3rd Week 13nov 18nov 2023

SATURN’S RINGS
Saturn’s rings will not disappear perma-

nently by 2025. Although they will become
almost invisible from Earth during that time,
it is a regular occurrence due to the thin-
ness of the rings.
13 NOV - 18 NOV 2023
WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS

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W HTSO
GI NINAI.CO
D M
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
inside GENERAL STUDIES – 4

1. Code of Conduct for Judiciary 14
2. Ethics: Being Good 15
GENERAL STUDIES – 1
Topics: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
1. Forest Conservation Amendment Act 2023: Impact CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT
on Indigenous Communities 4 1. Silent Diwali 15
2. Tamil Nadu Encouraging Women Workforce 16
GENERAL STUDIES – 2 3. Australia apologises for thalidomide tragedy 16
4. Loneliness a significant Global Health Threat 16
Topics: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution,
5. Bengaluru’s Climate Action Plan (CCAP) 17
features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure;
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of oth-
er countries. FACTS FOR PRELIMS
1. State funding of Election in India 5
Topics: Important aspects of governance, transparency and ac-
countability, e-governance applications, models, successes, lim-
GS-1
itations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & account- 1. Ao and Sümi Naga communities in Nagaland 17
ability and institutional and other measures. 2. Constantine Joseph Beschi 17
2. Analysis of Bills to Overhaul the Criminal Justice Sys- 3. PM-KISAN scheme 18
tem 7
3. Parliamentary Panel reports on the three Indian
Criminal Law bills 8
4. Ragging in India 8
4. Indian Miniature Painting 18
GS-2
1. Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023 18
2. Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 19
3. AAINA Portal 19
4. Annapurna Certificate Programme 20
GENERAL STUDIES – 3 5. NITI Aayog: SATH-E Project 20
Topics: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. 6. IPEF: Supply Chain Resilience Agreement 20
1. Women Business Correspondents for Financial In- 7. 2023 APEC Summit 20
clusion 10 8. Innovation Handshake 21
Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution and 9. CARA: India’s adoption regulation body 21
degradation, environmental impact assessment.
2. OECD Report: Towards Eliminating Plastic Pollution GS-3
by 2040 11
3. Mini Solar Grids: Solution for Ending Energy Poverty 1. Insurance Surety Bond 22
13 2. Concept of White Hole and Big Bounce 22
3. Attenborough echidna 22
2 www.insightsonindia.com
4. Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS) 23 5. Somalia 31
5. Cloud Seeding 23
6. Sovereign green bond 23
7. GPS anklets 24
8. EX-BONGOSAGAR 24
9. Four Fundamental Forces of the Universe 24
10. Saturn’s rings 24
11. India exempted from CITES RST 25

12. National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX) 26
13. Electric Battery 26
14. Green alga Picocystis Salinarum 27

15. Kill switch 27
16. GHG bulletin 27
17. Igla-S 27
18. Microfinance in India 28
19. Fractals 28
20. Greenwashing 29
MAPPING
1. Ben Gurion Canal Project 29
2. Seismic Activity in Iceland 30
3. Char Dham Highway Project (Uttarkashi district, Ut-
tarakhand) 30
4. Mount Etna 31
Leasing of State government requires prior approval

GENERAL STUDIES – 1 Forest Land of the central government to assign forest
land to any entity not owned or controlled
Topics: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. by the government
Pe r m i tte d Permitted activities have been expanded to
1. FOREST CONSERVATION Activities include check posts, fencing, bridges, zoos
and safaris under the Wild Life (Protec-
AMENDMENT ACT 2023: IMPACT tion) Act, 1972; eco-tourism facilities; and
silvicultural operations (enhancing forest
ON INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES growth), etc.
Restrictions on de-reservation or non-forest
Context:
use lifted with central government approval
The Forest Conservation Amendment Act of 2023, aimed
at addressing climate change and deforestation, raises con- Implemen- The central government is empowered to
cerns due to its potential impact on indigenous communi- tation issue “directions” to central government
ties and forest inhabitants. authorities, state governments, territories,
or recognized entities for proper Act imple-
Previously, we had already covered the FRA amendment in mentation.
September 2023 (Amended Forest (Conservation) Act im-
perils the Northeast) Some of the Benefits of the Act are:
1. Clarity on Forest Definition: Addresses ambiguity in
Key Provisions of FRA Amendment 2023: “deemed forests” and ensures clarity on FCA appli-
cation to notified and recorded forests.
Details
2. Climate Change Mitigation: Aligns with national and
About Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 international commitments, promoting afforesta-
allows for the diversion of forest land for tion, enhancing productivity, and addressing carbon
various projects, including roads, railways, neutrality.
and strategic national security projects, 3. Development Facilitation: It facilitates economic
within 100 km of India’s international bor- exploitation by removing certain forest areas from
ders. legal jurisdiction.
It amends the Forest (Conservation) Act, 4. National Security Focus: Exempts linear projects
1980. near borders, supporting infrastructure develop-
Objective To clarify and enhance the Forest (Conserva- ment crucial for national security.
tion) Act, 1980 5. Compensatory Afforestation Promotion: Encourag-
es private entities to undertake afforestation proj-
Scope Applicability to land designated as forest
ects, contributing to environmental conservation.
since 1980
6. Empowering Local Communities: Supports activities
Insertion of The Act introduces a Preamble acknowledg- like zoos and ecotourism, fostering wildlife aware-
Preamble ing India’s commitment to Net Zero Emis- ness and creating livelihood opportunities for local
sion by 2070, meeting NDC targets by 2030, communities.
and expanding forest cover to one-third of
the land. What is Community Forest Resource (CFR)?
Land under The forest law applies to areas under the CFR is common forest land protected by a community for
the Purview Forest Act, 1927, and designated after Octo- sustainable use, recognized under the Forest Rights Act
ber 25, 1980. Not applicable to forests con- (FRA) since 2008. It includes various forest categories, and
verted for non-forest use after December CFR rights allow the community to manage, conserve, and
12, 1996 formulate rules for sustainable forest use, ensuring their
Exemptions Land within 100 km of borders for national livelihoods and fostering local conservation practices.
security
Forest land along a rail line or a public road Impact of the 2023 amendment on Indigenous Communi-
maintained by the government ties:
Land up to 10 hectares, is proposed to be Impact Description
used for constructing security-related infra- Recognition of Indigenous communities may face re-
structure, afforestation etc. Rights duced recognition of traditional rights
over forest lands such as CFR
Impact on Rights The amendment eliminates the need communities, considering amendments based on feedback.
for tribal grama sabhas’ prior consent Empower local communities, especially tribal groups, in de-
for non-forest use, potentially favour- cision-making, reinforcing legal safeguards for their rights
ing private interests. and traditional knowledge.
Permission for corporate-led ecotour-
Mains Links:
ism may impact tribal livelihoods, and
Q. “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors
mass tourism could negatively affect
and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection
local cultures and traditions.
and prevention of degradation’ to the environment.” Com-
Land Use Chang- Changes in forest land use may impact ment with relevant illustrations. (UPSC 2018)
es the livelihoods and cultural practices
of indigenous groups. Prelims Links:
The amendment has had notable im- Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)
pacts in Mendha-Lekha in Maharash- 1. As per a recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act,
tra, Loyendi in Odisha, and Malakkap- of 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboo
para in Kerala among others grown in forest areas.
Community Con- Limited community consultation may 2. As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest
sultation lead to decisions affecting indigenous Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is
territories without proper representa- a minor forest produce.
tion. 3. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwell-
ers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows owner-
Economic Op- Economic projects like infrastructure
ship of minor forest produce to forest dwellers.
portunities development may bring both benefits
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
and disruptions to indigenous commu-
(a) 1 and 2 only
nities.
(b) 2 and 3 only
Environmental Indigenous communities, often stew- (c) 3 only
Stewardship ards of local ecosystems, may face (d) 1, 2 and 3
challenges in maintaining environmen- Ans: B
tal balance.
Potential Dis- Linear projects may lead to the dis-
placement placement of indigenous communities
from their ancestral lands.
GENERAL STUDIES – 2
Legal Protec- Legal safeguards for indigenous rights Topics: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution,
tions may face challenges, impacting their features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure;
ability to protect and manage forests Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of oth-
sustainably. er countries.
Other issues with the Act:

1. The amendment fails to address the growing issue
1. STATE FUNDING OF ELECTION
of human-animal conflicts in forest areas. IN INDIA
2. Forest Redefinition: The amendment contradicts
the Supreme Court’s 1996 order, potentially jeop- Context:
ardizing legal safeguards for one-fifth to one-fourth The Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, recently led a
of India’s forests. Infrastructure Impact: Exemptions Constitution Bench in reserving judgment on the electoral
for national security projects near borders may harm bonds scheme’s validity. The debate revolves around trans-
forest cover in northeastern states parency in election funding and whether elections should be
3. Federal impact: Concerns arise over forest exploita- state-funded.
tion by private entities and increased central govern-
ment power at the expense of state governments. What is State Funding of Elections?
State funding of elections refers to the financial support pro-
Conclusion: vided by the government to political parties and candidates
The way forward involves comprehensive stakeholder con- to facilitate the electoral process.
sultation. Prioritize transparency in decisions related to
forest land use, exemptions, and infrastructure projects,
fostering trust. Implement a robust periodic review mecha-
nism to assess the Act’s impact on forests, biodiversity, and
Key Objectives: 2. Indirect State This encompasses non-direct
1. Enhancing transparency and accountability. Funding funding methods, such as free
2. Reducing the influence of private and corporate do- media access, public venue access
nors. for rallies, and subsidized or free
3. Creating a fair and level playing field for political en- transportation. India regulates
tities. these methods.
4. Encouraging democratic practices within political
3. Corporate Funding Corporate donations are gov-
parties.
erned by the Companies Act of
5. Minimizing the role of black money in election cam-
2013 in India.
paigns.
4. Electoral Trusts Non-profit entities in India were
Examples: created to systematically collect
• Norway: Norway has a robust state funding system, voluntary contributions from in-
with approximately 74% of total election expenses dividuals or domestic companies.
covered by the government. Parties receive funds
based on their performance in previous elections. The Need for State Funding of Elections:
• Germany: Germany provides public funding to polit- 1. Transparency Issues: Current funding lacks transpar-
ical parties based on their performance in elections. ency, with a significant portion coming from undis-
Additionally, citizens can voluntarily contribute a closed sources, including electoral bonds that with-
percentage of their income tax to a political party hold donor details, violating transparency principles.
of their choice. a. Political parties resist transparency under
• Other countries where such a practice is prevalent the Right to Information.
are Canada, France, and Brazil 2. Corruption and Crony Capitalism: Existing funding,
involving ‘unknown donors’ like large corporations,
Various views on State financing: fosters corporate lobbying, crony capitalism, and
1. Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998): Supported state institutionalized political corruption.
funding for a fair political landscape, especially ben- 3. Fairness Concerns: Wealthier candidates and par-
efiting smaller parties. ties having access to substantial financial resources
a. Recommended state funds exclusively for create an uneven playing field
recognized national and State parties. 4. Violations of Laws and Guidelines: Non-disclosure
b. Proposed funding in the form of free facili- of funding sources contradicts guidelines from the
ties for parties and candidates. Election Commission of India (ECI), rulings of the
2. Law Commission Report (1999): Advocated state Central Information Commission (CIC), and the Su-
funding as ‘desirable’ on the condition of parties re- preme Court’s decision in the PUCL vs Union of India
fraining from external funding. case.
3. National Commission to Review the Working of the
Constitution (2000): Did not endorse state funding Challenges in the Implementation of State Funding of Elec-
but highlighted the necessity of a robust regulatory tions:
framework for political parties before considering Challenges Description
state funding. Fiscal Challenge State-sponsored electoral funding
4. 2nd ARC: Recommended partial state funding for may exacerbate the rising fiscal defi-
the purpose of reducing “illegitimate and unneces- cit, straining government finances
sary funding” of elections expenses.
Funds Diversion State-funded elections could divert
5. ECI’s Perspective on Election Funding: The Election
resources from crucial social sectors
Commission of India (ECI) asserts its inability to re-
like Health, Education, and Skill Devel-
strict candidates’ expenditures beyond state-provid-
opment
ed limits.
Operational Chal- Establishing consensus on criteria for
lenges fund distribution among political par-
Current Methods of Funding in India
ties and candidates poses a significant
1. Individual Persons Political parties can legally receive operational challenge.
donations from individuals as per
Misuse of State There’s a risk of misuse as frivolous
Section 29B of the Representation
Funding political parties might emerge solely
of the People Act (RPA).
to receive state subsidies, diverting
funds from political office and devel-
opment work.
Regulatory Hur- The Election Commission of India What is the Criminal justice system?
dles (ECI) opposes state funding, citing The criminal justice system is a set of institutions and proce-
limitations in prohibiting or check- dures established by governments to maintain social order,
ing candidates’ expenditures beyond deter and mitigate crime, and administer justice. It includes
state provisions. law enforcement, the judiciary, and correctional facilities,
working together to investigate, prosecute, adjudicate, and
Limited Benefits Intra-party democracy deficits may
penalize individuals accused of committing crimes.
limit the benefits of state funding of
elections.
Need for modernization of India’s criminal justice system
(CJS):
Suggestions for state funding:
1. National Electoral Fund: T.S. Krishnamurthy pro- Key Aspects Details
posed allowing contributions from all donors, M o d e r n i z i n g There is a need to reform the current
with funds distributed based on election results or Jurisprudence criminal justice system to bring it in
agreed-upon principles. line with contemporary legal stan-
2. Audit of Party Accounts: Venkatachaliah Commit- dards. Notably,
tee’s (2002) recommendations for strict regulatory Example: The introduction of com-
frameworks in auditing and disclosing party income munity service as a punishment in
and expenditure to curb undisclosed funding. the new bill reflects a shift towards a
3. Expenditure Caps: Enforce expenditure limits for more reformative approach.
political parties, and implement the Law Commis- Aligning with Su- There is a need to reform CJS to align
sion of India’s recommendation to cap anonymous preme Court Rul- with the Supreme Court decisions, in-
donations. ings cluding the decriminalization of adul-
tery and same-sex relations
Conclusion:
Addressing Over- There is a need to eliminate inconsis-
Implementing state funding of elections for transparency is
laps tencies and duplications with specif-
a worthy goal, contingent on devising a fair fund distribution
ic laws, e.g., the removal of IPC pro-
procedure with major political parties’ consensus. There is a
visions on weights and measures to
need for parties to function democratically and be account-
avoid overlap with the Legal Metrol-
able for public funding. Also, there is a critical requirement
ogy Act, 2009.
for complete transparency in election spending if public
funding is implemented. Updating Defini- There is a need to replace the old
tions definition in acts, to align it with
Insta Links: new modern reality e.g., the new bill
• State funding of elections updates terminology, replacing ‘un-
sound mind’ with ‘mental illness’
in line with modern medical under-
Topics: Important aspects of governance, transparency and ac- standing (Mental Healthcare Act,
countability, e-governance applications, models, successes, lim- 2017)
itations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & account- Ensuring Fairness The overarching goal is to establish
ability and institutional and other measures. and Efficiency a criminal justice system that is fair,
just, and efficient, addressing the
2. ANALYSIS OF BILLS TO OVER- evolving needs of modern society.
HAUL THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE Major Provisions of the Bills:

SYSTEM
Context:
The government has introduced three Bills to replace the
foundational laws of the criminal justice system in India—
the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure
(CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act (IEA).
Kindly refer to an article on the same topic: Analysis of Re-

cent Reforms in Indian Criminal Law
Recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Commit-
tee (PSC) on Home Affairs
1. Instead of deleting Section 377 of the IPC, the panel
recommends partially retaining Section 377 of the
IPC in a gender-neutral form
2. The panel asks to retain the offence of adultery
(Section 497 of IPC) by making it gender neutral
3. The panel recommends empowering judicial magis-
trates to impose community service as punishment
4. It recommends restricting the use of handcuffs for
economic offences
5. The panel recommends allowing online FIR (e-FIR)
only through State-specified rules
Conclusion:
Parliament must thoroughly scrutinize the bills to guaran-
tee a fair, just, and efficient criminal justice system. It should
address concerns about potential overlaps with special
laws, evaluate sentencing ranges, and fill gaps in codifying
Supreme Court directions. The debate on reformative ver-
sus punitive systems, age thresholds, and gender-related
offences should be deliberated upon for a comprehensive
For more positive aspects of the proposed criminal law re- legislative approach.
forms: Click Here
Insta Links:
For issues (updated) related to the proposed law (refer In- India’s Criminal Justice System
fographic below):
Mains Links:
Q. Comprehensive reforms are needed in the criminal jus-
tice system to ensure effective enforcement of the law,
uphold accountability, have a well-trained workforce and
speedy disposal of the cases. Comment. (250 words)
4. RAGGING IN INDIA
Context:
Recent incidents, including the death of a 17-year-old at
Jadavpur University and the brutalization of a PSG College
of Technology student in Tamil Nadu, highlight the systemic
gaps allowing this vicious cycle of Ragging to continue.
What is Ragging?
Ragging refers to the practice of subjecting new students to
humiliating or abusive behaviour as a way of initiating them
into a group or community. It can take many forms, includ-
ing physical and emotional abuse, harassment, bullying,
and even sexual assault.
3. PARLIAMENTARY PANEL RE-

PORTS ON THE THREE INDIAN
CRIMINAL LAW BILLS
Laws against ragging in India:
Measures Description
Judicial Mea- In 2001, the Supreme Court of India
sures banned ragging nationwide and mandat-
ed the creation of proctoral committees
within educational institutions for active
monitoring and addressing ragging issues.
Severe incidents are recommended to be
reported to the police.
Legal Mea- Ragging cases can be addressed under var-
sures ious provisions of the Indian Penal Code,
including Sections 339 and 340 dealing
with wrongful restraint and confinement.
Some states, such as TN, Kerala and Maha-
rashtra, have enacted specific anti-ragging
laws, providing a robust legal framework
at the state level.
UGC Mea- The University Grants Commission (UGC)
sures issued comprehensive guidelines in 2009,
requiring universities to ensure students
Data on caste discrimination in colleges: sign anti-ragging undertakings.
A parliamentary panel found rampant caste bias within Indi- The guidelines also mandate the establish-
an colleges and universities. ment of vigilant committees comprising
staff and senior students.
Previous cases: The UGC supports an anti-ragging help-
Location Case Legislation and Outcome line, available in 12 languages, and main-
TAMIL NADU Pon Na- Tamil Nadu enacted the tains a dedicated website for reporting and
varasu country’s first anti-ragging tracking ragging incidents.
legislation in 1997 based on Other Mea- The 2007 R.K. Raghavan Committee re-
this case. sures port described ragging as psychopathic
Navarasu, son of the then behaviour and recommended both its pro-
vice-chancellor of the Uni- hibition and the implementation of pre-
versity of Madras, was mur- ventive measures, influencing the UGC’s
dered during a ragging ses- 2006 guidelines.
sion. The Unny Committee’s recommendations
John David, a senior student, included a range of punishments for rag-
confessed to the crime, sur- ging, from monetary fines to imprison-
rendering to judicial custody. ment, reinforcing the seriousness of the
issue.
Navarasu was assaulted,
forced to strip, lick David’s
Gaps in Anti-Ragging System:
footwear, and violently beat-
en to death when he refused. Gaps Description
MAHARASH- Payal Tadvi Payal Tadvi, a second-year Lack of Effective Pre- State laws predominantly focus on
TRA MD student at Mumbai’s TN vention prohibiting ragging rather than
Topivala National Medical addressing its root causes and be-
College (TNMC), faced caste haviours, resulting in a failure to
discrimination and harass- prevent incidents of ragging.
ment within the campus. Poor Enforcement Despite the existence of guidelines,
She belonged to the Adivasi such as the UGC’s 2009 regulations,
Tadvi Bhil community and there is a lack of strict implementa-
was found dead in Mumbai. tion by governments and authori-
ties, contributing to unsafe campus
environments.
Insufficient Institu- Educational institutions often limit What is Financial Inclusion?

tional effort their anti-ragging efforts to formal- Financial inclusion refers to the effort to provide access to
ities, such as displaying ‘no-rag- essential financial services (e.g., banking, credit, insurance,)
ging’ notices and obtaining under- and products to individuals and communities, especially
takings, which may not effectively those traditionally underserved or excluded from the for-
deter ragging. mal banking system. The RBI’s financial inclusion (FI) index
shows financial inclusion is improving in India
To address the issue of ragging, it is imperative to strength-
en institutional accountability by ensuring educational in- Who are Business Correspondents?
stitutions actively prevent such incidents through rigorous Business Correspondents (BCs) are intermediaries appoint-
monitoring and the strict enforcement of anti-ragging pol- ed by banks and financial institutions to provide banking
icies. Creating supportive environments is crucial, with an and financial services in areas where establishing tradition-
emphasis on making teachers and hostel wardens easily al branches may be challenging or expensive. BCs act as a
approachable for students facing ragging, ensuring imme- link between banks and customers, offering services such
diate assistance for victims. Additionally, engaging multiple as opening accounts, disbursing loans, collecting payments,
stakeholders, including students, teachers, and parents, in and facilitating other financial transactions.
the anti-ragging campaign is essential, fostering a compre- • RBI launched the Banking Correspondent’s (BCs)
hensive, community-wide effort against ragging. model in 2006 to expand Financial Inclusion. E.g.,
‘Bank Sakhi’ (or female banker friend) model.
Ethical issues associated with ragging:
1. Violation of human dignity Current status of BCs (as per the report):
2. Infringement of individual rights 1. BCs operate over 95% of banking outlets in ru-
3. Promotion of unhealthy behaviour ral regions.
4. Compromise of academic standards 2. Presently Women agents comprise less than
5. The legal and moral responsibility of educational in- 10% of the BC workforce
stitutions
Ways in which Women BCs Deepen Financial Inclusion:
Solutions: Ways Description
1. Strict rules and regulations Rapport Women BCs can build a rapport with diverse
2. Awareness campaigns customer groups, promoting demand-driven
3. Counselling and support incremental revenue while advocating for
4. Orientation programs small savings schemes and social security of-
5. Monitoring and surveillance ferings.
Grievance Women BC agents, with their patience, are
Mains links: Redressal more willing to address queries and explain
Q. Why ragging in schools and colleges is considered an issue product features, contributing to a transpar-
of serious concern? Comment. (10M) ent and comprehensible financial system.
Encourage Female customers are more open to sharing
Other Fe- their family’s financial issues and needs with
GENERAL STUDIES – 3 males female BC agents, fostering a better under-
standing of product offerings.
Topics: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Women customers find women agents easier
to approach, trustworthy, and great at main-
1. WOMEN BUSINESS CORRE- taining confidentiality
Perfor- Female BC agents demonstrate similar or
SPONDENTS FOR FINANCIAL IN- mance higher business performance and are more
CLUSION likely to serve customers in remote areas, the
elderly, and other underserved sections of
Context: the population.
The State Bank of India’s economic research department Reports show that increasing women’s in-
suggests that increasing the number of women business volvement in Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yo-
correspondents (BC) by implementing a 33% reservation jana improved the financial status of female
could significantly impact India’s socio-economic fabric. borrowers.
Challenges with Women BCs: Mains Links:
Challenges Description Q. Is inclusive growth possible under a market economy?
State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving eco-
Lack of Finan- Many WBCs face difficulties in access-
nomic growth in India. (UPSC 2022)
cial Inclusion ing financial services and credit due to
their lower socio-economic status and
Q. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary
lack of collateral.
for bringing the unbanked to the institutional finance fold.
Digital Illiteracy A large number of WBCs lack familiarity Do you agree with this for the financial inclusion of the
with digital technology and the neces- poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to
sary skills to use digital financial services justify your opinion. (UPSC 2016)
effectively.
Minimum Edu- Minimum qualification is a hurdle for Prelims Links
cational Qualifi- onboarding female BCs. The current Q. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at (UPSC 2016)
cation for BCs certification requires a 10th pass, but (a) bringing small entrepreneurs into the formal financial system
some banks set a higher requirement of (b) providing loans to poor farm-
a 12th pass. ers for cultivating particular crops
Societal Atti- WBCs often encounter societal attitudes (c) providing pensions to old and destitute persons
tudes that view women as homemakers rath- (d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the pro-
er than entrepreneurs, limiting their motion of skill development and employment generation
opportunities for business growth. Ans: A
Lack of Support WBCs often lack support from govern-
Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution and
ment and financial institutions, making degradation, environmental impact assessment.
it challenging for them to access the re-
sources needed for business growth.
Safety Concerns Operating in rural areas with a high risk 2. OECD REPORT: TOWARDS
of violence and crime, WBCs face safe-
ty concerns that limit their mobility and
ELIMINATING PLASTIC POLLU-
put them in danger during transactions. TION BY 2040
Government Initiatives: Context:
1. One Gram Panchayat One BC Sakhi: It aims to de- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Devel-
ploy one BC Sakhi in every Gram Panchayat by 2023- opment (OECD) released an interim report (titled “Towards
24 (it is an initiative by the Ministry of Rural Devel- Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040: A Policy Scenario Anal-
opment) ysis”) revealing that 21 million tonnes of plastics leak into
2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. the environment globally in 2022.
3. Digital Identity (Aadhaar). o The report was presented in the 3rd session
4. National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE). of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Com-
5. Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL) Project. mittee on Plastic Pollution, which aims to
establish an international binding agree-
Way Forward: ment on plastic pollution.
1. The present SBI report asks to set 33% reservation o The full report with more detailed analysis
in BCs for women. and policy guidance is expected in the first
2. Reduce entry barriers with equipment, rental sup- half of 2024
port, and initial stipends.
3. Address mobility issues and offer flexible hours. The key findings of the report:
4. Creating a Supportive Environment Under the climate policies in place as of 2021 (taken as a
5. Establish women-agent communities baseline), there would be a 50% increase in leakage of (mac-
6. Implement financial literacy programs. ro)plastics to the environment by 2040.
7. Offer small loans, micro insurance, and low-balance Early, stringent, and coordinated policy action globally (cost-
savings accounts. ing just 0.5% of global GDP) could cut plastic waste genera-
8. Address gender-based barriers to financial services. tion in 2040 by a quarter below the baseline.
Insta Links: Detrimental Consequences of Continued Plastic Use and

• PM Mudra Yojana completes 8 years Waste Volumes:
Consequenc- Examples
es
1. Environ- Accumulation of plastic in oceans, harming
mental Im- marine life.
pact Disruption of ecosystems due to plastic
pollution.
2. Climate Greenhouse gas emissions from plastic
Impact production.
Energy-intensive processes for plastic recy-
cling.
3. Health Im- Microplastics enter the food chain (bioac-
pact cumulation) and affect human health.
Respiratory issues due to the burning of
plastic waste.
4. Economic Costs associated with cleaning up plastic
Impact pollution.
Loss of tourism revenue in areas affected
by plastic debris.
5. Wildlife Ingestion of plastic by animals, leads to fa-
Impact talities. Initiatives Taken to tackle microplastics:
Entanglement of wildlife in plastic debris. • Global Initiatives:
6. Resource Depletion of fossil fuels for plastic produc- 1. Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML)
Depletion tion. 2. GloLitter Partnerships Project
3. London Convention, 1972
train on natural resources for raw materi-
• India-Specific Initiatives:
als.
1. Elimination of single-use plastic
2. Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
Recommendations proposed in the Report:
3. Un-Plastic Collective
Recommen- Description 4. Kerala: Beat Plastic Pollution Initiative
dations
1. Curb Pro- Implement targeted taxes and regula- How are other countries dealing with single-use plastic?
duction and tions on avoidable plastics e.g., India’s ban 1. Consensus on SUP in UN: This year, 124 countries,
Demand on Single-Use plastics in 2022 parties to the United Nations Environment Assem-
Restrict production and demand to sus- bly, including India, signed a resolution to draw up
tainable levels e.g., using alternatives of an agreement which will in the future make it legally
plastics; adopting the LiFE approach of In- binding for the signatories to address the full life of
dia plastics from production to disposal, to end plastic
pollution.
2. Design for Improve the plastic production process
2. 68 countries have plastic bag bans with varying de-
Circularity through eco-design criteria.
grees of enforcement
Establish product standards that promote 3. Bangladesh: Bangladesh became the first country
reuse to ban thin plastic bags in 2002.
3. Enhance Strengthen material loops by improving 4. China: China issued a ban on plastic bags in 2020
Recycling separate collection, sorting, and recycling with a phased implementation.
of plastic waste 5. EU: EU bans certain single-use plastics for which al-
Implement measures like extended pro- ternatives are available.
ducer responsibility
Insta Links:
4. Close Leak- Decrease environmental losses by imple-
• Substitute for single-use plastics
age Pathways menting effective waste collection and dis-
• NATURE AND YOU- SINGLE-USE PLASTIC
posal methods.
Mains Link:
For Single Use plastic: Click Here
Q. What is single-use plastic and what are the concerns as-
sociated with it? How can it be successfully phased out in
the country? (15M) served communities.
• World Bank is aiming to fund a thousand mini-grids,
to bring electricity to 75% of the 675 million global-
Prelims Link: ly without it
Q. Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key
component in the manufacture of which of the following Examples of functional Mini-Grids:
kinds of plastics? (UPSC 2021) Country Description
(a) Low-density polyethylene
Nigeria 20,000 mini-grids installed to date
(b) Polycarbonate
(c) Polyethylene terephthalate Cambodia Diesel-powered mini-grids integrated into
(d) Polyvinyl chloride the national grid. Serving over 1 million con-
sumers.
Answer: B India Around 700 solar mini-grids are operated by
BPA stands for bisphenol A, an industrial chemical that has private companies, mainly in UP, Bihar, and
been used to make certain plastics and resins since the Jharkhand. State regulations support pri-
1950s. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy res- vate-sector mini-grid setups.
ins. Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that
store food and beverages, such as water bottles. Significances of Mini Grids:
Significances Details
Q. Triclosan considered harmful when exposed to high lev-
Economic and Solar mini-grids provide a cost-effec-
els for a long time, is most likely present in which of the
Environmental tive, sustainable alternative to diesel
following? (UPSC 2021)
Benefits generators.
(a) Food preservatives
(b) Fruit-ripening substances Reduce reliance on fossil fuels, promot-
(c) Reused plastic containers ing renewable energy
(d) Toiletries Decentralized Crucial in climate-vulnerable regions
Energy Systems without centralised grid infrastructure.
Answer: D Scalability: Solar mini-grids can flexi-
Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent present in bly scale based on community energy
some consumer products, including toothpaste, soaps, de- needs, providing adaptable energy ac-
tergents, toiletries toys, and surgical cleaning treatments cess solutions.
D eve l o p m e nt Facilitate various rural development
Accelerators services beyond electricity provision
3. MINI SOLAR GRIDS: SOLUTION Enhance the quality of life and econom-
ic opportunities in rural areas
FOR ENDING ENERGY POVERTY Services include mobile telephony, irri-
Context: gation, agro-processing, e-mobility
The article discusses the private sector-led revolution in Affordability Highly competitive at $24/MWh, lower
clean energy mini-grids, aiming to lift 500 million people out than both coal and natural gas.
of energy poverty. Solar power deployment is economical-
ly viable, supported by measures like
What is Energy Poverty and Mini Solar Grids? Feed-in Tariffs and battery cost reduc-
Energy poverty refers to the lack of access to modern en- tion.
ergy services, including electricity and clean cooking facili- 100% Electrifi- The government’s Saubhagya initiative
ties. Around 9% of the global population still lacks access to cation in India declared 100% electrification of all ‘will-
electricity, with Sub-Saharan Africa and rural areas being the (Saubhagya) ing’ households in March 2019.
most affected.
Sustainability Solar energy is clean, and renewable,
Mini solar grids are decentralized energy systems that use
and aids in lowering greenhouse gas
solar power to generate electricity on a smaller scale (a few
emissions and combating climate
kilowatts up to 10 megawatts). These grids are often em-
change.
ployed in rural and off-grid areas, providing a sustainable
and cost-effective solution to address energy poverty.
Challenges in Utilizing the Full Potential of Solar Energy:
• They are characterized by their ability to operate
• Insufficient Global Solar Investments: Solar is
independently or in conjunction with centralized
cost-effective and beneficial, but global investments
grids, offering reliable and clean power to under-
are only 10% of what’s needed for net-zero emis-
sions. arrangements received by some of its jurists. While federal
• Disparity in Investment Distribution: Developing judges in lower courts have had an ethical code since 1973,
countries, with over 50% of the population, received this marks the first time the Supreme Court has established
only 15% of renewable energy investments in 2022. its own set of rules. Recent opinion surveys indicate that
public trust in the Supreme Court is near an all-time low.
Government Schemes:
1. International Solar Alliance What is a Code of Conduct?
2. National Solar Mission A code of conduct is a set of rules outlining the norms, rules,
3. Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan and responsibilities or proper practices of an individual party
(PM-KUSUM) or an organization. It can be voluntary or non-voluntary.
4. One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)
5. Solar Park Scheme Major Points of the US Supreme Court Code of Conduct
6. Rooftop Solar Scheme Section Key Points
Basis of Ethi- Justices have traditionally followed un-
Way forward:
cal Rules written ethical rules, but the absence of
Key Points Implementation Approaches explicit rules led to misunderstandings. The
1. Policy and Develop supportive policies for ac- code outlines rules and principles for jus-
Regulation cess-deficit nations. tices to follow.
Encourage private-sector involvement in Four Main The code is divided into four main sections,
energy projects. Sections addressing how justices should behave,
2. Integration Integrate solar cooking with electrifica- perform their duties, and conduct them-
and Incentives tion efforts. selves in non-judicial and financial activi-
ties.
Provide incentives, and subsidies, and
explore financing models like green S p e a k i n g Justices are advised to consider whether
bonds. at Outside speaking at an outside event would create
Events an appearance of impropriety in the minds
3. Hybrid Solu- Enhance reliability and reduce costs by
of reasonable members of the public.
tions combining solar with wind or biomass.
D i s q u a l i f i - The code sets out circumstances under
4. Diverse En- Emphasize a balanced energy mix with
cation from which justices should disqualify them-
ergy Mix centralized and distributed renewable
Cases selves from participating in a case. This
sources.
includes instances where a justice has bias
5. Financial Implement guarantees and innovative fi- or prejudices or a financial interest affect-
Support nancing to attract private investment. ed by the case’s outcome.
6. Internation- Support initiatives like ISA’s Global Solar
al Collabora- Facility for investments in underserved Criticisms of Code:
tion regions. • The code contains no enforcement mechanism, and
justices will have to voluntarily adhere to its “rules
Insta Links: and principles.”
• SOLAR ENERGY • Rules are a “half-measure” without a means of en-
suring compliance.
Recently, there have been calls for the US Congress to pass
GENERAL STUDIES – 4 legislation establishing binding ethical guidelines for the
Supreme Court.
1. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR JUDI- Issue of Ethics in Indian Judiciary:

1. YouTuber Savukku Shankar was sentenced to six
CIARY months in prison in 2022 by the Madurai bench of
the Madras High Court when he accused Justice
Context: GR Swaminathan of being influenced in a case and
The US Supreme Court has released its first-ever code of made general allegations of corruption in the higher
conduct, comprising nine pages of ethics rules for its justices. judiciary.
2. In 2018, four senior-most judges of the Supreme
Recent Controversy in the US Justice System: Court held a press conference and raised a banner
The need for a code of conduct move comes as the court fac- of revolt against the then Chief Justice of India (CJI)
es increased scrutiny over recent reports of gifts and holiday 3. Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi was
nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2020. The bench Martin Luther “Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
headed by him delivered crucial judgments in cases King Jr. only light can do that”
like Ayodhya, Sabarimala, and Rafale
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love
can do that”
Solution:
• Implement Bangalore principles of judicial conduct Socrates “It is better to suffer an injustice than
(2002): Key points include maintaining indepen- to commit an
dence from improper influences, avoiding conflicts injustice.”
of interest, and upholding the rule of law.
• “Uncle Judges Syndrome”: The Law Commission Ethicist view: We all wish to value our profile and money
of India, in its 230th Report, addresses the issue of during the course of life. The value of goodness somewhere
“Uncle Judges,” stating that individuals with family takes the back seat. However, the moment we see ourselves
members practising in a High Court should not be or our dearest ones facing the world, we expect the whole
appointed as judges in that same High Court. lot to Being Good. A good police officer at the police station,
a good doctor at the hospital, a good principal at school, a
good fellow passenger, a good shopkeeper, and so on. We
2. ETHICS: BEING GOOD expect everyone to first believe and behave as a good hu-
man being
Meaning of Being Good?
Being good encompasses acting in a morally upright and Does the definition of goodness change with time?
positive manner, considering the well-being of oneself and Yes, the definition of goodness can change with time. For
others. It involves ethical conduct, kindness, and a sense of instance, societal views on issues like equality, diversity,
responsibility toward the community. and environmental responsibility may evolve, influencing
what is considered morally good in different eras.
Example: When you consistently help your elderly neigh- However, few ‘goodness’ remains constant across time, as
bours with grocery shopping, take time to listen to others, fundamental moral principles endure. For example, virtues
and contribute to community initiatives. like honesty, kindness, and compassion are universally re-
garded as good traits, maintaining their ethical significance
Challenges of maintaining goodness in a world marked by throughout history.
war, violence, and varying definitions of goodness:
Conclusion:
The prevalence of conflict and diverse interpretations of Civil servants, through ethical conduct and a commitment
what is ‘morally right’ can create a moral quagmire. Individ- to public service, can bring about meaningful change. A
uals may face pressures to conform to societal norms, po- dedicated civil servant implements community develop-
tentially compromising their ethical values. ment programs to uplift marginalized populations. By ensur-
ing fair access to education, healthcare, and employment
Example: In the current conflict-ridden Gaza Strip area, an opportunities, the civil servant positively transforms the
individual/organization is dedicated to providing humani- lives of individuals, contributing to the overall well-being of
tarian aid to all affected communities. However, they face the community.
challenges as various groups have contrasting definitions of
goodness, often rooted in deep-seated historical, religious, Try to answer this question:
or political differences. Q. In your opinion becoming good is more important or be-
coming powerful?
Views of famous Philosophers:
Philosopher Quotes About Being Good
Confucius “Do not do to others what you do not CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT
want done to yourself.”
Buddha “Do good, and leave behind you a mon-
ument of virtue that the storms of time
can never destroy. Write your name in
1. SILENT DIWALI
kindness, love, and mercy.”
Context: Seven villages in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu,
Mahatma Gand- “You must be the change you want to celebrated Diwali without firecrackers to protect the avian
hi see in the world” population at a nearby bird sanctuary.
Vivekananda “Do good, be good.”
Over 900 families committed to a quieter celebration during
the breeding season, recognizing the sensitivity of the peri-
od. For 22 years, these communities have opted for a con-
3. AUSTRALIA APOLOGISES FOR
servation-minded approach to Diwali, limiting festivities to THALIDOMIDE TRAGEDY
sparklers and new clothes for children.
Context:
Values shown by villagers are Environmental Ethics, Com- The Australian government has announced a formal apol-
munity Harmony, Sustainability, Peaceful Coexistence, etc. ogy to individuals impacted by the thalidomide tragedy, a
drug prescribed for morning sickness during the 1950s and
1960s that led to severe birth defects.
2. TAMIL NADU ENCOURAGING
WOMEN WORKFORCE What happened?
Thalidomide is a sedative drug prescribed to pregnant wom-
Context: en in order to relieve pregnancy nausea in the 1950s. It was
Tamil Nadu is a significant contributor to India’s manufactur- later found to cause malformation of limbs, facial features
ing sector, with 43% of the country’s women workforce in and internal organs in unborn children.
manufacturing employed in the state.
Notably, it was not tested on pregnant women before ap-
Private Initiatives: proval, resulting in global medical reforms.
Initiative Description
Over 10,000 children worldwide suffered birth defects, and
Titan’s Compre- Titan Company Limited provided com- approximately 40% did not survive beyond a year.
hensive Training prehensive training to women workers,
including essential life skills, menstrual Usage: The Australian government’s apology for the thalid-
hygiene, and safety. omide tragedy reflects ethical values such as accountability,
Ola’s Future Fac- Ola’s Future Factory deliberately hired empathy, and recognition of past failures. Also, the tragedy
tory Diversity women, emphasizing their productivi- demonstrates the need for strictly enforced regulation of
ty and quality of work, breaking gen- drug testing, marketing, dispensing, and use.
der norms in manufacturing.
Ola implements internal complaint
committees to address concerns, con-
4. LONELINESS A SIGNIFICANT
tributing to a safe and inclusive working GLOBAL HEALTH THREAT
environment.
Ashok Leyland’s Ashok Leyland established its first Context:
All-Women Line all-women production line, empower- The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneli-
ing 80 skilled women to assemble en- ness a significant global health threat, highlighting its mor-
gines and address the growing demand. tality impact equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Tamil Nadu’s success in fostering women’s employment is What is Loneliness?

attributed to factors like: It is a state of feeling emotionally isolated or lacking mean-
1. Competitive wages ingful connections with others, leading to a sense of soli-
2. Well-formulated policies such as free and safe trans- tude and social disconnection.
port, internal complaints committees, and maternity
leave Issues Caused by Loneliness:
3. Well-networked urban infrastructure Issues Examples
4. Good education facilities Mental Health Depression, anxiety, increased stress
5. Provision of crèches Challenges levels
6. Access to healthcare
Physical Health The WHO highlights increased risks of
Impact dementia and cardiovascular diseases
Despite progress, challenges remain, including the need for
in lonely older adults, with 5-15% of ad-
greater acceptance of women in leadership roles and con-
olescents experiencing loneliness.
tinuous efforts to ensure equal treatment and protection
against discrimination. Cognitive De- Increased risk of dementia in older
cline adults
Usage: The examples can be used in Economy/ Women re- Social Isolation Limited social interactions, feeling ex-
lated Qn/ Ethics (Gender inclusivity) / Essay cluded
Impact on Ado- Higher likelihood of dropping out of Usage: The example can be used in Disaster Management
lescents school Qn
Economic Con- Poorer job satisfaction, performance at
sequences work FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Negative Impact Overall reduced quality of life
on Well-being GS-1
Solution:
1. Recognize loneliness as a pressing health concern, 1. AO AND SÜMI NAGA COMMU-
and prioritize social connections
2. WHO has launched an international commission,
NITIES IN NAGALAND
led by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Afri- Context:
can Union youth envoy Ao and Sümi Naga communities in Nagaland follow practices
3. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Direc- passed down through generations, preserving seeds from
tor-General, emphasizes the need to establish social successful harvests for successive cycles.
connection as a global health priority. • Traditionally agrarian, the Ao and Sümi Naga com-
4. Tech-Based Solutions for Social Connection: Virtu- munities practise jhum or shifting cultivation
al platforms, such as online communities and social
apps, foster connections among individuals world- About Ao Naga Community:
wide. The Aos, a major Naga ethnic group in Nagaland’s Mokok-
Usage: The example can be quoted in Indian Society/ Mental chung District, refer to themselves as Aoer, meaning “those
Health/ Essay Question who came” from across the Dikhu River. They were the first
Nagas to embrace Christianity, incorporating Western edu-
5. BENGALURU’S CLIMATE AC- cation. The Moatsü Festival is observed in early May after
sowing, and the Tsüngremong Festival, the community’s
TION PLAN (CCAP) largest, is celebrated right after the harvest.
Context: About Sumis:

Bengaluru launched its Climate Action Plan (CCAP) in line The Sümis are a major Naga ethnic group inhabiting the ter-
with C40 Cities’ commitment to tackle climate change. ritories of Zünheboto District, parts of Niuland District and
• Implementation Agency: Bruhat Bengaluru Mah- Kiphire District in the Northeast Indian state of Nagaland.
anagara Palike (BBMP) They are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (STs). The ances-
tral religion of the Sümis was the worship of nature. Sümis
About the objectives: are 99% Christians. Very few of them still practice animism.
1. 269 actions were outlined to mitigate climate Tülüni (July 8) is a festival of great significance for the Sümis.
change impacts in areas such as including urban
heat, flooding, droughts, thunderstorms, lightning,
and air pollution
2. Bengaluru commits to carbon emission reduction 2. CONSTANTINE JOSEPH BESCHI
by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050
3. The BBMP has engaged the World Resources Insti- Context:
tute (WRI) as a global consultant to formulate the Constantine Joseph Beschi, an Italian Jesuit missionary
CCAP for 2050 known as Veeramamunivar, maintained a close friendship
with Chanda Sahib, the Nawab of the Carnatic, and served
What is CCAP? as his Dewan.
It is a part of global efforts to identify and implement cli- • The Nawab gifted Veeramamunivar four villages and
mate actions, addressing vulnerabilities like urban flooding conferred upon him the surname Ismattee Sannyasi.
and pollution.
Who was Chanda Sahib?
What is C40? Chanda Sahib (died 1752) was a subject of the Mughal
It is a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s Empire and the Nawab of the Carnatic between 1749 and
leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate 1752. Initially, he was supported by the French during the
crisis. 6 Indian Cities namely Delhi NCT, Mumbai, Chennai, 2nd Carnatic Wars. After his defeat at Arcot in 1751, he was
Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad are parties to it captured by the Marathas of Thanjavur and executed.
What is the Second Carnatic War (1749-1754)? fighter museums across India on Independence Day 2016.
It conflict arose from a succession dispute in the south after
the death of the Nizam of Hyderabad.
4. INDIAN MINIATURE PAINTING
Context:
The art historian B N Goswamy gained prominence with his
ground-breaking 1968 article, revealing family lineages of
artists crucial to the development of miniature painting.
What was Goswamy’s contribution?

His contribution lies in revealing that painting styles were
family-dependent rather than region-dependent. He recon-
structed family networks of renowned artists, such as Pandit
Seu and his sons Nainsukh and Manaku.
About Miniature Paintings:

Chanda Sahib, backed by the French, besieged Tiruchirap-
palli but faced defeat at the hands of English forces. His son
was defeated and killed at Arcot, leading to Chanda Sahib’s
capture by the Marathas and subsequent beheading. Mu-
hammed Ali was installed as the Nawab of Arcot by the En-
glish in 1754. The Treaty of Pondicherry led to the cessation
of the conflict.
3. PM-KISAN SCHEME
Context:
Prime Minister will release the 15th instalment of the PM-KI-
SAN scheme on November 15, celebrated as ‘Janjatiya
Gaurav Diwas’ (Tribal Pride Day), at Birsa College, Khunti,
Jharkhand.
GS-2
1. DIGITAL ADVERTISEMENT POL-

ICY, 2023
Context:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has sanc-
tioned the “Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023,” which aims
to expand the government’s outreach through digital me-
dia channels.
About Tribal Pride Day
Tribal Pride Day is observed on November 15, coinciding
Key Highlights:
with Jharkhand’s foundation day. The day commemorates
• Digital Penetration and Media Shift: With increas-
Birsa Munda, born on November 15, 1875, a valiant leader ing internet users and telecom subscribers, the
in the movement against British repression. The central gov- policy responds to the shift in media consumption
ernment approved the establishment of 10 tribal freedom towards digital platforms.
• Government Outreach: The policy enables the Cen-
tral Bureau of Communication (CBC) to employ dig-
3. AAINA PORTAL
ital advertising for government initiatives, using
digital media’s wide reach to efficiently convey cit- Context:
izen-centric messages. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has
• Expansion Across Various Platforms: CBC will lever- launched the ‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal (www.aa-
age digital audio platforms, Over-the-Top (OTT) ina.gov.in).
services, video on demand, mobile apps, and social
media for government advertising. What is the ‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’?
• Transparency and Efficiency: The policy introduces It is a portal that enables Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to vol-
competitive bidding for rate discovery, ensuring untarily submit key data, including audited accounts and
fair pricing and efficiency.
• Enhanced Digital Outreach: Aligning with the cur- performance metrics, on five thematic areas.
rent social media presence of various government 1. Political & Administrative Structure
departments, this policy amplifies the outreach of 2. Finance
government schemes and initiatives through CBC’s 3. Planning
extensive advertisement dissemination. 4. Citizen-Centric Governance
• Adaptability and Stakeholder Engagement: The pol- 5. Delivery of Basic Services.
icy acknowledges the dynamic nature of the digital
landscape and incorporates provisions to embrace
new technologies and platforms
About Central Bureau of Communication:

The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) is a unit of the
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The CBC pro-
vides communication solutions to Ministries, Departments,
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous bod-
ies. The CBC was set up on December 8, 2017 by integrating
the following departments:
• Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP)
• Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP)
• Song & Drama Division (S&DD)
2. BROADCASTING SERVICES
(REGULATION) BILL, 2023 The Ministry, through the Digital India Corporation (DIC),
will offer support to ULBs and states during the data submis-
Context:
sion process.
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in In-
dia has proposed the Broadcasting Services (Regulation)
Aim of the portal:
Bill, 2023, to replace the Cable Television Networks (Regu-
The portal promotes healthy competition, inspires improve-
lation) Act of 1995.
• The existing legislation is deemed outdated as it ment, and facilitates peer learning among ULBs. The dash-
predates the significant technological changes in board for cities does not rank Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
the broadcasting sector, including the rise of digital Instead, it functions as a tool for comparing cities in similar
platforms such as DTH, IPTV, OTT, and integrated positions and fostering learning among them.
models.
• The draft bill aims to provide a consolidated and About ULBs:
modernized framework for regulating broadcasting Urban Local Bodies, are constitutional bodies recognized
services, covering traditional and digital content. by the 74th Constitution Amendment Act of 1992 in India.
Key highlights include the introduction of Content Evalua- Categorized based on population size, ULBs include Nagar
tion Committees, a Broadcast Advisory Council for self-reg- Panchayats for ‘rurban’ areas, Municipal Councils for small-
ulation, differentiated program and advertisement codes, er urban areas, and Municipal Corporations for metropoli-
accessibility measures for persons with disabilities, and tan areas. Term: 5 years (re-election is scheduled within six
statutory penalties linked to the financial capacity of en- months of completion of term)
tities.
4. ANNAPURNA CERTIFICATE member nations.
PROGRAMME What is a supply chain?

A supply chain is a network of organizations, people, ac-
Context: tivities, information, and resources involved in the creation
The Annapurna Certificate Programme, an initiative by the and delivery of a product or service from the supplier to the
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), has recognized customer.
six Indian restaurants worldwide for promoting Indian culi-
nary traditions. This annual program acknowledges restau- Supply chain resilience refers to the capacity of a supply
rants contributing to India’s cultural cause through cuisine chain to adapt, recover, and withstand disruptions, ensur-
on a global scale. ing continuity and stability in the face of challenges such as
natural disasters, economic fluctuations, or other unfore-
About ICCR seen events.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (founded 1950; HQ:
New Delhi; founder: Maulana Azad), is an autonomous or- Aim of the Agreement:
ganisation of the Government of India, involved in India’s The agreement (pillar II of IPEF) among IPEF members aims
global cultural relations, through cultural exchange with oth- to fortify global supply chains and enhance adaptability,
er countries and their people. stability, and sustainability. It becomes effective after im-
plementation by any of the five member countries, with
monitoring and implementation overseen by the IPEF Sup-
5. NITI AAYOG: SATH-E PROJECT ply Chain Council.
Context: About IPEF:

NITI Aayog has released a report on the Sustainable Action
for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH-E)
7. 2023 APEC SUMMIT

Context:
U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in
their first summit in a year, agreed to restore military com-
munications between the two countries.
• India is not a member of APEC but is attending the sum-
6. IPEF: SUPPLY CHAIN RESIL- mit.
IENCE AGREEMENT Issues Discussed:

The leaders discussed issues such as the production of fen-
Context: tanyl, Taiwan, AI talks, and climate change cooperation.
India, the US, and 12 other members of the Indo-Pacific Eco- While the talks were deemed constructive, differences in
nomic Framework (IPEF) have signed a supply chain resil- Taiwan persisted, with Xi urging the U.S. to stop arming the
ience agreement, aiming to reduce dependence on China island.
and enhance the manufacturing of essential goods within
About APEC CARA Over- CARA is India’s adoption regulation body,
view overseeing the adoption of orphaned, sur-
rendered, and abandoned children.
CARA monitors and regulates various
adoption-related bodies, facilitating a
seamless adoption process involving reg-
istration, home study reports, referrals,
court petitions, and post-adoption fol-
low-ups.
Inter-Coun- CARA is a signatory to the 1993 Hague
try Adop- Convention, facilitating inter-country
tions adoptions to find suitable families for chil-
dren beyond their state of origin. India rat-
ified the convention in 2003.
Laws Gov- Adoption in India is governed by the Hindu
erning Adop- Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 (for
tion specific religions) and the Juvenile Jus-
tice (Care and Protection of Children) Act,
2015. CARA plays a role in the latter.
Evolution of CARA’s powers expanded with changes in
CARA’s Func- juvenile justice laws. The 2015 Juvenile
8. INNOVATION HANDSHAKE tions Justice Act empowered CARA to streamline
adoption processes, introducing an e-gov-
Context: ernance system (CARINGS) and enhancing
India and the United States have officially launched the “In- transparency.
novation Handshake” agenda, a collaborative effort aimed
R e c e n t The 2022 amendment to the Juvenile Jus-
at deepening bilateral ties in technology.
A m e n d - tice Act decentralized responsibilities, au-
• The “Innovation Handshake” signals a commitment
to strengthen the start-up ecosystem and promote ments (2022) thorizing local District Magistrates to issue
cooperation in Critical and Emerging Technologies. adoption orders for speedy disposal.
• The concept, developed under the US-India Com- C h a l l e n g - Challenges include declining adoption
mercial Dialogue, aims to connect dynamic start- es Faced by figures, infrastructural deficiencies, poor
up ecosystems, address regulatory hurdles, and CARA functioning of agencies, lack of awareness,
promote innovation and job growth, especially in
and procedural issues, hindering children
emerging technologies.
from entering safety nets.
The initiative focuses on priority sectors identified under
the US-India Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology It faced criticism during the recent same-
(iCET). The goal is to foster a tech partnership and open up sex marriage verdict for restricting queer
opportunities for collaboration while addressing challenges and unmarried couples from adopting.
in these sectors. Procedural challenges include identifica-
tion failures, confusion due to complex
9. CARA: INDIA’S ADOPTION REG- laws, and a bureaucratic system.
ULATION BODY Critics express concerns about the dehu-
Context: manization of the adoption process.
The Supreme Court has recently questioned the significant Current laws, such as the Hindu Adoption
delay in India’s adoption processes. Approximately 30,000 and Maintenance Act and the Juvenile Jus-
prospective parents wait for an average of three years, with tice Act, are criticized for not adequately
only 10% of orphaned children adopted annually. protecting children’s interests.
Description P r o p o s e d Suggestions include a child-centric, op-
About CARA Central Adoption Resource Authority Solutions tional, enabling, and gender-just special
(CARA) is a statutory body of the Ministry adoption law.
of Women & Child Development. It was es-
tablished under Juvenile Justice Act, 2015,
but was founded in 1990. It is a nodal
body for the adoption of Indian children.
GS-3 2. CONCEPT OF WHITE HOLE AND

BIG BOUNCE
1. INSURANCE SURETY BOND
Context:
Context: Carlo Rovelli, an Italian physicist and author of popular-sci-
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has em- ence books, explores the concept of white holes in his latest
braced an innovative approach, accepting an Insurance work, “White Holes: Inside the Horizon.”
Surety Bond in place of a Bank Guarantee for the Toll Op- • These are considered the opposite of black holes
erate Transfer (TOT), marking the first such use in the road and might generate new universes, a theoretical
infrastructure sector. idea supported by the math
• This move aims to boost liquidity, encourage pri- White Holes vs. Black Holes: White holes are akin to a movie
vate participation in highway development, and running in reverse. Matter falling into a black hole, according
promote the ‘Ease of Doing Business’. to Rovelli, bounces back in the form of a white hole, predict-
• The Insurance Surety Bonds, facilitated by NHAI in ed by quantum mechanics, and alters our understanding of
partnership with insurance companies, serve as a space and time
financial guarantee, underlining their significance • Quantum Bounce Theory: Black holes potentially
in evolving the road infrastructure landscape. transition to white holes via a bounce. This theo-
• This approach has received substantial traction, ry suggests the possibility of a universe emerging
with over 40 such bonds issued for various NHAI from a white hole, creating something similar to the
contracts, signalling the potential for wider adop- Big Bang, implying we might be products of a “big
tion. bounce.”
• The Ministry of Finance, Government of India has • Concept of Time: Rovelli suggests that time isn’t
recognized e-BGs and Insurance Surety Bonds at uniform, as discovered through relativistic effects,
par with Bank Guarantees, consolidating their role where it passes differently for different observers.
in government procurements It’s a product of space-time, influenced by gravity
and subject to quantum granular aspects.
About Surety Bonds: • Space-Time and Quantum Effects: The combination
A surety bond is a legally binding contract that is a unique of quantum mechanics and gravity indicates that
type of insurance. It is a three-party agreement that guaran- space-time might have granular aspects, influenced
tees compliance, payment, or performance of an act. by what’s known as “time-steps” or atoms in space
A surety bond is a promise to be liable for the debt, default, that are static entities shaping space itself.
or failure of another. The principal is the debtor, and the
surety is the third person who becomes responsible for the
payment of the obligation if the principal is unable to pay
3. ATTENBOROUGH ECHIDNA
or perform. The principal remains primarily liable, whereas
Context:
the surety is secondarily liable.
The Zaglossus attenboroughi, a long-beaked echidna named
after David Attenborough and last seen in 1961, has been re-
Surety bonds are used as an assurance that the issuer will
discovered in a remote region of Indonesia.
pay any debts if the other party fails to do so. For example, • This elusive creature, known for its nocturnal and
surety bonds can be used as a substitute for bank guaran- reclusive nature, was found in the Cyclops Moun-
tees in government procurement tains of Papua, Indonesia.
• The discovery also revealed a tree-dwelling shrimp,
a kind of honeyeater bird unseen since 2008, and
several previously unknown underground species.
Attenborough Namesake Species: Sir David Attenborough About NDMA:
has various species named after him, including an extinct National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) (found-
plesiosaur, a Tasmanian snail, a gecko from Australia, and a ed 2005; HQ: New Delhi) is an apex body mandated to lay
carnivorous pitcher plant from the Philippines. down policies for disaster management. It was established
through the Disaster Management Act 2005. It is headed by
About David Attenborough: the Prime Minister.
David Attenborough, the esteemed British naturalist and
broadcaster, is known for his extensive contributions to
natural history and environmental conservation. He’s been 5. CLOUD SEEDING
the face of several ground-breaking wildlife documentaries
and series that explore the wonders of the natural world.
Attenborough’s work emphasizes the urgency of conserva-
tion and educates the global audience on the beauty and
importance of the world’s ecosystems. He’s received numer-
ous awards and honours for his work and has had various
species named after him in recognition of his dedication to
the field of biology and palaeontology
4. CELL BROADCAST ALERT SYS-

TEM (CBAS)
Context:
The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA)
Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS) and Google’s early
earthquake warning system did not effectively reach people
during recent seismic events in Delhi and surrounding areas.
What Happened?
• CBAS, tested by the NDMA, failed to send alerts in
North India, raising concerns about the effectiveness Prelims Links:
of these early alert systems during seismic events. Q. In the context of which of the following do some scien-
• NDMA’s seismo.gov.in website crashed during the tists suggest the use of the cirrus cloud thinning technique
tremors, hindering access to crucial information. and the injection of sulphate aerosol into the stratosphere?
• Google’s Android Earthquake Early Warning system (UPSC 2019)
sent alerts in regions near the India-Nepal border (a) Creating the artificial rains in some regions
where shaking was stronger, the tremors in Delhi did (b) Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
not trigger alerts due to their lower intensity (c) Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
(d) Reducing the global warming
What is NDMA’s Cell Broadcast Alert System? Ans: D
NDMA’s Cell Broadcast Alert System is a cutting-edge tech-
nology enabling the government to send urgent disaster
management messages to all mobile devices within a specif- 6. SOVEREIGN GREEN BOND
ic geographic area.
• Developed by C-DOT under the Department of Context:
Telecommunication, it is designed to deliver criti- In the first issuance of sovereign green bonds (SGrB) for the
cal alerts for severe weather warnings, public safety Financial Year 2024, the auction of five-year maturity bonds
messages, evacuation notices, and other emergency was successful, attracting decent investor interest.
information.
• The system was recently tested in collaboration About Sovereign Green Bond:
with the Department of Telecommunications, with A sovereign green bond is a financial instrument that is is-
sample alerts labelled as “SAMPLE TESTING MES- sued by a sovereign entity, inter-governmental group, alli-
SAGE.” ance, or corporation. The proceeds from the sale of these
bonds are earmarked exclusively for projects classified as
environmentally sustainable.
In India, sovereign green bonds showcase the country’s com-
mitment to building a low-carbon economy. They lower the
capital cost for green projects by attracting new investors,
9. FOUR FUNDAMENTAL FORCES
and mobilizing private capital for sustainable development. OF THE UNIVERSE
India’s first deal in the sovereign green bond market fi- Context:
nanced expenditures in grid-scale solar and wind, decen- The concept of ‘force’ in physics revolves around four funda-
tralised solar such as solar water pumps for agriculture. mental interactions between subatomic particles:
Four fundamental forces:

7. GPS ANKLETS Force Range Strength Mediator
Context: (Relative) (Particle)
In a first for India, a prisoner in Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Gravitational I n f i n i t e Weakest Graviton (Hy-
Mohammad Bhat, accused under the Unlawful Activities (attractive) (long-range) pothetical)
(Prevention) Act, has been released on bail with a condition Electromag- I n f i n i t e Moderate Photon (It
to wear a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device. netic (attrac- (long-range) governs phe-
• The GPS tracker, a small wearable device, is affixed tive or repul- nomena like
around the ankle, providing real-time location in-
sive) e l e c t r i c i t y,
formation.
• The device is tamper-proof, and any attempt at magnetism,
tampering with it sets off an alarm. It can also not friction, and
be removed by the wearer or any unauthorised tension)
person without damaging it. Strong Nu- Short-range Strongest Gluon (it binds
• The tracker can be put on the ankle or arm of a per- clear (10^-15 m) the nucleus of
son. Thus, there are GPS anklets and GPS bracelets. an atom to-
• While GPS trackers are a common precondition for
gether, pre-
bail in countries like the United States, the United
Kingdom, and Malaysia, this is the first instance in venting it
India. from breaking
About GPS: apart. It sus-
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based nav- tains nuclear
igation system that uses satellites, receivers, and algorithms fusion)
to synchronize location, velocity, and time data. GPS can be Weak Nucle- Short-range Weak W+, W-, Z bo-
used for air, sea, and land travel. ar (10^-18 m) sons (it acts
on particles
GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the moving near
world, 24 hours a day, with no subscription fees or setup the speed of
charges. Some GPS receivers are so accurate they can es- light)
tablish their location within 1 centimetre.
However, the classification of fundamental forces faces
GPS was designed by the U.S. military challenges:
• Force carriers, like the Higgs boson and pion, may
not be considered truly ‘fundamental.’
8. EX-BONGOSAGAR • Interactions such as the electroweak force raise
questions about the number of fundamental forces
Context: • The unique nature of gravity further complicates
The 4th edition of the Bilateral Exercise BONGOSAGAR-23 the classification, as it is fundamentally different
and the 5th edition of the Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) be- from other forces.
tween the Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy took place in
the Northern Bay of Bengal. 10. SATURN’S RINGS
• Indian Navy Ships Kuthar, Kiltan, and Maritime Pa-
trol Aircraft Dornier, along with Bangladesh Navy Context:
Ships Abu Bakr, Abu Ubaidah, and MPA, participat- Saturn’s rings will not disappear permanently by 2025. Al-
ed in the exercise.
though they will become almost invisible from Earth during
• The CORPAT-23 also featured the maiden Humani-
tarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) drills, that time, it is a regular occurrence due to the thinness of
focusing on a Search and Rescue scenario at sea. the rings.
What is Saturn’s ring and how it was formed? What is CITES RST?
Saturn’s rings are a vast system of icy particles, rocks, and CITES RST (Review of Significant Trade) is a process where
dust that orbit the planet. They were formed from the de- the CITES Standing Committee closely examines a country’s
bris of comets, asteroids, and moonlets that either collided species exports to ensure compliance with CITES regula-
with each other or were captured by Saturn’s gravity. tions.
• Noncompliance may result in disciplinary actions, in-
How will the ring become invisible for some time? cluding trade suspensions.
Saturn’s rings will become almost invisible from Earth in
2025 due to the edge-on perspective from our viewpoint. Why was India exempted from CITES RST?
This phenomenon occurs because the rings are so thin that, India has been under RST for Red Sanders since 2004. It has
when seen from a distance, they appear to vanish when now been exempted, allowing farmers in India to partici-
viewed edge-on. The rings’ edge-on appearance happens pate in the legitimate trade of Red Sanders. The exemption
twice per Saturnian year, making them seem to vanish, but is attributed to the 2022 amendment to the Wildlife (Pro-
they will gradually reappear. tection) Act, aligning with CITES provisions under the CITES
National Legislation Programme (NLP).
Which planets have rings and why do earth doesn’t have • This has elevated India’s status from Category 2 to
rings? Category 1 by the CITES Standing Committee.
Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune have rings. Earth does
not have rings because any rings it might have formed in About Red Sanders
the past would have likely been disrupted by various grav- Red sanders, classified as endangered by the IUCN, CITES
itational forces and atmospheric effects. Additionally, the (Appendix II), and Wildlife Protection Act (Schedule IV), are
relatively strong gravitational influences of the Moon and native to a specific region within the Eastern Ghats and are
other celestial bodies make it challenging for Earth to main- known for their unique flora. It is referred to as ‘the pride of
tain stable rings. Eastern Ghats’. These trees have a slow growth rate, taking
25 to 40 years to mature, and they display remarkable resis-
Recently Saturn became a planet with most moons. tance to droughts.
Red Sanders application:

The Red Sanders heartwood is valued for its wavy grain.
Besides its use in furniture, the red dye (called ‘santalin’)
extracted from the wood serves as a colouring agent for tex-
tiles, medicine, and food.
About CITES:
11. INDIA EXEMPTED FROM

CITES RST
Context:
India has been removed from the Convention on Interna-
tional Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) Review of Significant Trade (RST) for Red Sanders.
12. NATIONAL HEALTH CLAIM flow through an external circuit to the cathode, cre-
ating an electric current.
EXCHANGE (NHCX) 4. Salt Bridge (electrolyte): A salt bridge connects the
two half-cells, allowing ion exchange to maintain
Context: electrical neutrality.
The National Health Authority (NHA) and the Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
collaborated to operationalize the National Health Claim Ex-
change (NHCX), a digital health claims platform.
What is NHCX?
The National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX) is a digital
health claims platform that serves as a gateway for exchang-
ing claims-related information among various stakeholders
in the healthcare and health insurance ecosystem, enhanc-
ing efficiency and transparency in health claims processing.
Challenges: Corrosion is a common issue affecting battery
About NHA: performance, and various factors, such as environmental
The National Health Authority (NHA) (formed in 2019) is an conditions, can contribute to degradation.
autonomous entity established under the Society Registra-
tion Act, 1860, responsible for implementing AB PM-JAY. It Types of Batteries:
oversees the design, technological infrastructure, and imple- 1. Lithium-ion (Li-ion): A rechargeable battery that
mentation of the “National Digital Health Mission” to create converts chemical energy to electrical energy during
a National Digital Health Eco-system. It replaced the Nation- discharge and vice versa during charging.
al Health Agency and operates as an attached office of the a. M. Stanley Whittingham, John Goode-
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. nough and Akira Yoshino were awarded the
About IRDAI: 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their con-
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of tributions to the development of lithium-ion
India (est. 1999; HQ: Hyderabad) is a statutory body under batteries.
the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance and is tasked with 2. Fuel Cells: A source of electric power, like hydrogen
regulating and licensing the insurance and re-insurance in- fuel cells, where hydrogen is separated into protons
dustries in India and electrons at the anode, creating electricity and
water at the cathode.
13. ELECTRIC BATTERY 3. Lead Acid Batteries: Used in automotive starting
batteries, backup power systems, UPS
Context: 4. Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries: Used in Portable
The electric battery serves as a portable source of electric power tools, medical equipment, and emergency
power, playing a fundamental role in convenience and sus- lighting.
tainability.
Invention:
In 1749, Benjamin Franklin coined the term “battery” while
experimenting with electricity. The first real battery was in-
vented by Alessandro Volta in 1800. In the early 19th centu-
ry, Michael Faraday worked out why these cells worked the
way they did and named their various components (anode,
cathode, electrolyte, etc.)
How do Electric batteries work?

It works by converting stored chemical energy into electri-
cal energy.
1. Anode (Negatively Charged Electrode): Oxidation
occurs, releasing electrons and creating ions.
2. Cathode (Positively Charged Electrode): Reduction
takes place, consuming electrons and accepting ions.
3. Electron Flow: Electrons generated at the anode
14. GREEN ALGA PICOCYSTIS SA- 16. GHG BULLETIN

LINARUM Context:
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) reported
Context: that greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the Earth’s at-
A young researcher in Rajasthan has unravelled the molecu- mosphere reached record levels in 2022, primarily driven by
lar mechanisms behind the resilience of the green alga Pi- the use of fossil fuels.
cocystis Salinarum in extreme conditions of saline-alkaline
soda lakes. Key Findings:
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, the most significant
What is Alga? GHG, reached 417.9 parts per million, 50% higher
Alga is a simple, photosynthetic organism, often aquatic, than pre-industrial levels.
ranging from microscopic to large seaweeds. • The last time CO2 levels were at this point was 3-5
million years ago.
What is Picocystis Salinarum? • Methane and nitrous oxide concentrations also
Picocystis salinarum is a globally widespread extremophile rose in 2022, with nitrous oxide experiencing the
highest year-on-year increase.
(able to withstand extreme conditions), picoplanktonic
The WMO emphasized the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel
green algae that inhabits saline lakes. It’s one of the small-
consumption and highlighted the importance of improving
est green algae and has been recorded on four continents. It
GHG monitoring to better understand and address environ-
was spotted for the first time in India only in the Sambhar
mental challenges.
Lake.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases in the Earth’s atmo-
sphere that trap heat. They contribute to the greenhouse
Significance:
effect, which is essential for maintaining the planet’s tem-
This discovery positions P. salinarum as a potential candidate
perature within a range suitable for life.
for biotechnological applications, including carbon capture
However, human activities, particularly the burning of
and biomass production. The research also helps us in our
fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased
understanding of molecular adaptations in extremophiles
the concentrations of these gases, leading to an enhanced
for sustainable biotechnological processes.
greenhouse effect and global warming. The major green-
house gases include:
15. KILL SWITCH • Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide
(N2O), Water Vapor, Ozone (O3), Chlorofluorocarbons
Context: (CFCs)
Scientists from the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Cen-
ter in, California, have made a significant breakthrough by 17. IGLA-S
discovering a ‘kill switch’ that triggers the death of cancer
cells. Context:
• The researchers identified a protein on a recep- Russia has announced its plan to supply the Igla-S man-por-
tor, known as CD95 receptors or Fas, which can be table air defence missile system to the Indian armed forces.
designed to induce self-destruction in cancer cells
when activated.
• The discovery is part of CAR T-cell therapy, involving About Igla-S:
the collection of T cells from the patient’s blood, The Igla-S is a man-portable air defence missile system
genetic modification in a lab to produce chimeric (MANPADS) developed by Russia. MANPADS are shoul-
antigen receptors (CARs), and then injecting the der-launched surface-to-air missiles designed to be operat-
modified cells back into the patient’s body. ed by an individual soldier. The Igla-S is an upgraded variant
• The therapy has shown promising efficacy against of the earlier Igla system
liquid cancers like leukaemia but has demonstrat-
ed limited success against solid tumours such as Feature Description
breast, lung, and bowel cancer. Interception The Igla-S has an improved interception
Range range of up to 6 kilometres.
Despite this limitation, the research team is hopeful that Portability As a man-portable system, it is designed to
the therapy can evolve to target solid cancers in the future. be carried and operated by a single soldier
The identified epitope on CD95 receptors offers a potential or a small crew, providing flexibility on the
therapeutic path to target Fas in tumours. battlefield.
G u i d a n c e The missile is equipped with an infrared Contributions Boosting Entrepreneurship: MFIs provide
System homing guidance system, allowing it to of MFI small loans, fostering entrepreneurship
track and target enemy aircraft based on and small business development for eco-
their heat signature. nomic growth and job creation.
C o u n t e r - The Igla-S is designed to be resistant to Financial Inclusion: MFIs enhance fi-
measures various countermeasures employed by nancial inclusion, providing credit and fi-
aircraft, enhancing its effectiveness in the nancial services to those excluded from
presence of electronic jamming or other traditional banking, enabling savings, ed-
defensive measures. ucation, healthcare investment, and en-
trepreneurship.
18. MICROFINANCE IN INDIA Poverty Reduction: Microfinance aids
poverty reduction by offering small loans
Context: to the poor for income-generating activi-
The Microfinance Industry Network (MFIN) launched the ties, improving their standard of living.
third edition of “Micro Matters: Macro View – India Microfi- Empowering Women: Microfinance plays
nance Review FY 2022-23” in Mumbai. a crucial role in empowering women by
providing financial resources, fostering
Key findings of the review: economic independence, and improving
• The microfinance sector added 87 lakh new women social standing.
clients, reaching approx. 6 crore low-income women Supporting Rural Development: MFIs
clients with outstanding credit of over 3 lakh crores support rural development by providing
across 729 districts. small loans to farmers and entrepreneurs,
• MFIs followed by banks are the largest provider of enhancing agricultural productivity and
micro-credit amongst other regulated entities. contributing to economic development in
• MFIs’ gross Non-Performing Assets (NPA) decreased rural areas.
from approx. 5.6% (FY22) to 2.7% (FY23).
C h a l l e n g e s Over-indebtedness, high-interest rates,
with Microfi- Lack of Financial Literacy, Operating in
About MFIs in India:
nance in India remote areas with inadequate infrastruc-
About Microfinance in India ture, Political Interference, and Lack of
Status Microfinance contributes about 130 lakh Regulation
jobs and 2% of the Gross Value Added Government SHG-Bank Linkage Program; E-shakti Pro-
(GVA), according to a National Council Initiatives gramme (to digitize the accounts of var-
of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) ious SHGs); PM SVANidhi (micro-credit
study. loan to street vendors)
Definition RBI defines microfinance as collateral-free Way Forward Strengthening Regulatory Framework,
loans to households with annual income Promoting Financial Literacy, Promoting
up to Rs.3 lakh. Partnerships, Ensuring Social Impact
About MFIN (est. 2009)

It is an Association of Non-Bank Finance Company Micro
Finance Institutions (NBFC-MFIs). It is an umbrella body of
Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) in India.
19. FRACTALS
Context:
Physicists are using fractal geometry to study quantum sys-
tems, providing a unique perspective on the uncertainties of
quantum physics.
What are Fractals?

Fractals are geometric shapes that exhibit self-similarity at
different scales.
Example 1: The Koch snowflake, starting as an equilateral About the Guidelines:
triangle, evolves with self-similar patterns at each iteration. 1. Environmental claims like “environment-friendly,”
“eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” and “planet-friendly”
must have strong evidence to support them.
2. Such claims should consider the full life cycle of the
product or service.
3. Certifications and Seals of Approval should specify
the evaluated attributes.
4. Assertions about a product being compostable, bio-
degradable, recyclable, non-toxic, or free of certain
elements should be grounded in reliable scientific
evidence.
Aim of the Guidelines:

The proposed guidelines aim to promote transparency and
authenticity in advertising to help consumers make in-
formed decisions. The public consultation on these guide-
lines is open until December 31.
Applications: Initiatives to check Greenwashing:

• Overcome measurement limitations: Examples in- 1. International Sustainability Standards Board
clude the magnetic properties of neodymium nickel (ISSB), will set uniform sustainability and climate
oxide and the fractal distribution of electron density standards for companies to follow worldwide from
in graphene. 2024.
• Fractals are applied in data compression, antenna 2. SEBI’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Re-
design, and studying patterns in galaxies porting (BRSR) norms
• They provide a unique tool to understand complex 3. SEBI issued dos and don’ts relating to green bonds.
systems and patterns in nature. 4. RBI announced to join Global Financial Innovation
Network (GFIN)’s Greenwashing TechSprint.
20. GREENWASHING
About ASCI:
Context: The Advertising Standards Council of India (est. 1985; HQ:
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), the ad- Mumbai) is a voluntary self-regulatory organization of the
vertising industry’s self-regulatory body, has introduced a advertising industry in India. ASCI is registered as a non-
9-point draft of guidelines to combat “greenwashing” by profit company under section 25 of the Company Act.
companies.
What is Greenwashing? MAPPING
1. BEN GURION CANAL PROJECT

Context:
The current Israel-Palestine crisis in the Middle East has refo-
cused attention on the ambitious Ben Gurion Canal Project.
What Ben Gurion Canal Project?

The Ben Gurion Canal Project is a theoretical proposal to
cut a canal through Israel’s Negev Desert, creating an alter-
native route to the Suez Canal. Envisioned in the 1960s, it
aimed to challenge Egypt’s monopoly on the shortest trade
route between Europe and Asia.
However, the project faces immense challenges, including

logistical complexities, high costs, a longer route, and secu-
rity concerns in a region marked by ongoing military threats.
What is the Suez Canal? What is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?
It is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt (completed in The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a mid-ocean ridge (a divergent or
1859), connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea constructive plate boundary) located along the floor of
through the Isthmus of Suez and dividing Africa and Asia. the Atlantic Ocean and part of the longest mountain range
The 193 km long canal is a key trade route between Europe in the world. In the North Atlantic, the ridge separates
and Asia. the North American from the Eurasian Plate and the African
Plate, north and south of the Azores Triple Junction.
3. CHAR DHAM HIGHWAY PROJ-

Who was Ben Gurion?
ECT (UTTARKASHI DISTRICT, UT-
David Ben-Gurion (1886–1973) was Israel’s founding father TARAKHAND)
and its first Prime Minister. He played a pivotal role in estab-
lishing the state of Israel in 1948
2. SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN ICELAND

Context:
Iceland is currently experiencing a significant increase in
seismic activity, with around 1,400 earthquakes measured
in the past 24 hours and over 24,000 recorded in the Reyk-
janes Peninsula since late October.
What are the reasons for the seismic activity in Iceland?

The seismic activity in Iceland is primarily due to its location
on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North
American tectonic plates meet. This geological setting
makes Iceland prone to frequent earthquakes. The recent
earthquake swarm is believed to be a result of movement
and pressure changes associated with magma activity be-
neath the Earth’s surface, indicating a potential precursor to
a volcanic eruption.
• Fagradalsfjall lies about 40 km to the southwest of
Reykjavík and is the “world’s newest baby volca-
no.” It had been dormant for eight centuries before
erupting in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
4. MOUNT ETNA Fa g ra d a l s - Iceland Ongoing eruptions at-

fjall tracted attention with re-
Context: cent activity
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, has been erupt- Dukono Indonesia Long-term eruption since
ing for over a year, causing disruptions such as flight cancel- August 1933
lations and vehicle bans due to ash accumulation. Santa Maria Guatemala Erupting since June 1922,
one of the most active in
About Mount Etna Central America
It is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy,
in the Metropolitan City of Catania and the highest Mediter- Yasur Vanuatu Erupting since about 1270
ranean island mountain. It is located above the convergent (± 110 years), ongoing
plate margin between the African Plate and the Eurasian
Plate. Mount Etna, with a recorded history of volcanic ac- 5. SOMALIA
tivity dating back to 1500 B.C., has erupted over 200 times.
Context:
Severe flooding in Somalia, triggered by heavy seasonal
downpours exacerbated by El Niño and the Indian Ocean
Dipole, has been labelled a once-in-a-century event by the
United Nations.
The heavy seasonal rainfall has been worsened due to the
combined impact of two climate phenomenons, El Niño and
the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), as per the UN Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).
• El Niños and a positive IOD are associated with
above-normal rains and flooding in East Africa.
About Somalia
It is a country in the Horn of Africa. The country is bordered
by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf
of Aden to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, and Ken-
ya to the southwest. Somalia has the longest coastline on
Africa’s mainland.
Countries called the Horn of Africa: SEED
• S- Somalia
• E- Ethiopia
• E- Eritrea
• D- Djibouti
List of some of the most active volcanoes on Earth:

Volcano Location Notable Characteristics
Mount Etna Italy Highest Mediterranean
Island Mountain, continu-
ous eruptions
Kilauea Hawaii, USA Long-term eruptions, on-
going since 1983
Mauna Loa Hawaii, USA One of the largest shield
volcanoes, last erupted in
1984
Merapi Indonesia Frequent and highly ex-
plosive eruptions
Ey j a f j a l l a - Iceland Disrupted air travel in
jökull 2010 with ash clouds

3rd Week 13nov 18nov 2023

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SATURN’S RINGS

Saturn’s rings will not disappear perma-

13 NOV - 18 NOV 2023

WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS

inside GENERAL STUDIES – 4

4. Indian Miniature Painting 18

11. India exempted from CITES RST 25

14. Green alga Picocystis Salinarum 27

Leasing of State government requires prior approval

Other issues with the Act:

HAUL THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE Major Provisions of the Bills:

Kindly refer to an article on the same topic: Analysis of Re-

3. PARLIAMENTARY PANEL RE-

Insufficient Institu- Educational institutions often limit What is Financial Inclusion?

Insta Links: Detrimental Consequences of Continued Plastic Use and

1. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR JUDI- Issue of Ethics in Indian Judiciary:

Tamil Nadu’s success in fostering women’s employment is What is Loneliness?

Context: About Sumis:

What was Goswamy’s contribution?

About Miniature Paintings:

1. DIGITAL ADVERTISEMENT POL-

About Central Bureau of Communication:

4. ANNAPURNA CERTIFICATE member nations.

PROGRAMME What is a supply chain?

Context: About IPEF:

7. 2023 APEC SUMMIT

IENCE AGREEMENT Issues Discussed:

GS-3 2. CONCEPT OF WHITE HOLE AND

4. CELL BROADCAST ALERT SYS-

Four fundamental forces:

Red Sanders application:

11. INDIA EXEMPTED FROM

How do Electric batteries work?

14. GREEN ALGA PICOCYSTIS SA- 16. GHG BULLETIN

About MFIN (est. 2009)

What are Fractals?

Aim of the Guidelines:

Applications: Initiatives to check Greenwashing:

What is Greenwashing? MAPPING

1. BEN GURION CANAL PROJECT

What Ben Gurion Canal Project?

However, the project faces immense challenges, including

3. CHAR DHAM HIGHWAY PROJ-

2. SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN ICELAND

What are the reasons for the seismic activity in Iceland?

4. MOUNT ETNA Fa g ra d a l s - Iceland Ongoing eruptions at-

List of some of the most active volcanoes on Earth:

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4. Indian Miniature Painting 18

11. India exempted from CITES RST 25

14. Green alga Picocystis Salinarum 27