INDIA’S DEEP OCEAN MISSION

India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is a

comprehensive effort to explore and har-
ness the potential of the ocean’s depths.
The article discusses various aspects of
DOM.

6 NOV - 11 NOV 2023

WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS

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 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

inside CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT

1. Split Voting 16
2. “Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign”
GENERAL STUDIES – 1  16
Topics: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eigh- 3. Tamil diaspora contributions to India’s freedom
teenth century until the present- significant events, personalities,
struggle 17
issues.
4. Pauradhwani program 17
1. Indian indentured labourers during Colonial Period4
5. Srinivasa Ramanujan 17
6. “Abundance in Millets” Song 17
GENERAL STUDIES – 2
Topics: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
1. Bhutan King’s Visit to India: India-Bhutan Relation 5 FACTS FOR PRELIMS

GENERAL STUDIES – 3 GS-1

Topics: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobiliza- 1. Leave benefits for women in the armed forces 18
tion of resources, growth, development and employment.
1. LEAP AHEAD initiative: Launched by STPI for startups
5
Topics: Science and Technology- developments and their applica-
tions and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in sci-
ence & technology; indigenization of technology and developing
new technology.
2. India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) 7

2. Geoglyph 18
3. Kondaveedu Fort 18
4. Leather puppetry 19
5. Underwater Volcano Eruption 19

Topics: Awareness in the fields of IT, Computers, robotics, na-

no-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual
property rights.
3. ICMR Personal data breach 9
Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution and
degradation, environmental impact assessment.
4. Noise Pollution during festivals 10
5. Climate Finance: ‘Loss and damage’ fund 12
Topics: Challenges to internal security through communication
networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal
security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering
and its prevention GS-2
6. India’s 1st National Security Strategy 13 1. Advocate-on-Record system 19
Topics: Security challenges and their management in border ar-
2. ENCORE 20
eas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
3. Piracy of film content 20
7. State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks 14
4. World Food India 2023 21
5. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

2 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

21 4. Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project 32

6. Electoral Trusts (ET) Scheme 21 5. Hanle and Merak (Ladakh) 33
7. UGC announces regulation of Foreign Universities in 6. Tuvalu 33
India 22
8. Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities 22
9. Criminal Cases against MPs and MLAs 23

GS-3
1. Asteroid Dinkinesh 24
2. Kavach 24
3. Small Modular Reactors 24

4. Wildlife Sanctuaries in News 25

5. Environmental DNA 25
6. Composite Water Management Index report 25
7. Carbon dioxide (CO2) to Carbon monoxide (CO) Con-
version 25
8. Project Kusha 26
9. Blocking orders against 22 illegal betting apps 26
10. Bharat’ brand Atta (wheat flour) 26
11. Deepfakes 27
12. Climate Services report for 2023 27
13. Operation All Clear (2003) 28
14. WHO hails tuberculosis (TB) management in India
 28
15. How climate change is displacing animals 28
16. MiG-21 fighter jets 29
17. ECBC: High Energy Efficiency Standards 29
18. National Coal Index (NCI) 29
19. 2023 Production Gap Report 29
20. INDUS-X Investors Meet 30
21. Pusa-2090 30
22. Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and
Health (ATACH) 30

SPORTS CORNER
1. Cricket: Timed Out 31
2. Asian Para Games 2022 (Hangzhou, China) 31

MAPPING
1. Seattle (USA) 31
2. Mount Celia Gold Operation (Western Australia) 31
3. Kawah Ijen Crater Lake (East Java, Indonesia) 32

www.insightsonindia.com 3

GENERAL STUDIES – 1
Topics: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eigh-
teenth century until the present- significant events, personalities,
issues.
1. INDIAN INDENTURED LABOUR-
ERS DURING COLONIAL PERIOD
Context:
The article discusses the bicentenary of Tamil indentured
labourers’ arrival in Sri Lanka (in 1823) and reflects on the
unexplored aspects of colonial history.
Who were Indentured Labourers?
Indentured labourers were people who were recruited from
India and other British colonies to work on plantations and
other projects in other parts of the empire as bonded la-
bourers.
How did the concept of indentured labour begin?
In the 18th century, a wave of liberal humanism prompted
the British to ban slavery in their colonies. However, to ad-
dress the labour crisis that ensued, they introduced “inden-
tured labour” as a form of bonded servitude. This system
replaced slavery and led to a high demand for Indian work-
ers on plantations and infrastructure projects across various
British colonies, including the Caribbean, Fiji, Réunion, Ma-
laysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
Reasons for Taking Indian Indentured Labourers Abroad:
Reasons Description
Labour Short- As explained above, many British colonies
ages faced severe labour shortages post the
abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
Economic Ex- The British aimed to maximize profits in
ploitation their colonies, viewing Indian labour as a
cost-effective means to achieve this goal.
Recruitment Agents sent to India used deceptive tac-
Agents tics, misinformation, or coercion to per-
suade individuals to sign indenture agree-
ments.
Profit for The indenture system provided a steady
P l a n t a t i o n and controllable labour force for planta-
Owners tion owners, reducing labour costs and
ensuring a stable workforce.
Circumstances Surrounding Indian Indentured Labor Migra-
tion
• Plantation Agriculture: Indian indentured labourers
were primarily used for plantation agriculture, espe-
cially in tropical regions. They worked on sugarcane,
tea, rubber, and other plantations in countries like
Trinidad, Guyana, Fiji, and Malaysia.
4 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
• Mining and Infrastructure: In addition to planta-
tions, Indian labourers were also employed in min-
ing operations (e.g., gold and diamond mines in
South Africa) and infrastructure development (e.g.,
building railways and roads).
• Harsh Conditions: Labourers faced harsh and of-
ten exploitative working conditions, including long
hours, inadequate housing, and meagre wages.
Many experienced physical and emotional hard-
ships.
• End of Indenture: Indenture agreements typically
had fixed terms, after which labourers were often
offered the choice to return to India, settle in the
host country, or continue their indenture.
Impact of Indian Indentured Labour History on Modern Re-
lationships:
Impact Description
Cultural Ex- Descendants of Indian indentured labour-
change and ers have formed vibrant diaspora commu-
Diaspora nities (e.g., Trinidad and Tobago, Fiji, Mau-
Communities ritius) preserving Indian cultural heritage
through festivals like Diwali and Holi.
Economic The historical presence of Indian labourers
Ties has fostered economic connections. In-
dia engages in trade and investment with
these nations, and trade relations (e.g.,
with Mauritius).
Political Co- Recognition of common historical expe-
operation riences has strengthened diplomatic ties.
For instance, India and South Africa coop-
erate on various diplomatic fronts due to
the significant Indian community in South
Africa.
Cultural Di- India engages in cultural diplomacy with
plomacy countries hosting descendants of inden-
tured labourers through exchanges, festi-
vals, and educational programs (e.g., sup-
porting cultural events in Fiji showcasing
Indo-Fijian heritage).
Challenges The history of indentured labourers has
and Reconcil- brought challenges related to heritage,
iation reparations, and reconciliation.
Ex- the government of Guyana has initiat-
ed efforts to recognize and address histor-
ical injustices related to indentured labour.
Conclusion:
The history of Indian indentured labourers continues to af-
fect India’s relationships with the countries that received
them. The legacy of indentured labour remains a part of the
broader historical and cultural tapestry of these nations.
Insta links:
• Indians abroad: History, spread, remittances
• Bharat Ek Soch- India @ 75 – Indian Diaspora
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Mains links:
Q. ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics
and economy of America and European Countries’. Com-
ment with examples. (UPSC 2020)
GENERAL STUDIES – 2
Topics: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
1. BHUTAN KING’S VISIT TO IN-
DIA: INDIA-BHUTAN RELATION
Context:
Bhutan King’s visit to India commenced with his arrival in As-
sam. India and Bhutan’s focus on infrastructure and connec-
tivity in recent talks signals a move toward bilateral regional
initiatives.
Various dimensions of cooperation between India and Bhu-
tan with examples:
New Initiatives Planned: India and Bhutan are jointly plan-
ning several development initiatives:
1. Rail Links: Ongoing discussions for rail connections
between Kokrajhar (Assam) and Gelephu (Bhutan)
and between Banarhat (West Bengal) and Samtse
(Bhutan).
2. Infrastructure Upgrades: Checkpoints along the In-
dia-Bhutan border are being upgraded to facilitate
smoother trade and movement.
3. Special Economic Zone: Bhutan plans to establish a
Special Economic Zone at its southern border with
Assam to drive growth and investment.
4. Airport Development: Proposal for a new airport at
Gelephu to enhance accessibility and promote eco-
nomic development.
5. Energy Integration: Planning an ‘energy exchange’
to share hydropower resources among Bhutan, Ne-
pal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, fostering intra-re-
gional growth.
Issues between the two countries:
• Border Dispute: Disputes over the exact demarca-
tion of the border between the two countries.
• Hydropower Projects: Concerns in Bhutan over en-
vironmental and social impacts from the project.
Also, Bhutan has sought greater revenue from these
projects
• Trade Imbalance: Bhutan is heavily dependent on
India for its imports.
• Cross-Border Movement: Bhutan has restricted the
cross-border movement of Indian workers, citing
concerns over the impact on Bhutan’s culture and
society.
• Political Interference: Bhutan has accused India of
interfering in its internal affairs, particularly during
the 2013 elections.
Conclusion:
India-Bhutan relations have remained strong and friendly,
characterized by a deep sense of
trust and understanding.  Both countries must enhance con-
nectivity which is a central pillar of India’s ‘Neighbourhood
First’ and ‘Act East’ policies.
Inta Links
India-Bhutan
GENERAL STUDIES – 3
Topics: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobiliza-
tion of resources, growth, development and employment.
1. LEAP AHEAD INITIATIVE:
LAUNCHED BY STPI FOR START-
UPS
Context:
The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (Me-
itY) launched the LEAP AHEAD initiative, a collaborative ef-
fort between the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)
and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Delhi-NCR, aimed at sup-
porting and accelerating the success of tech startups in In-
dia.
www.insightsonindia.com 5

About the LEAP AHEAD initiative:
Launchpad for Tech Entrepreneurs towards Accelerated
Growth and Pioneering AHEAD (LEAP AHEAD) aims to sup-
port tech startups by offering them access to funding (up to
₹1 Crore), mentorship and global connections.
What are Start-Ups?
Start-ups are companies in their early stages of operation,
founded by entrepreneurs aiming to meet demand with
innovative products or services. India has become the 3rd
largest start-up ecosystem in the world after the US and Chi-
na. India is home to as many as 75,000 Startups.
• Global Innovation Index: India has moved up from
81st (2015) to 46th in 2021 among 130 economies
of the world.
• Publications: Globally ranked 3rd (2021) from 6th in
2013 based on the National Science Foundation da-
tabase.
• Patents: Globally ranked 9th (2021) in terms of res-
ident patent filing.
Growth drivers in startups in India and their impact:
Growth Drivers Impact on Startups and Unicorns
G o v e r n m e n t Increased Gross Expenditure on R&D
Support (GERD), Digital India Initiative
Growth in the number of R&D person-
nel
Doubled women’s participation in R&D
Adoption of Accelerated tech-focused businesses
Digital Services for startups
Increased customer base through on-
line services
Online Services Expedites business expansion plans
and Work-from-
Home
Culture Attracts investors
Digital Pay- Facilitates the growth of startups in the
ments fintech sector
Buyouts from Provides growth opportunities through
Major Public acquisitions
Corporations Allows startups to benefit from the re-
sources of
corporations
Challenges faced by Startups in India:
Challenges Impact on Startups
Regional Imbal- Limited understanding of customers in
ance various regions
Difficulty scaling products nationwide
6 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Regulatory Bot- Complex and time-consuming process
tlenecks to start and exit a business
Stringent regulations related to labour,
IP rights, and dispute resolution
Digital Divide Limited access to rural populations: Ac-
cording to an Oxfam report, only 31 per
cent of the rural population uses the In-
ternet compared to 67 per cent of their
urban counterparts
Exclusion of rural areas from startup
services
Market Compe- Struggle to compete with established
tition companies and foreign competitors
Challenging brand establishment and
customer acquisition
Talent Acquisi- Difficulty attracting and retaining
tion and Reten- skilled talent
tion Competition from larger companies
and limited resources for competitive
compensation
Funding Con- Many startups rely on self-funding
cern (bootstrapping) or funds from friends
and family
Supporting In- Lack of access to support mechanisms
frastructure like incubators, tech parks, and business
development centres
Increased risk of business failure due
to inadequate support
Legal Incorpora- Lengthy and costly processes for incor-
tion and Regis- poration and closure of a business
tration Administrative challenges in setting up
and shutting down operations
For Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP): Click
Here
For Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023 (GSER 2023):
Click Here
Government’s Initiatives for Startups: National Initiative for
Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI); Startup In-
dia Action Plan (SIAP); Ranking of States on Support to Start-
up Ecosystems (RSSSE); Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
(SISFS); National Startup Awards; SCO Startup Forum; Pr-
arambh
Impact of Digital India (DI) on Startups in India:
DI has greatly benefited India’s startup ecosystem by pro-
viding access to public digital resources like India Stack and
the JAM Trinity. With over 98% population coverage of 4G
infrastructure, startups can reach a broader user base. The
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
enablers of startup growth due to DI include a collaborative
ecosystem, digital infrastructure, and simplified regulatory
processes.
Role of corporate governance in mitigating various risks
faced by start-ups:
• Protecting shareholders’ interests: Corporate gov-
ernance helps to protect the interests of sharehold-
ers by ensuring that the company is managed in a
fair and transparent manner.
• Enhancing the company’s reputation: Corporate
governance helps to enhance the company’s reputa-
tion by demonstrating that the company is managed
in a responsible and ethical manner.
o This can make it easier for the company to
attract and retain customers, employees,
and investors.
• Reducing the risk of fraud and corruption: Corpo-
rate governance helps to reduce the risk of fraud
and corruption by establishing clear rules and pro-
cedures for financial reporting and internal controls.
• Compliance and Legal Adherence: Corporate gov-
ernance ensures that the start-up complies with rel-
evant laws, regulations, and industry standards, re-
ducing legal risks and maintaining a positive image.
• Risk management: Corporate governance establish-
es risk management frameworks that identify, as-
sess, and mitigate these risks.
o By having a clear understanding of poten-
tial risks and implementing strategies to
address them, start-ups can better navigate
uncertainties.
• Investor Confidence: Investors seek start-ups with
strong corporate governance, inspiring confidence
as it signals responsible management and safety for
their investments.
Conclusion
Start-ups in India are witnessing a golden chapter in the
history of Indian entrepreneurship. By implementing good
corporate governance practices, start-ups can reduce their
exposure to risk and improve their chances of success.
About STPI:
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) (est. 1991; HQ:
New Delhi) is an Autonomous Society under the Ministry
of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It is en-
gaged in promoting software export and nurturing the tech
startup ecosystem
Insta Links:
Startup India
Mains Links:
Q. Despite being hailed for its vibrant start-up ecosystem, In-
dia continues to face persistent issues that hinder the growth
and success of its start-ups. How does corporate governance
help start-ups in mitigating various risks they face? (10M)
Prelims Links:
Q. What does venture capital mean? ( UPSC 2014)
(a) A short-term capital provided to industries
(b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs
(c) Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses
(d) Funds provided for the replacement and renovation of
industries
Ans: B
Topics: Science and Technology- developments and their applica-
tions and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in sci-
ence & technology; indigenization of technology and developing
new technology.
2. INDIA’S DEEP OCEAN MISSION
(DOM)
Context:
India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is a comprehensive effort
to explore and harness the potential of the ocean’s depths.
The article discusses various aspects of DOM.
What is Deep Ocean Mission?
It is India’s ambitious program to explore and harness the
depths of the ocean. The mission aims to address scientific
and economic challenges associated with ocean exploration
and resource utilization.
In line with Blue Economy:
The Blue Economy aims to sustainably utilize ocean resourc-
es for economic growth, livelihood improvement, job cre-
ation, and the health of ocean ecosystems.
The DOM is in line with the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Blue
Economy Initiatives, including recently released the draft
Blue Economy Policy. DOM is one of nine missions under
the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation
Advisory Council (PMSTIAC)
Major Components of DOM:
Components Description
Pillar 1: Technology
Development of Design of an Integrated Mining Sys-
Technologies for tem for extracting polymetallic nodules
Deep Sea Mining from the central Indian Ocean, which
contain valuable minerals like iron,
manganese, nickel, and cobalt.
Exploration studies to pave the way for
future commercial exploitation under
the International Seabed Authority.
www.insightsonindia.com 7

D e v e l o p m e n t Creation of a manned submersible
of Manned Sub- capable of carrying three people to a
mersible Vehicle depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean,
equipped with scientific sensors and
tools
Submersible, named Matsya6000
(Joint development by NIOT and ISRO)
Energy and Studies and engineering design for
Freshwater from offshore Ocean Thermal Energy Con-
the Ocean version (OTEC) powered desalination
plants, which utilize temperature dif-
ferences in the ocean to extract energy.
Pillar 2: Mineral Exploration
Deep Ocean Ex- Exploration and identification of poten-
ploration tial sites of multi-metal Hydrothermal
Sulphides mineralization along the In-
dian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges.
Pillar 3: Climate Services
Development of Development of observational tools
Ocean Climate and models to understand and project
Change Advisory important climate variables on sea-
Services sonal to decadal time scales.
Pillar4: Ocean Biodiversity
Conservation of Bio-prospecting of deep-sea flora and
Deep-sea Biodi- fauna, including microbes, and sus-
versity tainable utilization of deep-sea bio-re-
sources.
Advanced Ma- Focused on human capacity and en-
rine Station for terprise development in ocean biology
Ocean Biology and engineering
Major Advancements in DOM Objectives:
• Samudrayaan and Matsya6000: Samudrayaan
(2021) is a crewed mission to explore the ocean’s
depths, reaching 6,000 meters in the Central Indian
Ocean. This mission will be carried out using Mat-
sya6000, a deep-ocean submersible designed to ac-
commodate a three-member crew.
o 6000m depth is strategically significant due
8 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
to the presence of valuable resources such
as polymetallic nodules and sulphides, con-
taining essential metals, found between
depths of 3,000 to 5,500 meters.
• Varaha - India’s Deep-Ocean Mining System: The Na-
tional Institute of Ocean Technology conducted suc-
cessful deep-sea locomotion trials using ‘Varaha,’
an underwater mining system, at a depth of 5,270
meters in the central Indian Ocean.
Significance of DOM:
Significance Explanation
Leveraging Ocean Oceans play a crucial role in support-
Resources ing fisheries, aquaculture, tourism,
livelihoods, and blue trade. The UN
has declared the decade 2021-2030
as the Decade of Ocean Science for
Sustainable Development.
Discovery of new bio-resources
could lead to the development of
life-saving medicines.
Leveraging Long The Government of India’s Vision of
Coastline (7517 Km New India by 2030 emphasized the
and 1382 Islands) Blue Economy as a core dimension
of growth.
Gain Technology The technology and expertise re-
Expertise quired for deep-sea missions are
available in only five countries: the
US, Russia, France, Japan, and Chi-
na. India’s participation makes it the
sixth country with this capability.
Climate change Scientific findings from deep-sea re-
solutions search can inform climate change
solutions.
Accurate climate projections help
coastal areas prepare for sea-level
rise and extreme weather events.
Economic Growth Mining polymetallic nodules con-
tributes to economic growth, Job
creation and increased revenue.
Coastal communities benefit from
access to clean drinking water and
reliable energy sources.
Major Challenges in Deep Ocean Exploration:
Major Challenges Description
Oceanic Pressure The deep ocean exerts immense
pressure, equivalent to carrying
about 10,000kg per square meter,
posing significant challenges.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Equipment Design The equipment requires robust ma-
terials. Also, electronics perform
differently underwater compared to
space or vacuum environments.
Challenges of Land- The soft and muddy ocean bed
ing makes it difficult for heavy vehicles
to land or manoeuvre effectively.
Material Extraction Extracting materials from the ocean
floor requires substantial power and
energy to pump them to the surface.
Limited Use of Re- Remotely operated vehicles are less
motely Operated effective in deep oceans due to the
Vehicles absence of electromagnetic wave
propagation.
Limited Visibility Visibility in the deep ocean is lim-
ited, with natural light penetrating
only a few tens of meters, unlike
space observations.
Other Compounded Temperature variations, corrosion,
Challenges and salinity add complexity to deep-
sea exploration, necessitating com-
prehensive solutions.
Conclusion:
The future of deep ocean exploration relies on biological-
ly-inspired engineering solutions, drawing from nature,
especially marine organisms. Biomimicry can lead to the
development of materials and structures tailored for the
challenging deep-sea environment, offering enhanced
adaptability and resilience overcoming limited visibility in
the deep ocean requires integrating diverse sensor tech-
nologies like sonar and lidar to enhance navigation and ex-
ploration. Additionally, environmental impact mitigation is
vital, necessitating international regulations for responsible
deep-sea exploration, and balancing scientific progress with
ecological preservation.
Other Blue Economy Initiatives:
• India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy: A col-
laborative effort between India and Norway estab-
lished in 2020 to pursue joint initiatives for sustain-
able development.
• Sagarmala Project: A strategic initiative aimed at
modernizing ports and fostering port-led develop-
ment through IT-enabled services.
• O-SMART: India’s comprehensive program regulat-
ing ocean and marine resource use for sustainable
development.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management: Focused on
conserving coastal and marine resources and im-
proving livelihood opportunities for coastal commu-
nities.
• National Fisheries Policy: Promotes the ‘Blue
Growth Initiative’ for the sustainable use of marine
and aquatic resources in India.
Insta links
• Deep Ocean Mission
Prelims Links
Q. With reference to the United Nations Convention on the
Law of Sea, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of
its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical
miles, measured from a baseline determined in accor-
dance with the convention.
2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy
the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond
200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the
breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D
Q. What is blue carbon? (UPSC 2021)
(a) Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems
(b) Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils
(c) Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas
(d) Carbon present in the atmosphere
Ans: A
Topics: Awareness in the fields of IT, Computers, robotics, na-
no-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual
property rights.
3. ICMR PERSONAL DATA BREACH
Context:
American cybersecurity company Resecurity reported a
breach of personal data of 815 million Indians, including
Aadhaar numbers and passport details, being sold on the
dark web. The data was claimed to be sourced from the Indi-
an Council of Medical Research.
What are Personally Identifiable Information (PII)/ Person-
al Data?
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is data that, alone
or with other details, can identify an individual. It includes
direct identifiers like passport info, Voter ID, PAN Card, etc.
Data falls into two categories:
• Personal, related to individual traits
• Non-personal, aggregated data that doesn’t identify
individuals.
Central Government Reply:
The IT Minister mentioned that CERT-In is investigating the
data leak. UIDAI asserts that Aadhaar data is secure in CIDR,
with no breaches in its history. Advanced security tech is
www.insightsonindia.com 9
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
used and regularly upgraded to address emerging threats.

Other instances of Data Breach:

Conclusion:
Safeguarding personal information is crucial to prevent these
impacts and maintain trust in the digital landscape. Users are
advised to check for leaks, be cautious with emails, change
passwords, and use two-factor authentication to safeguard
Impact of Personal Data Breach: personal information. The breach poses risks of digital iden-
Impact Examples tity theft and cyber-enabled financial crimes.
1. Online Banking Theft Unauthorized access to bank ac-
counts Insta Links:
New draft digital data protection bill: How it compares with
2. Tax Fraud Falsification of tax returns using
the older version and  laws elsewhere
stolen information
3. Cyber-Enabled Fi- Illicit financial activities using Mains Links:
nancial Crimes compromised data Q. The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill must ensure
4. Identity Theft Creation of false identities for that individuals’ personal data is collected and processed
fraudulent purposes in a manner that respects their privacy rights under Article
5. Privacy Invasion Unauthorized access to personal 21 of the Indian constitution. Comment.
information
Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution and
6. Targeted Phishing Using stolen data for deceptive degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Attacks email campaigns
7. Reputation Damage Loss of trust due to misuse of
personal information
8. Psychological Impact Emotional distress and anxiety
4. NOISE POLLUTION DURING
for individuals FESTIVALS
9. Discrimination Unfair treatment based on
leaked sensitive information Context:
10. Financial Loss for Scams and financial losses for The article emphasizes the need to address the noise crisis
Individuals the affected individuals associated with firecrackers during festivals.

Government step: What is Noise pollution?

It is generally defined as regular exposure to elevated sound
levels that may lead to adverse effects in humans or other
living organisms. According to the World Health Organiza-
tion, noise above 65 decibels (dB) is defined as noise pollu-

10 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
tion. To be precise, noise becomes harmful when it exceeds
75 decibels (dB) and is painful above 120 dB.
Impact of Noise Pollution on Human Health:
Impact Description
Hypertension Prolonged exposure to elevated noise
levels can lead to hypertension (high
blood pressure), increasing the risk of
cardiovascular diseases. More than 75
dB in offices is associated with hyper-
tension.
Hearing Loss Noise pollution from various sources,
including loud music and workplace
noise, can directly cause hearing loss.
Extended exposure to high-decibel
noise can damage delicate ear struc-
tures.
Sleep Distur- Constant traffic noise at night can dis-
bances rupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep
disturbances. Above 50 dB at night
could increase cortisol levels (‘stress
hormone’).
Cardiovascular Elevated blood pressure due to noise
Dysfunction pollution, especially at night, can con-
tribute to various cardiovascular diseas-
es, including heart attacks and strokes.
Dementia While not a direct cause, noise pollu-
tion can exacerbate or contribute to
the onset of dementia. Chronic noise
exposure increases stress levels, asso-
ciated with dementia risk.
Psychological Noise annoyance, an emotional reac-
Dysfunctions tion to continuous noise exposure, can
and Noise An- lead to stress, irritability, anxiety, and
noyance other psychological dysfunctions.
Impact on the ecosystem:
• Impact on Wildlife: Noise pollution disrupts natural
ecosystems by affecting wildlife.
o For instance, loud noises from construction
sites and urban areas can interfere with the
communication and breeding habits of
birds and other animals. This can lead to
population declines and ecological imbal-
ances.
• Impact on Animal health: Research shows noise
causes confined animals pain, fear and cognitive
problems. For example in fish, vibrations from ex-
treme noise can damage the swim bladder which in
turn impacts their hearing and buoyancy
• Marine Life: Underwater noise pollution from ship-
ping, sonar, and industrial activities can harm ma-
rine life.
o Whales and dolphins, which rely on echo-
location to communicate and find food, are
particularly vulnerable.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Noise pollution can drive some
species away from their habitats, leading to a loss of
biodiversity. This is especially concerning in India, a
country known for its rich and diverse wildlife.
What are the regulations regarding noise pollution?
• The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control)
Rules 2000 under the Environment Protection Act
1986 mandate that firecrackers cannot be used
in ‘silence zones’, and anywhere after 10 PM.
• Section 2 (a) of the Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1981 considers noise as ‘air pollut-
ant’.
• From 6 AM to 10 PM, firecracker noise cannot ex-
ceed 75 dB. The thresholds in commercial and resi-
dential areas are 65 dB and 55 dB, respectively.
• The rules allow people to register a complaint if the
noise overshoots by 10 dB during daytime.
• Central Pollution Control Board has listed fines for
the violation of noise pollution norms, including the
use of loudspeakers or public addresses that can re-
sult in a fine of Rs 10,000.
o Exemption: The state government can pro-
vide exemption during any cultural or reli-
gious festive occasion of a limited duration
not exceeding 15 days in all during a calen-
dar year.
Issues with noise pollution regulation:
• Issues with Demarcation of zones: Different loud-
ness zones are also seldom publicly demarcated.
Some places are both residential and commercial.
• Ambiguity of rules: The rules are unclear about the
sanctions to be meted out to offenders.
Need for effective management:
• Limit firecracker production to curb noise and pol-
lution.
o CSIR introduced eco-friendly “green” crack-
ers in 2018, mandated by authorities.
• Cities should share noise data and set targets.
• Noise Regulations: India has noise pollution regula-
tions in place, such as the Noise Pollution (Regula-
tion and Control) Rules, 2000.
o However, enforcement remains a chal-
lenge. Strengthening these regulations and
ensuring strict enforcement is crucial.
• Urban Planning: Cities must incorporate noise miti-
gation measures into their urban planning.
o This includes sound barriers along high-
ways, green buffer zones around industrial
areas, and the promotion of quieter trans-
port options.
• Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the
harmful effects of noise pollution is essential.
o Educational campaigns can inform the pub-
lic about the risks and encourage responsi-
ble behaviour, such as reducing noise levels
in residential areas.
www.insightsonindia.com 11

Conclusion
Although noise pollution may seem harmless, it, in fact,
has far-reaching consequences. The adverse effects on the
health of the environment are quite severe. Not only is the
local wildlife affected by pollution but humans also face a
number of problems due to it.
Insta Links
Noise Pollution
Mains Links:
Q. Noise pollution harms human health and disrupts ecosys-
tems, underscoring the need for effective management and
awareness. Discuss. (10M)
5. CLIMATE FINANCE: ‘LOSS AND
DAMAGE’ FUND
Context:
In the face of the intensifying climate crisis, the focus has
shifted towards the prominence of “adaptation” and “loss
and damage” (L&D) in the climate crisis. Despite acceptance
at COP 27, efforts to operationalize the L&D fund have faced
significant challenges.
What is Climate finance?
It refers to financing, from public, private, and alternative
sources, that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation
actions to address climate change. Mitigation tackles the
causes of climate change, whereas adaptation tackles the ef-
fects of climate change. E.g., Constructing elevated homes in
flood-prone areas to mitigate the impact of rising sea levels.
Adaptation finance continues to lag (compared to mitiga-
tion), with 98% coming from the public sector
For the 2023 Adaptation Gap Report: Click Here
What is a “loss and damage” (L&D) fund?
The “Loss and Damage” (L&D) fund is meant for the irre-
versible consequences of climate change that cannot be
avoided or mitigated through adaptation efforts.
Origin of L&D fund:
Event Details
Historic Pollu- For over 30 years, there has been a call
tion Account- for affluent nations to acknowledge their
ability historical pollution accountability.
COP 19 Agree- At COP 19 in Warsaw, Poland, in 2013,
ment (2013) member countries formalized the cre-
ation of the L&D fund. It aimed to pro-
vide financial and technical support to
economically developing nations grap-
pling with L&D due to climate change.
12 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
S u b s e q u e n t COP 25 introduced the Santiago Network
Developments for L&D, and COP 26 established the
Glasgow Dialogue on finance for L&D.
COP 27 in November 2022 saw the cre-
ation of the L&D fund and a Transitional
Committee (TC) tasked with operational-
izing the fund.
Challenges in Creating the L&D Fund
• Contentious Issues: Transitional Committee (TC)
meetings faced challenges over hosting at the World
Bank, CBDR principle, climate reparations, and eligi-
bility for developing nations. No consensus on oper-
ationalizing the L&D fund, reflecting divisions
• Developed vs. Developing Nations: Disagreements
deepened the divide, hindering progress. Outcome
of TC4 and TC5 Meetings
• Lack of Clarity: There is a lack of clarity on specifics
on the fund size of the L&D fund due to pressure
from certain developed nations.
Impact of the non-operationalization of the L&D fund:
Impact Areas Consequences
H u m a n i t a r i a n Potential for crises, food shortages,
Consequences displacement, conflict, and increased
suffering.
Economic and En- Risks financial crises, environmental
vironmental Im- degradation, and global economic in-
pact stability.
Security Implica- Climate-induced instability may lead
tions to security concerns, with conflicts
spilling across borders.
Erosion of Trust It will further aggravate the trust
deficit between affluent and emerg-
ing economies, widening global divi-
sions.
Undermines global climate negotia-
tions, cooperation, and climate jus-
tice.
Way forward:
• Countries should maintain momentum after in-
cremental gains at COPs, ensuring credibility and
meaningful progress.
• Sustaining political commitment to new finance,
targeted emission reduction, and improved vulner-
ability reduction are crucial.
• Lessons from recent experiences, especially with
the Green Climate Fund, should guide ongoing ef-
forts.
• The imperative to strike a balance between adap-
tation and addressing Loss and Damage remains
crucial.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Recent Other efforts to boost climate finance:
• New Global Financing Pact
• The EU has put forward a proposal, called the Car-
bon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
Conclusion:
The prolonged deadlock over the Loss and Damage fund
highlights a concerning lack of consensus and trust among
nations, posing challenges to climate justice and collabora-
tive efforts.
Other Global Climate Finance Mechanism:
Mechanism Details
Global Environ- Established in the 1992 Rio Earth
ment Facility Summit, the GEF is a unique partner-
(GEF) ship of 18 agencies working with 183
countries to address the world’s most
challenging environmental issues.
Adaptation Fund Established in 2001, the Adaptation
Fund finances concrete adaptation
projects and programs in developing
countries that are Parties to the Kyoto
Protocol.
Special Climate Established in 2001, the SCCF finances
Change Fund projects related to adaptation, tech-
(SCCF) nology transfer, capacity building, en-
ergy, transport, etc.
Least Developed Established to support a work pro-
Countries Fund gram assisting Least Developed
(LDCF) Country Parties in preparing and im-
plementing national adaptation pro-
grams of action (NAPAs).
Green Climate Established under the Cancún Agree-
Fund (GCF) ments in 2010, the GCF is mandated
to support developing countries in
raising and realizing their Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDC) am-
bitions.
Insta Links:
• The Bonn Climate Change conference
Mains Links:
Q. Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the
global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down
the level of greenhouse gasses which cause global warming,
in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (UPSC 2022)
Topics: Challenges to internal security through communication
networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal
security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering
and its prevention
6. INDIA’S 1ST NATIONAL SECURI-
TY STRATEGY
Context:
India is in the process of creating its first National Security
Strategy, a document that outlines the country’s security
objectives and methods to achieve them.
What is the National Security Strategy?
It is a government document that outlines a country’s securi-
ty objectives and the methods to achieve them. It addresses
a wide range of threats, both traditional and non-tradition-
al, providing a holistic view of national security and guiding
defence and security policies. This strategy helps shape a na-
tion’s approach to military, economic, and diplomatic mat-
ters to protect its interests and ensure its security.
Examples: Many developed countries, including the US, the
UK, and Russia, have their own National Security Strategies
in place.  Pakistan, too, has brought out a National Security
Policy 2022-2026.
India’s Need for National Security Strategy:
India needs a National Security Strategy to address com-
plex traditional and non-traditional threats and uncertain-
ties. Experts emphasize the importance of such a strategy
for guiding military reforms and providing a clear direction
in the face of evolving challenges and geopolitical tensions.
Without it, military reforms lack a solid foundation.
Contours of National Security Policy:
Aspects Description
Clarifying Define assets to be defended and identify
the Objec- opponents seeking to disrupt and disorient
tives the target nation.
Setting Pri- Establish new departments for innovation
orities and technologies, focusing on areas like hy-
drogen fuel cells, desalination, and cyberse-
curity.
Changing Develop a multi-dimensional strategy to an-
the Strategy ticipate threats, including limited pre-emp-
tive strikes, and deter potential adversaries.
New Agen- Focus on critical and emerging technolo-
da gies, connectivity, infrastructure, cyber se-
curity, and maritime security.
Role of Poli- Allocate a separate budget for cybersecuri-
cy Makers ty, create a central body of cyber warriors
to counter hackers and harness India’s soft-
ware development talent. Bootstrap cyber-
security capability at state levels.
www.insightsonindia.com 13
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

Defence, Defend critical infrastructure, promote hon- Pegasus spy- In 2021, the Pegasus spyware, sold ex-
Deterrence, est reporting of breaches, address the com- ware (by Isreal) clusively to government agencies by
and Ex- plexity of cyber deterrence, and prepare for Israeli firm NSO Group, was reportedly
ploitation cyber warfare as a means to achieve nation- used on Indian journalists, civil society
al security objectives. groups, and politicians, as revealed by
the Forbidden Stories collective.
Why did India never have a national security strategy? A few “State-sponsored” Chinese hacker groups targeted
India has never had a national security strategy due to politi- various Indian power centres
cal hesitation and concerns about accountability in defence
management. Various experts suggest reasons ranging from Impact of State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks:
a lack of coordinated government effort to the government’s
Impact Examples
reluctance to disclose its national security objectives.
1. Data The 2014 Sony Pictures hack by North Ko-
Insta Links: Breaches rea.
• National Security Strategy Chinese state-sponsored attacks on Equi-
• US’s National Security Strategy (NSS) fax in 2017.
2. Political In- Alleged Russian interference in the 2016
Topics: Security challenges and their management in border ar- terference U.S. presidential election
eas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Pegasus spyware from NSO Group target-
ing Indian journalists, activists, and politi-
cians.
7. STATE-SPONSORED CYBER AT- 3. Disruption Russian cyber-attacks on Ukraine’s power
TACKS of Critical In- grid
frastructure
Context: 4. Espionage Operation Aurora targeting Google in
Apple has been sending automated notifications to individ- and Surveil- 2009
uals worldwide, including many politicians and opposition lance NSA’s PRISM program was revealed by
leaders, alerting them to potential state-sponsored attacks. Edward Snowden.
5. Intellectu- Chinese APT10 group stealing tech IP
What is State-Sponsored Cyber Attack? al Property globally.
A state-sponsored cyber-attack is a hacking or digital in- Theft Russian state-sponsored attacks on aero-
trusion orchestrated or supported by a government or na-
space companies.
tion-state. These attacks are typically well-funded, and
sophisticated, and often target specific individuals, organi- 6. Financial North Korean Lazarus Group’s global
zations, or government entities for political, economic, or Losses banking attacks.
espionage purposes. Iranian hacking group APT33 targeting fi-
nancial firms.
Examples of State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks:
Examples Target Motivation Challenges in Containing State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks:
Stuxnet (by Is- Iran’s Nuclear Pro- Disrupting Iran’s Challenge Description
rael and the gram nuclear efforts Multiplying India’s digital growth has made it sus-
US) Capacity, Add-ceptible to data theft, with the govern-
NotPetya (Ex- Ukraine, Global Disrupting Ukraine ing Vulnerabil-
ment emphasizing “data flows” over
Petr) (by Rus- and causing collat- ity data protection.
sia) eral damage Parking Data Collaborations with foreign service pro-
Operation Au- Multiple tech com- Intellectual prop- Abroad viders and data storage outside India
rora (by China) panies erty theft pose risks to national cyberspace.
APT41 (Winnti Various global tar- Espionage, cy- Proxy Cyber AI-powered autonomous lethal weap-
Group) (by Chi- gets ber-espionage Attacks ons and illegal activities like fake digital
na) tools currency and intellectual property theft
threaten national security.

14 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
China’s Quan- China’s quantum advancements increase
tum Lead the risk of quantum cyberattacks, while
India’s dependence on foreign, especially
Chinese, hardware adds vulnerability.
Indian Government Efforts in Containing State-Sponsored
Cyber Attacks:
Aspect Description
Banning of unsafe India has banned apps, primarily
apps of Chinese origin, that posed se-
curity threats by transferring data
outside India without adequate
safeguards.
National cybersecuri- A comprehensive plan for prepar-
ty strategy ing and addressing cyberattacks is
awaited, covering pre, post, and
during-attack measures.
Indian Cyber Crime Launched in 2018, it serves as the
Coordination Centre apex coordination centre for deal-
ing with cybercrimes.
CERT-In (Cyber Emer- As the National Nodal Agency for
gency Response Cyber Security, CERT-In has been
Team) operational since 2004.
National Cyber Secu- This policy outlines the strategic
rity Policy, 2013 direction to protect the national
cyberspace.
Cyber Swachhta Ken- Launched in early 2017, this initia-
dra tive helps users analyze and main-
tain their systems free from virus-
es, bots, malware, Trojans, etc.
Cyber Surakshit Launched by the Ministry of Elec-
Bharat tronics and Information Technolo-
gy (MEITy) in 2018 to raise aware-
ness about cybercrime and build
capacity for safety measures.
Cyber Warrior Police Organized in 2018 on the lines of
Force the Central Armed Police Force to
combat cyber threats.
Personal Data Protec- Mandates private companies to
tion Bill strengthen data infrastructure for
individual data protection.
Information Technol- The primary law for dealing with
ogy Act, 2000 cybercrime and digital commerce
in India.
National Critical In- Created under Section 70A of IT
formation Infrastruc- Act 2000 to safeguard Cyberinfra-
ture Protection Cen- structure.
tre (NCIIPC)
International Efforts:
• Budapest Convention on cybercrime: 1st
international treaty to address cybercrime; India is
not a signatory.
• Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Num-
bers (ICANN): US-based not-for-profit organisation
for coordinating & maintenance of several
databases.
• Internet Governance Forum: UN forum for
multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on Internet gover-
nance issues.
Apple recommendation (in the present case): They recom-
mend activating Lockdown Mode, a feature introduced in
recent software updates (iOS) to protect against rare and
sophisticated cyber-attacks. Lockdown Mode restricts cer-
tain functions to enhance security.
What more needs to be done?
• Cyber-Awareness: Promote education to raise
awareness about cybercrime prevention, especially
among the youth, and foster a cyber-secure ecosys-
tem.
• Tech-Diplomacy for Cybersecurity: Strengthen dip-
lomatic ties with advanced economies and tech-
no-democracies to combat cross-border cyber
threats and ensure global cyberspace security.
• Cooperative Federalism: Empower states to equip
law enforcement for cybercrime control, and cen-
tralize statutory procedures for uniform law enforce-
ment.
• Mandatory Data Protection: Enforce data protec-
tion norms for government and private entities han-
dling personal data, and conducting regular audits
for compliance.
• National Cybersecurity Policies: Develop compre-
hensive national policies addressing both cyber de-
fence and offence, and allocate resources for cyber-
security infrastructure and training.
• International Collaboration: Collaborate with oth-
er nations and organizations to share threat intelli-
gence and coordinate responses to state-sponsored
cyber threats.
• Separate wing under Army or Navy as Cyber Com-
mand on lines of US
About Cybersecurity:
It is the practice of safeguarding computers, networks, pro-
grams, and data from unauthorized access or cyber-attacks,
which aim to exploit critical information infrastructure (CII),
defined as computer resources crucial to national security,
economy, public health, or safety under Section 70(1) of the
Information Technology Act.
Data Security Council of India (DSCI):
It is a not-for-profit, industry body on data protection setup
by NASSCOM in 2008. It is committed to making cyberspace
safe, secure and trusted by establishing best practices, stan-
dards and initiatives in cyber security and privacy.
www.insightsonindia.com 15
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Insta Links: Explanation using Example:
Cybersecurity Challenges in India During the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the state of Odisha had
a state election as well. So, voters had to cast two votes. Re-
Mains Links: search shows that many chose to cast their vote for different
Q. What are the different elements of cyber security? Keep- parties for the state and Lok Sabha elections. This is an ex-
ing in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the ex- ample of split voting.
tent to which India has successfully developed a comprehen-
sive National Cyber Security Strategy. (UPSC 2022) Similarly, New Zealand uses a mixed member proportion-
al (MMP) system. In this system, voters have two votes: a
Prelims Links: “party vote” and an “electorate vote.” The “party vote” de-
Q.1 In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which termines the overall composition of the parliament, where
of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition voters choose a political party. The “electorate vote” is for
to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (UPSC selecting a local Member of Parliament (MP) for their specif-
2020) ic geographical constituency.
1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of
malware disrupting access to one’s computer Benefits of Split Voting:
2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully dam- Benefit Description
ages it, if proved so
Localized Elected representatives are held account-
3. Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the
Accountability able for their local performance.
loss in case of cyber extortion
4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third-party files Policy Focus Parties can emphasize policies and ideol-
a suit ogies, promoting informed voting based
Select the correct answer using the code given below: on principles.
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only Improved Enhances diversity in parliament, bene-
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only Representa- fiting women, indigenous communities,
(c) 2 and 3 only tion and marginalized groups.
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Enhanced Allows voters to express a diverse range
Ans: B Democracy of political preferences without wasting
their votes.
Q.2 In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the follow-
Flexibility Voters can choose the best candi-
ing to report on cyber security incidents? (UPSC 2017)
date-party combination based on their
1. Service providers
beliefs.
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate
Usage: The example can be used as a way forward for elec-
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
toral reforms in Polity/Governance Questions.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only 2. “WOMEN FOR WATER, WATER
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D FOR WOMEN CAMPAIGN”
Context:
The “Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign”
CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs aims
to empower women in water governance.
1. SPLIT VOTING Under it, women will visit water treatment plants to learn
Context: about water treatment processes and quality testing proto-
The article discusses the concept of split voting, as seen in cols. The campaign focuses on instilling a sense of owner-
both Odisha and New Zealand. ship among women towards water infrastructure, with over
15,000 Self Help Groups (SHG) women participating.
What is Split Voting?
Split voting is a concept in electoral systems where voters It promotes inclusivity, and gender equality, and aims to
have the option to cast separate votes for different candi- enhance women’s role in ensuring access to safe drinking
dates or parties in an election. water for their households.

16 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

The campaign is part of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation

and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and has the potential
to create positive community impact and serve as a model
for future initiatives.
3. TAMIL DIASPORA CONTRI-
BUTIONS TO INDIA’S FREEDOM
STRUGGLE
Notable figures and their contributions to the Indian free-
dom struggle:
Name Contribution
G o v i n d a s w a m y A key member of the Satyagraha
Thambi Naidoo campaign led by Mahatma Gandhi
during 1906-14 (in South Africa)
Monty Naicker Focused on freedom and justice,
advocating for Indian rights in
South Africa.
Janaki Athi Nahappan Member of the Indian National
Army (INA), fought against the
British in World War II
Usage: Names can be quoted in Modern History/ Ethics (val-
ues of patriotism, sacrifice, service)
4. PAURADHWANI PROGRAM
Context:
The Kerala State Literacy Mission (KSLM) is launching the
‘Pauradhwani’ program in Ernakulam and eight other dis-
tricts to shape informed and independent citizens.
Aim:
This program aims to instil scientific aptitude, independent
thinking, secularism, democratic spirit, constitutional val-
ues, and awareness about rights among the population.
‘Pauradhwani’ has a six-point motto, emphasizing the
• Rights of marginalized sections
• Democracy
• Brotherhood
• Building an egalitarian society
5. SRINIVASA RAMANUJAN
Context:
Srinivasa Ramanujan’s college, the historical Government
Arts College in Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu), is undergoing a
restoration project.
Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887–1920) was an Indian mathema-
tician renowned for his extraordinary contributions to num-
ber theory, mathematical analysis, and continued fractions.
He self-taught mathematics and gained recognition for his
talent. Ramanujan’s work included groundbreaking results
in mathematical analysis, infinite series, and elliptic func-
tions.
Despite facing initial challenges, he collaborated with British
mathematician G. H. Hardy at Cambridge University. Nation-
al Mathematics Day is celebrated on Srinivasa Ramanujan’s
birth anniversary (22nd December)
Values shown by him: Passion for Learning, Perseverance,
Innate Genius, Collaboration, and Legacy of Discovery
6. “ABUNDANCE IN MILLETS”
SONG
Context:
The song “Abundance in Millets,” featuring Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and singer Falu, has been nominat-
ed for the 2022 Grammy Awards in the Best Global Music
Performance category.
The song promotes the benefits of millet in the world’s food
supply and advocates for their consumption as a healthy
alternative. The nomination aligns with the designation of
2023 as the “International Year of Millets” by the United
Nations.
About the Grammy Awards (presented by the Recording
Academy of the United States): It recognizes outstand-
ing achievements in the music industry, honouring artists
across various genres. The Oscars, on the other hand, cele-
brate excellence in the film industry.

The program covers topics such as the independence strug-

gle, forest rights, rules for coastal areas, women-centric
rules, and rights and laws governing children, health, and
nutrition.

Usage: The example can be used in Indian Society/ Ethics

Case Studies/ Governance Qn

www.insightsonindia.com 17
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
the form of a circular design near Mudichu Thalapalli in the
Medchal-Malkajgiri district.

What is Geoglyph?
A geoglyph is a large, intricate design or motif created on
the ground’s surface, often by arranging natural materials or
altering the landscape itself. Notable examples include the
Nazca Lines in Peru and the Uffington White Horse in En-
gland.

About the discovered Geoglyph:

This geoglyph, measuring 7.5 meters in diameter with a per-
fect circular shape and two triangles inside, is the first of its
kind found in Telangana. It has been dated to the Iron Age,
around 1000 BCE. Experts suggested that it might have been
a model for megalithic communities when planning their
circular burial sites.

Significance: Geoglyphs can serve various purposes, includ-

ing artistic, ceremonial, or navigational. Geoglyph shows the
artistic skills and etching techniques of the region’s Iron Age
inhabitants

FACTS FOR PRELIMS

GS-1

1. LEAVE BENEFITS FOR WOMEN

IN THE ARMED FORCES
Context:
The Defence Minister has approved a proposal to provide
maternity, childcare, and child adoption leave to women
soldiers, sailors, and air warriors, bringing their leave bene-
fits in line with officers in the armed forces.
3. KONDAVEEDU FORT
• This decision aims to promote the “inclusive partici-
pation” of women in the military, regardless of their Context:
ranks and is intended to improve the work-life bal- The Kondaveedu Fort in Andhra Pradesh now hosts a cultur-
ance for women in the armed forces. al gallery showcasing its rich historical significance from the
• Maternity leave is governed by the Maternity Bene- 13th to the 20th century
fit Act of 1961, amended in 2017. It allows working
women to take paid maternity leave for twenty-six About the fort:
weeks for the first two children.
Kondaveedu Fort located south of River Krishna near Gun-
tur, was constructed by Prolaya Vema Reddy. It was used as
Currently, women officers receive 180 days of maternity
the capital by the Reddy dynasty between 1328 and 1482,
leave with full pay for each child (up to a maximum of two
shifting from their former capital at Addanki
children), 360 days of childcare leave in their total service
career (for children under 18), and 180 days of child adop-
It was taken by the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnade-
tion leave for children under one year.
varaya in 1516.

2. GEOGLYPH The Reddy dynasty was based in Coastal Andhra, spanning

from Vishakapatnam in the north to Kanchipuram in the
Context: south. They were notable patrons of Telugu literature.
A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made in Tel-
angana, with the unearthing of a 3,000-year-old geoglyph in

18 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

What are phreatomagmatic eruptions?

Phreatomagmatic eruptions are volcanic events triggered
4. LEATHER PUPPETRY by the interaction of magma with water, typically seawa-
ter. These interactions lead to explosive releases of ash and
Context: steam. The term “phreatomagmatic” combines “phreat-
Leather puppetry, an ancient art form in Andhra Pradesh, is ic,” relating to water, and “magmatic,” referring to magma.
facing extinction. These eruptions often occur underwater and are character-
ized by the explosive nature of the ash and steam release.
What is Leather puppetry?
It is an ancient art form that involves the use of puppets
made from goat skin. Puppeteers craft puppets depicting
characters from Hindu mythology, and performances often
revolve around themes from epics like Ramayana and Ma-
habharata.

Threats faced by puppeteers:

• The majority of the Puppeteers, who originally came
from Maharashtra and settled near Kakinada, have
embraced other faiths and subsequently quit pup-
petry which is purely based on Hindu mythological
stories.
• Low Income: The puppeteers are struggling for live-
lihoods, with the impact of digital media and a de-
cline in public interest. About Japan’s Ogasawara island chain:
The chain, also known as the Bonin Islands, consists of over
What is Shadow puppetry and how is it different from 30 islands and islets created by volcanic processes, including
Leather Puppetry? phreatomagmatic eruptions.
Shadow puppetry is a traditional form of puppetry where
puppets made of translucent material, often leather, are
used to create shadows on a screen. Here the focus is on
the shadows cast on the screen, and the puppets are typi-
cally made of thin, semi-transparent material like leather or
parchment. Leather puppetry, on the other hand, involves
the use of more substantial, often opaque, puppets made
from materials like goat skin.

GS-2
5. UNDERWATER VOLCANO ERUP- 1. ADVOCATE-ON-RECORD SYS-
TION TEM
Context:
Context:
A new island has emerged near Japan’s Ogasawara island
The Supreme Court recently criticized an Advocate-on-Re-
chain following an underwater volcano eruption in late Oc-
cord (AoR) for submitting a frivolous case and subsequently
tober 2023.
dismissed a public interest litigation.
• The island formed through phreatomagmatic erup- • The Court rebuked the lawyer, emphasizing that an
tions triggered by the interaction of magma with AoR’s role goes beyond being a mere “signing au-
seawater. thority,” implying that AoRs have a more substan-

www.insightsonindia.com 19

tial responsibility than just formalities
About the Advocate-on-Record system:
The Advocate-on-Record (AoR) system in the Supreme
Court of India is a unique category of advocates responsible
for filing cases in the Supreme Court. An AoR serves as the
link between litigants and the highest court in the country
Eligibility Criteria:
• An advocate must undergo training with a court-ap-
proved AoR for at least one year before taking the
examination.
• The advocate should have at least four years of legal
practice before beginning the training.
• An AoR must have an office located in Delhi within a
16-kilometer radius of the Supreme Court.
Constitutional status:
• The rules governing the AoR system are established
by the Supreme Court itself, in accordance with its
authority under Article 145 of the Constitution,
which empowers the Court to create rules and reg-
ulate its own procedures for hearing cases.
• The AoR system is based on the British model of
barristers and solicitors, where barristers argue cas-
es and solicitors handle client matters.
2. ENCORE
Context:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has developed an in-
house software system through ‘ENCORE’ (Enabling Com-
munications on Real-time Environment) to manage candi-
dates and elections more efficiently.
About ENCORE:
Feature Description
Candidate Enables Returning Officers to handle
Nomination candidate nominations and affidavits
and Affidavit seamlessly.
Processing
Voter Turnout Helps in tracking voter turnout and ef-
and Data Man- fectively managing election data.
agement
Counting and Includes a counting application for dig-
Results itizing votes, tabulating round-wise
data, and generating statutory reports
for counting.
Scrutiny of The ‘ENCORE Scrutiny Application’ al-
Nominations lows Returning Officers to scrutinize
candidate nominations online, marking
them as Accepted, Rejected, or With-
drawn. This aids in preparing the final
list of contesting candidates and assign-
ing symbols.
20 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Online Nomi- ECI offers an online portal for candidates
nation and Affi- to fill out nomination forms, deposit
davit Portal security, and schedule meetings with
Returning Officers, simplifying the filing
process.
Candidate Affi- Displays information about a candi-
davit Portal date’s financial assets and liabilities.
ENCORE Nodal Various government departments pro-
App vide ‘no objection’ certificates through
this application, ensuring that politi-
cal parties and candidates receive the
necessary permissions for rallies, road
shows, and meetings.
About the Election Commission of India:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional
body that was established by the Constitution of India to
conduct and regulate elections in the country.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a five-member
body that directs and controls the entire process of conduct-
ing elections:
• To Parliament
• To the Legislature of every State
• To the offices of President and Vice-President of India
The ECI also:
• Advises in the matter of post-election disqualification of
sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures
• Resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of rec-
ognized political parties
• Implements the Code of Conduct and punishes any can-
didate or party that violates it
3. PIRACY OF FILM CONTENT
Context:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has
established an institutional mechanism to combat film con-
tent piracy.
• This move aims to curb the increasing piracy issue
facilitated by the internet, which has caused signif-
icant losses of up to twenty thousand crore rupees
in the film industry.
Key Highlights:
• Digital platforms hosting pirated content must re-
move internet links within 48 hours upon receiving
directives from the Nodal Officers.
Cinematograph (Amendment) Act 2023 was passed (amend-
ed the Cinematograph Act 1952) and includes stricter pun-
ishments for piracy, ranging from minimum three-month
imprisonment and a fine of three lakh rupees to up to three
years imprisonment and a fine of up to five per cent of the
audited gross production cost.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

4. WORLD FOOD INDIA 2023

Context:
The Prime Minister inaugurated the second edition of the
‘World Food India 2023’ event recently.
• The event aimed to showcase India as the ‘food
basket of the world’ and celebrate 2023 as the In-
ternational Year of Millets.

Key growth pillars of FPI:

• Empowering small farmers through Farmer Produce
Organizations (FPOs)
• Organizing 2 lakh micro-enterprises to boost Small
Scale Industries
• Involving over 9 crore women through Self-Help
Groups (SHGs)

Status of India’s FPI:

India’s Food Processing Industry (FPI) has seen significant
growth, attracting Rs 50,000 crore in FDI investments over
the past nine years. Processed food now contributes 23 per-
cent to agri exports, with a 150 percent overall increase. The
processing capacity has expanded to over 200 lakh metric 6. ELECTORAL TRUSTS (ET)
tonnes.
SCHEME
Several initiatives have been undertaken to promote the
food processing industry in India, including the PM Kisan Context:
SAMPADA Yojana, the One District One Product scheme, Prior to the Electoral Bond Scheme, the Electoral Trusts (ET)
the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Process- Scheme, established by the UPA government in 2013, regu-
ing Industry (PLISFPI), and the Eat right India movement. lated corporate and individual donations to political parties,
emphasizing transparency.

Electoral Trusts (ET) Scheme:

5. PRADHAN MANTRI GARIB
KALYAN ANNA YOJANA (PMGKAY)
Context:
PM announced the extension of the free-food grain program
for 80 crore people for an additional five years from January
2024 to December 2028.
Previously, PMGKAY was launched in 2020 as a pandemic re-
lief measure initially set to conclude on December 31, 2023.
Later, this year, a scheme with the same name was launched
to provide free-of-cost food grains for a year under the Na-
tional Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. Now it has been ex-
tended till 2028.
• Introduced in 2013.
• Open to companies registered under Section 25 of
the Companies Act, 1956, and individuals or entities
residing in India.
• Trusts must renew their registration every three fi-
nancial years.
• Mandates that 95% of contributions received in a
financial year must be donated to political parties
registered under the Representation of the People
Act, 1951.
• Electoral Trusts prioritize transparency by mandat-
ing the reporting of contributors and beneficiaries
to the Election Commission of India. This differs
from the Electoral Bonds (EB) Scheme, which per-
mits anonymous political donations.

About the Electoral Bond Scheme:

www.insightsonindia.com 21

What does the Trend Show?
Both EB and ET schemes are running simultaneously. In
the period from 2017-18 to 2021-22, the money donat-
ed through EBs was over five times the amount that came
through Electoral Trusts. Between the same period, parties
received a total of Rs 1,631 crore through ETs, while Rs 9,208
crore was donated through EBs.
7. UGC ANNOUNCES REGULATION
OF FOREIGN UNIVERSITIES IN
INDIA
Context:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced
regulations facilitating the entry of Foreign Higher Educa-
tional Institutions (FHEIs) into India, aligning with the Na-
tional Education Policy (NEP).
Major features of UGC (Setting up and Operation of Cam-
puses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) in
India) Regulations, 2023
Specifications Details
Approval FHEIs require UGC’s approval before
the establishment of Indian campuses,
offering any program, or discontinuing
any course or program.
Not allowed to offer programs contrary
to Indian higher education standards.
22 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Eligibility FHEIs must be ranked within the top
500 in global rankings (overall or sub-
ject-wise) or possess outstanding ex-
pertise in a particular area.
Qualifications Qualifications awarded and the quality
of education in Indian campuses must
be equivalent to those awarded in their
home jurisdiction.
FHEIs cannot offer programs online or
in open and distance learning modes.
Online lectures are limited to 10% of
program requirements.
Application Pro- Application has to be submitted on the
cess UGC portal, which then will be vetted
by a Standing Committee and it will
then be recommended to UGC within
60 days
Campuses Collaboration of two or more universi-
ties is allowed. Each foreign university
can set up multiple campuses, requir-
ing a separate application for each pro-
posed campus. Prior UGC approval is
necessary for new courses.
Autonomy Allowed to decide the admission pro-
cess, and criteria, recruit faculty and
staff, and set a transparent and reason-
able fee structure.
Restrictions FHEIs’ operations should not be con-
trary to India’s sovereignty, integrity,
security, friendly relations with foreign
states, public order, decency, or moral-
ity.
For receiving donations from foreign
sources, FHEIs require prior permission
from the Central Government (under
the Foreign Contribution (Regulation)
Act, 2010)
8. CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF PER-
SONS WITH DISABILITIES
Context:
The Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities deliv-
ered two impactful judgments aimed at promoting accessi-
bility and protecting the rights of individuals with disabili-
ties in India.
What is the Judgement about?
• Government Office Accessibility Mandate: Gov-
ernment offices in non-accessible buildings must
relocate services. Services should be moved to the
ground floor or an accessible location within the
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
same facility.
• Airline Policy: Airline policy necessitating medical
clearance for certain PwD categories is inconsistent
with global Civil Aviation Requirements. All airlines,
whether Indian or foreign, must implement the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, to pro-
tect the rights and dignity of individuals with dis-
abilities
Prelims Links:
Q. India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What
are the benefits available to them under the law? (UPSC
2011)
1. Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government-run
schools.
2. Preferential allotment of land for setting up business.
3. Ramps in public buildings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D
9. CRIMINAL CASES AGAINST
MPS AND MLAS
Context:
The Supreme Court issued directions for the speedy disposal
of criminal cases against Members of Parliament (MPs) and
Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
The SC issued guidelines during a case challenging Section
8(3) of the Representation of People Act, 1951. This section
imposes a six-year ban on individuals convicted of offences
with a minimum two-year sentence from contesting elec-
tions.
SC guidelines:
Points Details
Registration The chief justices from high courts (HC)
of Suo motu can now initiate suo motu cases for
cases speedy resolution of pending criminal
cases involving lawmakers.
Special Bench Such cases against MPs/MLAs can be
heard by a Chief Justice-led special bench.
Priority in Designated courts prioritize those crimi-
D e s i g n a t e d nal cases against MPs/MLAs which are:
Courts 1. Punishable with death or life imprison-
ment 2. Cases punishable with imprison-
ment for 5 years or more
Trial Court Ad- Trial courts are instructed not to adjourn
journments such criminal cases against MPs/MLAs,
except for rare and compelling reasons.
District judges are tasked with ensuring
adequate infrastructure and technologi-
cal facilities for designated special courts
trying lawmakers.
M o n i t o r i n g HCs should develop effective monitoring
Measures measures using powers under Article 227
to monitor such cases
Under Article 227 (1), HC exercises super-
intendence over all courts and tribunals
in its jurisdiction.
Status of Criminal cases against MPs/MLAs:
In India, post the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, 43% of new-
ly-elected MPs had pending criminal cases, as reported by
the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). By December
2021, the number of pending criminal cases against current
and former MLAs and MPs had reached close to 5,000.
Various Judgments Against Criminalization of Politics:
Case Judgment
Public Inter- The SC mandated political parties to pub-
est Founda- lish candidates’ criminal records on web-
tion v. Union sites, social media, and newspapers. The
of India Election Commission of India (ECI) was di-
(2019) rected to create a framework for effective
dissemination.
Manoj Narula The Delhi High Court held that a person
v. Union of In- charged with a criminal offence couldn’t
dia (2014) be disqualified from elections. However,
political parties were cautioned against
fielding candidates with a criminal back-
ground.
www.insightsonindia.com 23

Lily Thomas v. The SC ruled that MPs or MLAs convict-
Union of In- ed of a crime and sentenced to two years
dia (2013) or more would be disqualified. Convicted
lawmakers couldn’t contest elections or
hold office pending appeal.
A s s o c i at i o n The SC instructed the ECI to issue guide-
for Democrat- lines preventing political parties from
ic Reforms v. giving tickets to candidates with criminal
Union of In- records. Candidates were required to dis-
dia (2002) close their criminal history in nomination
papers.
GS-3
1. ASTEROID DINKINESH
Context:
NASA’s Lucy spacecraft, on a mission to observe Jupiter’s
Trojan asteroids, recently made an unexpected discovery.
• It found that the main belt asteroid Dinkinesh,
which it was set to fly by, is actually a binary system
of two asteroids bound together.
• Preliminary analysis suggests that the larger aster-
oid is about 790 meters wide, while the smaller one
is approximately 220 meters in size.
About Asteroids:
1. An asteroid is a rocky, metallic, or icy minor planet that
orbits within the inner Solar System.
2. Asteroids are smaller than planets but larger than me-
teoroids. They can range in size from 1-meter rocks to a
dwarf planet almost 1000 km in diameter.
3. Asteroids are remnants left over from the early for-
mation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years
ago. Most of them can be found orbiting our Sun be-
tween Mars and Jupiter within the main asteroid belt.
4. Asteroids are also known as minor planets or plane-
toids. The larger forms of asteroids are also known as
planetoids.
2. KAVACH
Context:
The collision between two passenger trains in Vizianaga-
ram district of Andhra Pradesh could have been prevented
with the use of Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS),
specifically the indigenous TCAS system called ‘Kavach.’
• Kavach is a cab signalling train control system de-
signed to prevent collisions and overspeeding.
About Kavach:
• Kavach is a train control system with anti-collision
features that was developed over ten years by the
Indian Railways Research Designs and Standards
Organisation (RDSO).
• It functions as a watchdog over the existing signal-
ling system and is designed to warn the train’s loco
pilot (driver) when they fail to notice a “red signal.”
24 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
• If the loco pilot does not slow down the train to
obey the signal, the Kavach system automatically
applies the emergency brakes to bring the train to
a halt.
How Kavach is Deployed?
Kavach is deployed along designated railway routes and
consists of three key components.
• Railway stations along the route are equipped with
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in
the tracks.
• The locomotive (driver’s cabin) is equipped with
RFID readers, a computer, and brake interface
equipment.
• Radio infrastructure, including towers and mo-
dems, is installed at railway stations to facilitate
communication.
Role in Accident Prevention
• The system can function effectively even in condi-
tions with visual interference, such as hilly terrain
or haze.
• Locomotives have antennas that communicate with
towers at railway stations and display warnings to
the driver on their monitor.
3. SMALL MODULAR REACTORS
Context:
The Indian Government is considering offering incentives,
similar to a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, to
encourage the manufacturing of small modular reactors
(SMRs) with the goal of increasing nuclear power’s share in
India’s energy production.
• The government aims to attract private investments
and scale up SMR production to reduce costs. PLI
schemes, introduced in 2020, provide financial in-
centives based on a share of the sales value and
have been implemented in various sectors.
About Small Modular Reactors:
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reac-
tors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit. This
is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional
nuclear power reactors.
SMRs are smaller than conventional nuclear reactors and
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
can be built in one location, such as a factory, then shipped,
commissioned, and operated at a separate site. This offers
significant savings in cost and construction time.
SMRs have the following characteristics:
1. Can produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity
2. Designed with modular technology using module facto-
ry fabrication
3. Pursue economies of series production
4. Have short construction times
5. Are flexible in design and require a smaller footprint
6. Have a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit
SMRs also have some disadvantages, including:
1. They take longer to build
2. Have higher capital costs so are harder to finance
3. Are arguably becoming too complex
4. WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN
NEWS
5. ENVIRONMENTAL DNA
Context:
Researchers at the Laboratory for the Conservation of En-
dangered Species (LaCONES), a part of the CSIR-Centre for
Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) have developed a
novel method for detecting all life forms in an ecosystem
using environmental DNA (eDNA).
• This innovative approach involves collecting water,
soil, or air samples and then sequencing the DNA
fragments found in these samples to assess the total
biodiversity of the ecosystem.
• It can identify a wide range of organisms, including
viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, plants, insects,
birds, fish, and other animals.
• This non-invasive technique is cost-effective, fast,
and scalable for monitoring and conserving biodi-
versity in both freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Traditional biodiversity assessment methods are limited in
their ability to account for all organisms and are expensive,
labor-intensive, and time-consuming.
This approach offers a promising way to comprehensively
monitor and conserve ecosystems without the need for ex-
tensive taxonomic expertise and direct capture or species
counting.
6. COMPOSITE WATER MANAGE-
MENT INDEX REPORT
Context:
NITI Aayog, the Indian government’s think tank, is consid-
ering discontinuing the ‘Composite Water Management In-
dex’ (CWMI) report, which was launched five years ago to
assess water management in Indian states.
• The latest edition of the report highlights that water
scarcity is a national problem, with decreasing an-
nual per capita water availability.
• While the third and fourth editions of the report
have been delayed due to the unavailability of up-
dated data during the COVID-19 pandemic, NITI
Aayog has considered combining these editions with
future rounds to extend the data coverage to dis-
trict levels.
The report aimed to support evidence-based policy deci-
sions for water resource management and promote com-
petitive and cooperative federalism among Indian states.
7. CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) TO
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) CON-
VERSION
Context:
IIT Bombay’s National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Cap-
ture and Utilisation (NCoE-CCU) has developed an ener-
gy-efficient technology that converts carbon dioxide (CO2)
to carbon monoxide (CO) at ambient temperatures.
Working:
The CO2-to-CO conversion technology operates through an
electrocatalytic process. Unlike traditional methods that re-
quire high temperatures (400-750 °C), and the presence of
the equivalent amount of hydrogen, this process can oper-
ate at ambient temperatures (25-40 °C) in the presence of
water, eliminating the need for high-temperature conditions.
www.insightsonindia.com 25

Significance: This technology is significant for the steel in-
dustry as CO is essential for converting iron ores to me-
tallic iron in blast furnaces. The traditional method for CO
production results in significant CO2 emissions. The newly
developed process is energy-efficient and can be powered
by renewable energy sources like solar panels or windmills,
making it environmentally friendly and sustainable.
About CO:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas, slightly
less dense than air. It’s produced from incomplete combus-
tion of hydrocarbons, like fossil fuels, wood, and vehicle ex-
haust. CO is toxic as it displaces oxygen in the blood. In the
atmosphere, it’s short-lived and contributes to ground-level
ozone formation.
8. PROJECT KUSHA
Context:
India is embarking on Project Kusha, a mission designed to
enhance its air defence capabilities with a system rivalling
the effectiveness of the renowned S-400.
• It includes the acquisition of three long-range Inter-
ceptor missiles with ranges of 150km, 250km, and
350km, ensuring comprehensive protection against
aerial threats.
• These missiles have a high single-shot kill probabil-
ity of at least 85% and can increase this to 98.5%
when two different missiles are launched sequen-
tially with a short gap.
About S-400 Triumf:
The S-400 Triumf is a mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM)
system developed by Russia.
The S-400 is capable of intercepting and destroying various
aerial targets, such as aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and
ballistic missiles.
It has an operational range of up to 400 kilometres and a
surveillance range of up to 600 kilometres. It can engage
targets up to an altitude of 30 kilometers flying at a speed of
17,000 kilometers per hour or around 13 Mach – 13 times
the speed of sound.
The S-400 is considered one of the world’s most advanced
air defence systems that can simultaneously track and neu-
tralize a range of incoming aerial threats.
9. BLOCKING ORDERS AGAINST 22
ILLEGAL BETTING APPS
Context:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY) has issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting
apps and websites, including the Mahadev online betting
platform, following the investigations by the Enforcement
Directorate (ED) into the illegal betting app syndicate.
26 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
What is Mahadev app case?
The case involves illegal betting activities through the Ma-
hadev Online Book. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is
conducting a money laundering probe. Several individuals,
including actors, Politicians and businessmen, have been ac-
cused of promoting and facilitating illegal betting.
What is Online betting?
It refers to the act of placing bets on various events, sports,
or games through internet platforms.
The legal aspect of Online Betting:
Aspect Description
Legal Ba- A ban on online betting is issued under Section
sis for 69A of the IT Act 2000.
Ban Section 69A empowers the central govern-
ment to block websites or apps threatening
national interests.
Jurisdic- Betting and gambling are part of the State List
tion under the 7th Schedule. Online betting often
operates in several states with different rules.
This creates regulation and governance chal-
lenges.
A m e n d - Amendments to Information Technology
ments Rules 2021 prohibit online real money gaming
or betting websites.
Self-regulatory body oversight is mandated to
ensure responsible gaming practices (games
do not involve wagering outcomes)
User Verification: Online game intermediar-
ies must obtain user KYC details and prevent
third-party financing.
Advertisement Restrictions: Direct or surro-
gate advertisements of betting or gambling are
prohibited.
S t a t e Sikkim permits online gambling, while Telanga-
R e g u l a - na maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards
tions all forms of gambling.
The Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition)
Act, 2022, and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of
Online Gambling and Regulation of Online
Games Act, 2022, aim to restrict gambling ac-
tivities and their promotion in various media.
10. BHARAT’ BRAND ATTA
(WHEAT FLOUR)
Context:
The government has reduced the price of state-produced
Bharat Atta by ₹2 per kg to control prices during the festival
season.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

What is the ‘Bharat’ brand Atta?
It is a type of wheat flour launched by the Indian govern-
ment with a maximum retail price of Rs 27.50 per kilogram
(market price is Rs 35.93 per KG). This initiative is part of
ongoing efforts to stabilize essential commodity prices and
provide relief to consumers.
The Atta is made accessible through various outlets, includ-
ing Kendriya Bhandar, National Agricultural Cooperative
Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED), and NCCF
(National Cooperative Consumer Federation), aiming to ben-
efit a broader consumer base.
The government has also been selling chana dal under the
‘Bharat’ brand.
NAFED (founded in 1958) and NCCF (est. 1965) are promi-
nent cooperative organizations, registered under the Multi-
State Co-operative Societies Act of 2002, for agricultural
product procurement and marketing.
Bletchley Decla- Twenty-eight major countries call for
ration collective action to address the poten-
tial risks of AI, including deepfakes.
Google Google introduces tools like water-
marking to identify synthetic content.
Paris Call for Global initiative to enhance trust and
Trust and Se- security, including addressing challeng-
curity in Cyber- es posed by deepfakes.
space
Global Partner- Collaborative effort among countries to
ship on AI ensure responsible AI development, in-
cluding dealing with deepfakes.
Legal provisions No specific laws against deepfake tech-
in India nology, but Section 66E of the IT Act of
2000 and the Indian Copyright Act of
1957 address related issues.

11. DEEPFAKES
Context: A deepfake video of Rashmika Mandanna (actress)
entering an elevator sparked outrage online, later debunked
by a journalist revealing it featured British influencer Zara
Patel.

What are Deepfakes?

Deepfakes are digital media – video, audio, and imag-
es edited and manipulated using Artificial Intelligence
(AI) to inflict harm on individuals and institutions. It can
be exploited to damage the reputation, fabricate evidence,
defraud the public, and undermine trust in democratic insti-
tutions with fewer resources.

Deepfake is a blend of ‘deep learning’ (a subset of machine

learning using artificial neural networks) and ‘fake.’

What countries are doing to combat deep fakes:
Country Actions Taken
China The new policy requires explicit label-
ling and traceability of doctored con-
tent using deepfake technology.
Prohibits the production of deep fakes
without user consent
E u r o p e a n The updated Code of Practice mandates
Union tech companies like Google, Meta, and
Twitter to counter deepfakes on their
platforms.
United States Deepfake Task Force Act assists the De-
partment of Homeland Security in coun-
tering deepfake technology.
12. CLIMATE SERVICES REPORT
FOR 2023
Context:
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report (Cli-
mate Services report for 2023) reveals that the health sec-
tor is ill-equipped to address heat and extreme weather
impacts.
Major findings of the report:
• Climate change threatens to undo decades of health
progress, with less than 25% of global health min-
istries using climate information to monitor cli-
mate-related health risks.
• Despite air pollution being the fourth-largest health

www.insightsonindia.com 27

risk factor, only 2% of international climate finance
is allocated to address it.
• However, climate finance has doubled, averaging
$1.3 trillion annually in 2021 and 2022.
Recommendations:
The report stresses the need for collaboration between
health and climate agencies to address the climate-health
nexus, especially in vulnerable regions like Africa. Develop-
ing in-country capacities to improve local knowledge. Policy
mandates for health and meteorological actors to collabo-
rate.
About WMO (HQ: Geneva; founded: 1950)
It is an intergovernmental organization and a specialised
agency of the UN, dedicated to international cooperation
and coordination on the state and behaviour of Earth’s at-
mosphere, weather and climate, and distribution of water
resources. It has 193 members (including India)
For WMO: 2022 State of the Climate in Asia Report: Click
Here
13. OPERATION ALL CLEAR
(2003)
Context:
Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk’s recent visit
to Assam holds historical significance, being the first by a
Bhutanese monarch to the state.
What was Operation All Clear?
During the 1990s, Assam’s insurgent groups operated in
southeast Bhutan. In response, Bhutan launched “Opera-
tion All Clear” in 2003, targeting groups like ULFA, NDFB,
and KLO that had established camps in Bhutan. The crack-
down was prompted by threats to Bhutan’s sovereignty,
strained diplomatic relations with India, and adverse impacts
on development and economic activities. The Indian Army
provided logistical and medical assistance to support the
Bhutanese military in this endeavour.
14. WHO HAILS TUBERCULOSIS
(TB) MANAGEMENT IN INDIA
Context:
India’s efforts in tuberculosis (TB) management have re-
ceived international recognition from the World Health Or-
ganization (WHO) in their ‘Global TB Report 2023.’
India’s Achievements:
• 16% reduction in TB incidence from 2015 to 2022,
nearly double the global decline rate of about 8%
• TB mortality in India has decreased by 18% during
28 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
the same period.
• TB treatment coverage has improved to 80% of es-
timated cases, representing a 19% increase from the
previous year
About TB
It priarily affects the lungs, is caused by the bacteria Myco-
bacterium tuberculosis and spreads through the air. Com-
mon medications for TB include isoniazid, rifampin, eth-
ambutol, and pyrazinamide. The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin
(BCG) vaccine is the only licensed TB prevention measure.
Risk factors for TB include diabetes, HIV infection, undernu-
trition, and tobacco use.
Drug-resistant TB includes multidrug-resistant (MDR), ex-
tensively drug-resistant (XDR), and totally drug-resistant
(TDR) forms.
India’s Status:
In 2022, India reported over 24 lakh TB cases, with 27% of
the world’s TB cases. India’s efforts are supported by initia-
tives like the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Elim-
ination 2017-2025, TB Mukt Panchayat Abhiyan, TB Harega
Desh Jeetega Campaign, PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, and
Nikshay Poshan Yojana for nutritional support to TB patients,
contributing to successful TB management
For WHO’s Global Framework for New TB Vaccines: Click
Here
15. HOW CLIMATE CHANGE IS
DISPLACING ANIMALS
Context:
Climate change is having alarming effects on ecosystems
and native species, according to a recent analysis published
in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution by the Chinese
Academy of Sciences.
Key findings of the Study:
Non-native species tend to fare better than Native species
under extreme weather events such as heat waves, cold
spells, droughts, and floods.
Reason: This is because they often have high reproduction
rates, adaptable behavior, and physiology, and a higher tol-
erance for disturbances. They can rapidly establish popula-
tions in new environments and thrive when native species
are adversely affected.
Significance: Findings emphasize the need to protect and
support the recovery of vulnerable native species in the face
of climate-driven extreme events, esp. due to the significant
economic and ecological impact of invasive species on eco-
systems worldwide.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
16. MIG-21 FIGHTER JETS
17. ECBC: HIGH ENERGY EFFI-
CIENCY STANDARDS
Context:
India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017, has
earned recognition from the International Energy Agency
(IEA) as a “notable exception” among developing countries
for its high energy efficiency standards.
About ECBC:
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) introduced the Ener-
gy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) in 2007 and updated
it in 2017. Aimed at commercial buildings with a connect-
ed load of 100 kW or more, the code sets minimum energy
standards, targeting energy savings of 25-50%. Applicable
to new and existing buildings, it assesses parameters like
building design, lighting systems, and renewable energy
integration. Compliant buildings receive tags in ascending
order of efficiency:
1. ECBC
2. ECBC Plus
3. Super ECBC
Out of 28 states, 23 have notified Energy Conservation
Building Code (ECBC) rules, but only 15 have adopted the
latest ECBC from 2017.
The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 includes
transitioning ECBC into the Energy Conservation and Sus-
tainability Building Code, incorporating measures for sus-
tainability, and mandating ECO Niwas Samhita for residen-
tial buildings, addressing the importance of energy efficiency
in the sector.
18. NATIONAL COAL INDEX (NCI)
Context:
The National Coal Index (NCI) rose by 3.83 points to 143.91
in September 2023, marking the first increase since April
2023.
• The increase suggests growing coal demand ahead
of the festive season and winter, prompting coal
producers to scale up domestic production to meet
rising energy needs.
What is NCI?
The NCI (introduced in June 2020) is a price index reflecting
coal price changes relative to the fixed base year (Financial
Year 2017-18). It compiles prices from all coal sales chan-
nels, including imports, and determines the revenue share
per tonne using a defined formula.
The NCI consists of five sub-indices—three for Non-Coking
Coal and two for Coking Coal—allowing separate indices for
each.
The Ministry of Coal does the commercial auction of coal
mines based on revenue share, utilizing the National Coal
Index (NCI).
19. 2023 PRODUCTION GAP RE-
PORT
Context:
The 2023 Production Gap Report, authored by SEI (Stock-
holm Environment Institute), Climate Analytics, E3G, IISD,
and UNEP, reveals a concerning trend where governments
intend to produce approximately 110% more fossil fuels by
2030 than is consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
• The report was launched in 2019
What is the Production gap?
Production Gap quantifies the difference between the pro-
jected extraction of coal, oil, and gas (fossil fuels) by gov-
ernments and the global production levels required to meet
climate goals, particularly those outlined in the Paris Agree-
ment (warming to 1.5°C or 2°C)
Production gap vs. emissions gap:
The emission Gap refers to the difference between global
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Nationally Deter-
mined Contributions (NDCs) and the accepted level in 2030.
www.insightsonindia.com 29

Report Findings:
Major countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China,
India, and the UAE, are projected to increase global coal
production by 2030 and oil and gas production until at least
2050.
Recommendations:
It includes adopting reduction targets in fossil fuel produc-
tion and ensuring an equitable transition considering coun-
tries. Target a near-total phase-out of coal production and
use by 2040, coupled with a 75% reduction in oil and gas
production and use by 2050 compared to 2020 levels.
20. INDUS-X INVESTORS MEET
Context:
The inaugural INDUS-X Investors Meet, organized by Innova-
tions for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the US Department
of Defence, preceded the 2+2 Indo-US Ministerial Dialogue.
During the event, the INDUS-X Educational Series (Gurukul)
was launched. The Gurukul initiative aims to guide innova-
tors and startups within the defence ecosystems of both
the US and India.
What is the INDUS-X initiative?
The INDUS-X initiative, launched in June 2023, serves as a
defence innovation bridge, fostering strategic partnerships,
joint challenges, innovation funds, academia engagement,
and industry-startup connections between India and the US.
It is a major upcoming initiative under the Initiative on Criti-
cal and Emerging Technologies (iCET).
21. PUSA-2090
Context:
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has devel-
oped an improved rice variety, Pusa-2090, as an alternative
30 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
to Pusa-44, associated with stubble burning.
What is Pusa-44?
It is a variety of rice, known for its high yield but longer ma-
turity period, which contributes to post-harvest stubble
burning, as farmers in Punjab and Haryana have little time
left for field preparation before subsequent wheat sowing.
During the ongoing kharif season, Pusa-44 dominates paddy
cultivation in Punjab, particularly in non-basmati varieties.
Basmati varieties, known for producing softer straw and
causing less stubble burning, have a smaller cultivation area
in comparison.
Recently, the Punjab Chief Minister has announced a ban on
the cultivation of the PUSA-44 paddy variety starting next
year (2024).
What is Pusa-2090?
It is a cross between Pusa-44 and CB-501, and matures in
120-125 days (compared to 155-160 days for Pusa 44), of-
fering a shorter duration with similar high yields. It aims to
address the issue of stubble burning in regions like Punjab
and Haryana.
About IARI:
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) (formed
1905; HQ: Delhi), initially located in Pusa, Bihar, originated as
the Imperial Institute of Agricultural Research. After being
renamed and relocated to Delhi in 1936, it is now adminis-
tered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
22. ALLIANCE FOR TRANSFOR-
MATIVE ACTION ON CLIMATE
AND HEALTH (ATACH)
Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced an
Operational Framework for constructing climate-resilient
and low-carbon health systems. Framework is important
to implement the Alliance for Transformative Action on Cli-
mate and Health (ATACH) goals.
What are climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems?
Climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems are de-
signed to withstand the impacts of climate change while
minimizing their carbon footprint.
What is ATACH?
It is a WHO initiative, established in 2022, and is an informal
voluntary network which works to realize the ambition set
at COP26 to build climate-resilient and sustainable health
systems.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

SPORTS CORNER MAPPING

1. CRICKET: TIMED OUT
Context: Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews was timed out 1. SEATTLE (USA)
during a World Cup match (Sri Lanka Vs Bangladesh), a rare
incident in international cricket. Context:
After seven years of planning, India is set to open its sixth
What is the Timed Out Rule in Cricket? consulate in Seattle (apart from Consulates in Atlanta, Chi-
In cricket, the “Timed Out” rule states that after the fall of cago, Houston, New York City and San Francisco), a major
a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter hub for technology companies such as Microsoft, Amazon,
must be ready to receive the ball or for the other batter to Boeing, and more.
be ready to receive the next ball within 2 minutes. If the
batsman fails to do so, they will be considered out. Embassy Vs Consulates:
An embassy represents one country’s government in anoth-
In a past test match in 2007, India’s Sourav Ganguly came er and is usually located in the host country’s capital, with
close to being timed out due to unusual circumstances, the ambassador as the head. Consulates are smaller offices
but the situation was resolved without an appeal. typically located in major cities of the host country, focusing
on providing consular services to citizens (e.g., issuing visas
and passports, aiding during emergencies legal aid), living or
2. ASIAN PARA GAMES 2022 travelling abroad.
(HANGZHOU, CHINA)
Context: India concluded the Asian Para Games 2023 in
Hangzhou, China, with its best-ever medal tally of 111
medals, including 29 gold, 31 silver, and 51 bronzes. This
achievement surpassed their previous record of 72 med-
als, including 15 gold, from the 2018 Asian Para Games.
India sent 303 athletes, its largest-ever contingent to the
event. The country finished fifth in the medal tally behind
China, Iran, Japan, and South Korea. Indian para-athletes
also set three world records during the games.

• Para Games are a multi-sport event for athletes

with physical disabilities.

The first Para Asian Games was held in 2010 in Guang-

zhou, China, where India finished 15th with 14 medals,
including one gold
2. MOUNT CELIA GOLD OPERA-
TION (WESTERN AUSTRALIA)
Government incentives for sports:
• Increase of sports budget by three times as com- Context:
pared to 2014 NMDC, a State-owned Steel CPSE, has expanded its mineral
• Khelo India Scheme portfolio by inaugurating the Mount Celia Gold Operation in
• Target Olympic Podium Scheme Western Australia.

This marks NMDC’s first venture into gold mining.

The Mt Celia project is located 180km northeast of Kalgoor-
lie. Kalgoorlie is famous for its rich gold mining history. It
played a significant role in the Western Australian gold rush
of the late 19th century. The “Golden Mile,” a vast stretch of
gold-bearing land, is located in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area,
making it one of the most productive gold mining regions in
the world

www.insightsonindia.com 31

NMDC Limited (founded 1958; HQ: Hyderabad), former-
ly National Mineral Development Corporation, is a public
sector undertaking involved in the exploration of iron ore,
copper, rock phosphate, limestone, dolomite, gypsum, ben-
tonite, magnesite, diamond, tin, tungsten, graphite, coal etc.
3. KAWAH IJEN CRATER LAKE
(EAST JAVA, INDONESIA)
Context:
Kawah Ijen Crater Lake in East Java, Indonesia, is the world’s
largest acidic lake, as it contains high concentrations of sul-
phuric and hydrochloric acids, making it unswimmable.
It’s easily visible from space (turquoise blue waters) and has
a pH as low as 0.5, similar to car battery acid. The lake also
emits hot, flammable sulphurous gases that burn with an
eerie blue flame, blue fire, creating a mesmerizing nighttime
spectacle. Despite its harsh conditions, there is life in the
form of microbial communities (mainly Archaea) in the lake
and its acidic river.
It’s a UNESCO Global Geopark with unique geological, bio-
logical, and cultural features. The active vent at the edge of
the lake serves as a significant source of elemental sulfur,
supporting a rigorous mining operation.
32 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
About Copernicus
It is the EU’s Earth observation program, providing data
from satellites and non-space sources for Climate/Environ-
ment/Disaster Services. The European Commission oversees
it. As a part of it, the Copernicus Sentinel series of Satellites
provides optical images of Earth’s surface.
4. SUBANSIRI LOWER HYDRO-
ELECTRIC PROJECT
Context:
The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project faced a setback
when a landslide blocked the only functional diversion tun-
nel and stopped the flow of water downstream of the dam
into the Subansiri River, a major tributary of the Brahma-
putra
About Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project
It is a run-of-river dam that aims to generate 2,000 MW of
power by harnessing the potential of the Subansiri River,
which flows along the border of Arunachal Pradesh and As-
sam. It is India’s largest hydel project under construction.
The project is being executed by the National Hydroelectric
Power Corporation (NHPC).
About Subansiri River
Subansiri (518km) (also called “Gold River”) is a trans-Hi-
malayan river and the largest tributary of the Upper Brah-
maputra River. It flows into India through the Miri Hills of
Arunachal Pradesh.
Prelims Links:
Q. Consider the following rivers: (UPSC 2014)
1. Barak
2. Lohit
3. Subansiri
Which of the above flows/flows through Arunachal
Pradesh?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

5. HANLE AND MERAK (LADAKH) About the agreement:

The agreement, known as the Falepili Union, allows up to
Context: 280 Tuvalu citizens to reside, work, and study in Australia.
On November 5, 2023, the Indian Astronomical Observa- Additionally, Australia has pledged funding, including about
tory (IAO) at Hanle and Merak in Ladakh captured striking A$17 million, to assist Tuvalu in adapting to climate change,
images of an intense red-colored aurora. such as expanding its main island’s landmass by 6%.
• The IAO, operated by the Indian Institute of Astro-
physics (IIA), observed a Stable Auroral Arc (SAR), About Tuvalu:
an unusual red aurora typically not seen at lower Tuvalu, formerly the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian island
latitudes. nation in the Pacific Ocean, located between Hawaii and
Australia. It is a volcanic archipelago comprising three reef
What are Auroras and how are they formed? islands and six true atolls. It is the fourth smallest country
They are beautiful natural light displays typically seen at globally, with the highest point at 4.6 meters above sea lev-
high latitudes (Polar regions). They are formed when charged el. It is often referred to as the first country that will be to-
particles from the sun, mainly electrons and protons, inter- tally submerged, due to climate change.’
act with the Earth’s magnetosphere and atmosphere. As
these charged particles collide with atmospheric gases, such
as oxygen and nitrogen, they emit light, creating the vibrant
colours characteristic of auroras (commonly Green and Red).
• Northern lights (Aurora borealis) and southern
lights (Aurora australis) are the main auroras. They
are seen in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern
Hemisphere, respectively

Why aurora is being formed in Ladakh though typically it

forms in the polar region?
The occurrence of auroras in regions like Ladakh, which are
not near the polar regions, can be attributed to a phenom-
enon called geomagnetic storms and Coronal Mass Ejec-
tion (CME) — massive ejections of plasma and magnetic
fields from the Sun’s lower atmosphere. While auroras are
most commonly associated with polar regions, geomagnetic
storms can extend the auroral oval (the area where auroras
are usually observed) to lower latitudes.

Hanle is significant as the centre of India’s only designated

Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, attracting astro-tourists with its ex-
ceptionally dark skies. Merak is another Ladakh-based loca-
tion, on the banks of Pangong Tso, known as the proposed
site for the National Large Solar Telescope.

6. TUVALU
Context: Australia has made a historic agreement to provide
climate refuge to citizens of Tuvalu, a Pacific nation facing
the severe impacts of climate change, particularly rising seas.

www.insightsonindia.com 33