
1. Promoting Millets: The festival seeks to create
a market for millets and millets-based
products among the 10-member ASEAN bloc,
fostering awareness and understanding of the
benefits of millets.
2. Culinary Diversity: The event aims to celebrate
cultural and culinary diversity, showcasing
sustainable millet practices for a healthier
future.
Significance and Context
• Food Security: The festival aligns with the joint
statements adopted during the ASEAN-India
Summit, emphasizing food security. Millets are
recognized as an important element for
ensuring food security.
• Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: The
event reflects the effective collaboration
within the comprehensive strategic
partnership between ASEAN and India.
17.23. New ‘Music Frog’ Species
Discovered
Why in News?
• In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have
identified a new species of ‘music frog’ in the
lush landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh. This
finding, based on comprehensive analysis
involving morphological, molecular, and
acoustic evidence, sheds light on a previously
unrecognized member of the Nidirana genus.
Distinct Features of the Noa-Dihing Music Frog
The scientists, Bitupan Boruah, V Deepak, and
Abhijit Das, detailed their findings in an article
published in the November 15 edition of the
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 M.S.Shashank
journal Zootaxa. The newly discovered frog,
scientifically known as Nidirana noadihing,
exhibits distinct phenotypic characteristics that
set it apart from its congeners.
• Morphological Traits: The Noa-Dihing Music
Frog boasts a ‘robust’ body, with males
measuring approximately 1.8 to 2.3 inches and
females ranging from about 2.4 to 2.6 inches.
Their ’rounded’ snouts and ‘smooth’ skin,
adorned with bony protrusions on their backs,
contribute to their unique appearance.
• Coloration: These amphibians showcase a
striking color palette, featuring a ‘pale cream’
line bordered with dark brown along the
center of their bodies. Light brown limbs,
adorned with dark stripes, further enhance
their visual distinctiveness.
• Habitat: The frogs were discovered nestled
within vegetation in shallow pools of water,
with male frogs emitting loud calls. Additional
specimens were found in nearby marshy areas,
the edges of a newly constructed pond, and
along the side of a nearby road.
17.24. AAINA Dashboard for Cities
Why in News?
• Central government unveiled
groundbreaking web portal that is set to
become a permanent repository for various
data concerning Indian cities. Named the
‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities,’ this initiative, led
by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs
Ministry, aims to establish a comprehensive
database of key performance metrics for
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Inclusive Participation
• One of the key features of this initiative is its
inclusivity. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from
across the country are encouraged to actively
participate by voluntarily submitting their
essential data through a user-friendly, data-
entry form on the portal. This collective effort
will contribute to the richness and accuracy of
the data available.
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Five Pillars of Data
• The AAINA Dashboard for Cities will organize
the data submitted by ULBs into five broad
pillars, making it easier to assess and analyze.
These pillars encompass political and
administrative structure, finance, planning,
citizen-centric governance, and the delivery of
basic services. This comprehensive approach
ensures that all critical aspects of urban
development are covered.
17.25. Vice-Chair of UN Panel of External
Auditors
Why in News?
▪ Girish Chandra Murmu, the current Comptroller
and Auditor General (CAG) of India, has been
appointed as the Vice-Chair of the United
Nations Panel of External Auditors for the year
2024, marking a significant milestone in India's
involvement in global audit governance.
More Details:
▪ This position was conferred during the sixty-
third session of the Panel of External Auditors
held at the United Nations headquarters in New
York.
▪ The Panel of External Auditors, composed of
a
Heads of 12 Supreme Audit Institutions
(SAIs) globally, oversees the external audit of
the UN Secretariat, Funds and Programmes,
and Specialized Agencies.
o Their responsibilities encompass a wide
spectrum, ranging from financial and
performance audits to ensuring compliance
within UN entities.
▪ It includes representatives from Canada, Chile,
China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy,
Philippines, Russia, Switzerland, and the United
Kingdom.
79