EDITION: JUNE 2023

CIVILS
DIGEST

RBI Monetary Policy Update 19

VAIBHAV Fellowship Program 57
India to procure MQ-9 Predator
Drones 107
In news: Prime Ministers Museum and
Library Society 145
Table of Contents
ECONOMICS
India’s GDP expanded 6.1% in 2022-23’s last quarter 7
Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaches 31-month high 7
[Very Important]: India’s Railway Safety Crisis: A Grim Reality Unveiled 8
RBI issues draft on Cybersafety for PSOs 11
Oil Reserves in Salt Caverns: The Potential in India 12
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) 13
Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON) 14
Production-Linked Incentive Schemes: A Critical Analysis 14
[pib] Price Support Scheme (PSS) 16
Deposit Insurance Cover for PPIs 16
Demographic Advantage: India vs. China 17
Centre hikes Kharif crop Minimum Support Price (MSPs) 18
RBI Monetary Policy Update 19
Lessons of Indo-US Cooperation in Agriculture 20
Global Slavery Index: Controversies with modern Metric 21
India’s Middle Class: Estimation, Expansion and Economic Impact 22
Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP) 23
India’s Ambitious Grain Storage Plan 24
Centre Discontinues Sale of Rice and Wheat under OMSS 25
Transgenic Crops in India 26
Kari Ishad Mango from Karnataka gets GI tag 28
National Pension Scheme (NPS) 28
Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR): A Water-Saving Alternative for Paddy Cultivation 29
TRAI suggests norms for Undersea Cables 30
NaBFID to Boost Infrastructure Financing 31
National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) 32
IndiGo’s Aircraft Order: A Game Changer for Indian Aviation 32
What is Time-of-Day Tariff? 33
PM-PRANAM Scheme gets cabinet nod 34
Centre identifies 30 Critical Minerals: Why, how, and importance of the exercise 35

GOVERNANCE
City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) Project 38
Mandatory Anti-Tobacco Warnings on OTT Platforms 38
Very Important: Evidence-Based Policymaking (EBP) 39
NCERT drops Periodic Table from Class X book 42
Revised Guidelines for Deemed University Status 43
Why is India rethinking its Anaemia Policy? 44
Kerala High Court’s Ruling on Education Loan and Credit Scores 46
Law Commission Report on Adverse Possession 47
Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Pandemic Treaty 47
In news: Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) 48

2 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
 Strict Compliance in Reporting Offences under POCSO Act 49
National Exit Test (NExT) for Medical Grads 50
The story behind the Ban on 14 FDC Drugs 51
Jal Jeevan Mission: Saving Lives through Access to Piped Water 52
Nutrition in Adolescent Girls 53
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) 54
Is the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) flawed? 56
VAIBHAV Fellowship Program 57
India’s Rising Burden of Diabetes: Urgent Actions Needed 57
Anna Bhagya Scheme of Karnataka 59
What is Medicines Patent Pool (MPP)? 59
Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulations (ART), 2023 60
Centre planning new Bill on Stray Dog Issue 61
Cabinet approves Bill for National Research Foundation (NRF) 62

POLITY
Row over Mekedatu Project 65
In news: Telangana Statehood Day 66
[pib] Nyaya Vikas Portal 67
Issues with the office of Governor 68
Uniform Civil Code 70
80 Castes to be added to Central OBC List 71
Ladakh’s Demand for Sixth Schedule 72
HC Observations over Right to Change Name 73
What is Habeas Corpus Petition? 74
President’s Rule not an option in Manipur: MHA 74
What is a Constitution Bench? 75
India needs a Uniform Civil Code: PM 76
Elections to 10 Rajya Sabha Seats 77
Exploring Assam’s Delimitation Draft 78

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
UAE withdraws from Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 80
India-Maldives Relations 80
BRICS FM meeting in South Africa 82
In news: Helmand Water Conflict 83
OPEC+ decision on Oil Supply cut 84
Duty-Free Quota Free (DFQF) Scheme 85
Places: Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine 86
India-Nigeria Relations 86

www.civilsdaily.com 3
 Clearance to Politicians for Foreign Travels 88
US-UK forge ‘Atlantic Declaration’ to boost ties 89
Global Nuclear Arsenal Expansion Race 89
US to rejoin UNESCO 90
India-Nepal Relations 91
Canada to quit China-led AIIB 93
What is the iCET Initiative between India-US? 94
BIMSTEC to adopt Bangkok Vision 2030 95
UK launches Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) 96
China blocks Indian proposal to blacklist Pakistani terrorist at UN 97
NATO+5 Status and India 98
New Global Financing Pact 99
What is the Samosa Caucus? 100
NATO’s Exercise Air Defender, 2023 101
China-Pakistan Nuclear Deal: Implications for Global Nuclear Commerce 101
Why are US tech firms sceptical about Digital Trade with India? 102

SECURITY ISSUES
Agni Prime Missile Successfully Tested 105
Project Akashteer: Indian’s Air Defence Upgrade 105
CoWIN Vaccination Data Breached 106
India to procure MQ-9 Predator Drones 107
NIA to probe Khalistani Attacks on Indian Missions 107
Senior IPS officer Ravi Sinha appointed Chief of R&AW 108
[pib] Ex Khaan Quest 2023 109
Critical Jet Engine GE-414 Deal Signed 110
Manipur Crisis: What is Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement? 110

ENVIRO & BIODIVERSITY

Role of Evapotranspiration in Earth’s Dynamic Processes 113
50th anniversary of World Environment Day 113
Cyclone Biparjoy and its Naming 114
What is El Nino and How it impacts the Monsoon? 115
Places in news: Brahmani Natural Arch 116
Miyawaki Technique of Urban Afforestation 117
Groundwater Extraction Shifts Earth’s Tilt Axis 118
Bonn Climate Conference: Key Takeaways 119
Blue Ocean Event: Arctic Ocean to be Ice-Free by 2030s 120
New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) in Climate Financing 121
Understanding Summer Solstice: Longest Day of the Year 122
Green Credit Scheme to Incentivize Environmental Actions 123
Places in news: Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary 124

SCIENCE TECH
India joins Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN) 126
Researchers observed rare Higgs Boson Decay 126
Varunastra: Indigenous Heavy Weight Torpedo 127
Fruit Flies: Unveiling their Contributions to Science and Medicine 128
JATAN: Virtual Museum Software 129

4 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
 IIT-M generates Hydrogen from Seawater 129
Betelgeuse: The Red Giant Star on the Brink of Supernova 130
Hiroshima Process for AI Governance 131
Controversial Species Names in Taxonomy 131
Evolutionary Journey of the Y Chromosome 132
Kamala Sohonie: First Indian Woman to earn PhD 133
Exploring Phonons as Information Units for Quantum Computing 134
What is MATSYA-6000? 134
In news: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantations (HSCT) 135
What are Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs)? 136
Titanic Submersible Expedition 137
Nearing the launch of Chandrayaan-3 Mission 138
Cell-Cultivated Chicken gets US FDA Approval 139
Endosymbiotic Relationships: Archaea, Mitochondria, and Plant Evolution 139
Sun’s Magnetic Field and its Influence on Interplanetary Space 140
Fibonacci Spirals in Plants and Fossil Discoveries 141
Euclid Mission in quest of Dark Energy 141
GMRT: India’s Largest Radio Telescope 142

ART AND CULTURE

Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar to be renamed Ahilyanagar 144
Festivals in news: Pandharpur Wari 144
In news: Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society 145
Orvakallu Rock Paintings in AP 145
PM gifts Upanishads to Joe Bide 146
Rath Yatra in Puri 147
Who was Rani Durgavati? 148
The ‘largest’ Hajj Pilgrimage in history begins 148
Seven products from UP get GI Tag 150

MODERN INDIA HISTORY

Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu: A Gandhian Freedom Fighter 153
Ram Prasad Bismil: A Revolutionary and a Poet 153
Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his Contributions 154
In news: 1947 Partition of Bengal 155

TRIVIA
Gita Press to receive Gandhi Peace Prize 157
In news: Guinness World Record 157
Heliopolis Memorial for Indian Soldiers 158

www.civilsdaily.com 5
 Economics

6 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND VARIOUS REPORTS ON IT- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR ETC
India’s GDP expanded 6.1%
in 2022-23’s last quarter
Economics | GS3: Indian Economy
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Trends in India’s GDP Growth
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• T
 he National Statistical Office (NSO) has
released provisional national income data
revealing thatIndia’s GDP growthhttps://
www.civilsdaily.com/news/nsos-new-data-
India’s-gdp-growth/in the January to March
2023 quarter reached 6.1%.
• T
 his growth in the fourth quarter is the
fastest among major economies, indicating
better prospects for the current year
compared to previous expectations.
Key Highlights
(1) Manufacturing Sector Growth Slows,
Despite Q4 Rebound
• G
 ross Value Added (GVA) in the economy
rose by 7% in 2022-23, compared to 8.8% in
the previous fiscal year.
• M
 anufacturing GVA growth declined
significantly, reaching only 1.3% compared to
11.1% a year ago.
• T
 he sector experienced a rebound of
4.5% in the final quarter after six months
of contraction, but overall growth
remained subdued.
(2) Agri and Services Sectors Propel
Economic Growth
• T he agricultural GVA grew by 4% in 2022-23,
an increase from 3.5% in the previous year.
• F inancial, real estate, and professional
services sectors experienced a 7.1% growth in
GVA, compared to 4.7% in 2021-22.
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR UPDATES - INDUSTRIAL POLICY, EASE OF DOING BUSINESS, ETC.
Purchasing Managers’ Index
(PMI) reaches 31-month high
Economics | GS3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy
and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
Mains level : NA
• T
 rade, hotels, transport, and communication
sectors, along with services related to
broadcasting, witnessed a marginal increase
of 14% in GVA.
(3) Revised GDP and GVA Figures Reflect
Changes in Economic Performance
• T
 he NSO revised GDP and GVA numbers for
the first half of 2022-23, with slight decreases,
but the third-quarter figures were slightly
increased.
• T
 he first quarter’s GDP growth in 2022-23
is now pegged at 13.1%, followed by 6.2% in
the second quarter and 4.5% growth in the
third quarter.
• G
 VA growth estimates for the first and
second quarters were revised to 11.9% and
5.4% respectively, while the third quarter
GVA growth increased to 4.7% from the
earlier estimate of 4.6%.
(4) Consumer Sentiment and Consumption
Growth
• D
 espite a slight uptick in private final
consumption expenditure to 2.8% in Q4
from 2.2% in Q3, consumption growth
remained muted.
• T
 his contradicted the uptick in consumer
sentiments as per the RBI’s consumer
confidence survey, highlighting the disparity
between sentiment and actual spending.
(5) Outlook and Challenges for Future
Growth
• Maintaining growth above 6% will be
challenging amid a global economic
slowdown, according to economists.
• Higher-than-expected GDP growth in
the previous year may temper growth
expectations for the current year, with the
government and central bank projecting
around 6.5% growth.
• Pent-up demand that supported growth
previously may not be as strong, and private
sector investment needs to pick up since
exports are not expected to contribute
significantly to growth.
What can we as an Aspirant infer?
• The resilience of the Indian economy and
its promising trajectory despite global
challenges is often highlighted in news.
• This article justifies this perception about
better performance of Indian Economy.
Conclusion
• To sustain and enhance economic growth,
focus on stimulating private sector
investment to complement the performance
of agriculture and services sectors.
• Addressing the challenges in the
manufacturing sector and boosting
consumer confidence can lead to increased
consumption and overall economic
expansion.
• Efforts to diversify and promote exports
should be prioritized to contribute to future
growth and reduce dependence on domestic
consumption.
Tap to read more about:
https://www.civilsdaily.com/static-revision-
national-income-determination-gdp-gnp-ndp-
nnp-personal-income/
Central Idea
• Surge in PMI to 31-month high: The S&P
Global India ManufacturingPMIhttps://www.
civilsdaily.com/news/pmi-services-activity-
hit-12-year-high/soared to 58.7 in May, the
highest level in 31 months.
www.civilsdaily.com 7
Service Sector
The service sector, also known as the tertiary
sector, includes a wide range of economic
activities that are focused on providing
intangible goods and services to customers.
Some examples of activities that fall under the
service sector include:
• H ospitality and tourism: This includes
activities such as hotels, restaurants, travel
agencies, and tour operators.
• R etail and wholesale trade: This includes
businesses that buy and sell goods, such as
supermarkets, department stores, and online
retailers.
• F inancial services: This includes banks,
insurance companies, and investment firms.
• P rofessional and business services: This
includes activities such as legal services,
accounting, consulting, and advertising.
• I nformation and communication
technology: This includes activities such as
software development, telecommunications,
and data processing.
• H ealthcare and social assistance: This
includes activities such as hospitals, clinics,
nursing homes, and social services.
• E ducation and training: This includes
activities such as schools, colleges,
universities, and vocational training.
• T ransportation and logistics: This includes
activities such as shipping, warehousing, and
distribution.
Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
• P
 MI is an indicator of business activity
— both in the manufacturing and
services sectors.
[VERY IMPORTANT]: INDIA’S RAILWAY SAFETY CRISIS: A GRIM REALITY UNVEILED
[Very Important]: India’s
Railway Safety Crisis: A
Grim Reality Unveiled
Economics | GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
8 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• T he S&P Global India Services PMI is
compiled by S&P Global from responses to
questionnaires sent to a panel of around 400
service sector companies.
• It is a survey-based measure that asks
the respondents about changes in their
perception of some key business variables
from the month before.
• It is calculated separately for the
manufacturing and services sectors and then
a composite index is constructed.
How is the PMI derived?
• T
 he PMI is derived from a series of
qualitative questions.
• E
 xecutives from a reasonably big sample,
running into hundreds of firms, are asked
whether key indicators such as output,
new orders, business expectations and
employment were stronger than the month
before and are asked to rate them.
How does one read the PMI?
• A figure above 50 denotes expansion in
business activity. Anything below 50 denotes
contraction.
• H igher the difference from this mid-point
greater the expansion or contraction. The
rate of expansion can also be judged by
comparing the PMI with that of the previous
month data.
• If the figure is higher than the previous
month’s then the economy is expanding at
a faster rate. If it is lower than the previous
month then it is growing at a lower rate.
Central Idea
• With over 280 people dead and more
than 900 injured, the triple train crash in
Odisha’s Balasore is one of India’s worst
train tragedies.
• Two express passenger trains and a freight
train were involved in a “three-way
accident” near a small station.
• One train collided into a stationary freight
train, causing its coaches to flip over to a
third track and derailing an incoming train.
• Preliminary reports indicate that signal failure
was the cause of the accident.
Key insights of recent trend
• Fastest factory order growth: Factory orders
rose at the fastest pace since January 2021.
• Unprecedented accumulation of inputs:
Producers accumulated inputs at an
unprecedented pace due to lower costs.
• Improvement in operating conditions: The
index reflects a substantial improvement
in operating conditions, with a significant
increase from 57.2 in April.
• Strong growth in order books and exports:
Order books grew for the 23rd consecutive
month, supported by a rise in export deals.
• Highest output levels in 28 months:
Output levels reached the highest point in
28 months.
• Increased hiring: Pressure on capacities
led firms to increase hiring, reaching a six-
month high.
Reasons behind this rise
• Rise in selling prices: Producers raised selling
prices at a solid and quicker rate in May, the
highest in a year.
• Mild input costs but adjusted charges:
Input costs remained historically mild, but
producers adjusted their charges due to
sustained cost increases and a supportive
demand environment.
• Improved business confidence: Business
confidence about growth improved, reaching
a five-month high.
• Public faith in economy: Factors such as
publicity and demand resilience contributed
to the optimistic outlook.
Causes of the accident
There are four major causes of train
accidents in India:
• Derailment
• Level crossing accidents
• Collisions
• Fire
There are many unanswered questions on pandemic but has since risen again in
Modern Utilization of modern
what exactly led to this deadly multiple- 2021-22, although remaining below pre-
Track Structure track structures,
train collision. We however try to ascertain pandemic levels.
including Prestressed
some legacy issues in Indian Railways
[C] Passenger Fatalities and Injuries Concrete Sleepers
safety.
• L esser fatalities: Â The highest recorded (PSC), 60 KG or higher
• S
 ignal Failure: Â Preliminary reports
figures occurred in the year 2005-06, Ultimate Tensile
indicate that the accident was caused by
with 315 passengers losing their lives and Strength (UTS) rails,
signal failure. This suggests that there may
627 sustaining injuries. Â In 2018-19, 16 fanshaped layout
have been a failure or malfunction in the
passengers were killed, and 86 were injured turnout on PSC sleepers,
signalling system, leading to a breakdown in
in train accidents. and Steel Channel
communication or incorrect signals given to
• Z
 ero deaths during COVID: Â In the Sleepers on girder
the trains involved.
consecutive years of 2019-20 and 2020-21, no bridges during primary
• C
 olliding into Stationary Freight Train: Â
passenger deaths were recorded, although 73 track renewals.
One of the trains involved in the accident
collided into a stationary freight train. The passengers sustained injuries. Long Rail Panels Manufacture of long
cause of this collision could be attributed to • C
 ost to exchequer: Â The cumulative rail panels of 260
factors such as failure to adhere to signal compensation payout from 2017-18 to 2021- M/130M length to
instructions, human error, or a failure in 22 stands at less than Rs 14 crore. minimize the number of
braking systems. Aluminothermic joints
Measures to Prevent Railway Accidents in the track, reducing
• C
 oaches Flipping Over to Third Track: Â
Due to the collision, the coaches of the train Rashtriya Rail Introduced in 2017-18 the chances of rail-
that collided with the stationary freight train Sanraksha with a corpus of ₹1 related accidents.
flipped over and moved onto a third track. Kosh (RRSK) lakh crore for five years, Provision of Equipping important
This suggests a significant impact and force RRSK aims to replace, Thick Web routes of Indian
exerted during the collision, potentially renew, and upgrade Switches (TWS) Railways with Thick
indicating excessive speed, braking failures, or critical safety assets, Web Switches (TWS) to
structural vulnerabilities. with an annual outlay of expedite their provision
• D
 erailment of Coming Train:  The collision ₹20,000 crore. and enhance safety.
and subsequent flipping of coaches onto Advanced sensors Adoption of Ultrasonic Conducting USFD
a third track caused an incoming train to upgradation technological Flaw Detection testing on rails to
derail. The derailment could be attributed advancements in (USFD) Testing detect flaws and ensure
to the obstruction on the tracks, leading to safety aspects of timely removal of
loss of control and the train veering off its coaches and wagons, defective rails, thereby
intended path. including Modified enhancing safety.
Centre Buffer Couplers,
Key stats Train Protection Installation of TPWS
Bogie Mounted Air
and Warning based on European
Brake System (BMBS),
System (TPWS) Technology ETCS
improved suspension
Level-1 in specific
design, and Automatic
sections to prevent
fire & smoke detection
accidents caused by
system in coaches.
human errors like
Transition to Replacement of Signal Passing at
LHB Coaches conventional ICF Danger (SPAD) or
[A] Train Collisions and Other Incidents design coaches with over speeding.
• C
 ollisions accidents are rare: Â On LHB (Linke Hofmann
Auxiliary Warning Implementation of
average, train collisions have accounted for Busch) design coaches
System (AWS) AWS, an ATP system, in
approximately 4.7% of all train accidents in for Mail/Express trains
the Mumbai suburban
the past two decades. in a phased manner,
section of Central
• D
 erailments are frequent: Â Other incidents offering enhanced
Railway and Western
such as derailments, level crossing accidents, safety features.
Railway covering a total
fires, and miscellaneous events occur at a GPS-based Fog Provision of GPS-based of 413 RKMs.
significantly higher frequency than train Pass Device Fog Pass devices to loco
collisions. Train Collision Development of TCAS,
pilots in fog-affected
Avoidance an ATP system, in
[B] Declining Trend in Total Train Accidents areas, enabling them
System (TCAS) association with three
• S
 teady decline: Â Â In the year 2001-02, to know the exact
Indian manufacturers,
there were 415 train accidents, which has distance of approaching
with extensive field trials
significantly decreased to 34 incidents by the landmarks like signals
and safety validation
year 2021-22. and level crossing gates,
completed. The system
• P
 andemic impact: Â The number of enhancing safety during
has been approved for
accidents further decreased to 59 in 2018-19 foggy conditions.
developmental order in
and 21 in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 specific sections.

www.civilsdaily.com 9
KAVACH: Achieving Zero Incidents
• K AVACH is an Automatic Train Protection
(ATP) system developed to enhance safety in
Indian Railways.
• It is designed to prevent accidents and ensure
the smooth operation of trains.
• It is a Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4) certified
technology with the probability of error being
one in 10,000 years.
• O n March 4, 2022, a successful
trial was conducted between the
Gullaguda–Chitgidda Railway stations of
South Central Railway.
• It initiated the automatic braking system and
halted the locomotives 380 metres apart.
Some of the highlighted features of
KAVACH include:
Prevention of Signal Passing at Danger
(SPAD): Â KAVACH helps prevent trains from
crossing red signals and ensures adherence to
signal instructions.
• C ontinuous Movement Authority Update:
 The system provides real-time updates
on movement authority, displaying signal
aspects in the Driver Machine Interface
(DMI) or Loco Pilot Operation cum
Indication Panel (LPOCIP).
• A utomatic Braking for Prevention of
Overspeeding: Â KAVACH automatically
initiates the braking system if the train
exceeds the prescribed speed limits,
preventing accidents caused by
overspeeding.
• A uto Whistling at Level Crossing Gates:
 The system activates automatic whistle
sounds when approaching level crossing
gates, ensuring timely alerts to pedestrians
and road users.
• P revention of Collision between
Locomotives: Â KAVACH helps prevent
collisions between two locomotives equipped
with the system, adding an extra layer
of safety.
• S oS Messages in Emergency Situations: Â In
case of emergencies, KAVACH facilitates the
sending of distress messages or SoS signals,
enabling prompt response and assistance.
• C entralized Live Monitoring: Â The system
allows for centralized live monitoring of train
movements through a Network Monitor
System, providing real-time information
on train positions and ensuring effective
management.
10 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Could KAVACH have prevented the Odisha
accident?
• K
 AVACH could have potentially prevented
the Odisha accident, but it’s important to
note that KAVACH was not available on the
route where the accident occurred.
• K
 AVACH, with its automatic braking,
signal adherence, and collision prevention
capabilities, could have detected the situation
and initiated appropriate actions to prevent
or minimize the impact of the accident.
• H
 owever, since it was not implemented on
that particular route at the time, it was not
able to play a role in preventing the incident.
A matter of Deliberate Ignorance: Says
CAG
The Comptroller and Auditor General
(CAG) highlighted several issues regarding
various train incidents in its 2022 report titled
“Derailment in Indian Railways
Here are some key points from the report:
• I nstitutional Problems:  The CAG’s
analysis of railway accidents between 2017
and 2021 suggests that the problem lies
within the railway institution itself rather
than individual errors. The report states that
maintenance activities were managed with
staffing vacancies and minimal outsourcing,
impacting the quality of maintenance.
• R ashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK):
 The report mentions the railway safety
fund introduced in 2017-18, but it states
that funds allocated for track renewals
were not effectively utilized. Non-priority
areas received a significant portion of the
funds, while the allotment for track renewal
declined over the years, leading to a decline
in safety-related works.
• N eed for technical overhaul: Â The report
attributes derailments to factors like defects
in wheel diameter and defects in coaches/
wagons. It also mentions accidents caused
by the incorrect setting of points and other
mistakes in shunting operations.
• B asic maintenance: Â As the government
focused on the high-profile launches ofÂ
Vande Bharat trainshttps://www.civilsdaily.
com/news/beyond-vande-bharat-indian-
railways/, railway infrastructure was crying
out for funds for basic maintenance, said the
CAG report.
• I ssues with goods train: Â More than 3.30
lakh wagons were passed without approval
after repairs in workshops and terminal yards
compromising with rail safety. According to
railway data from 2016-17 to 2020-21, the
average speed of goods trains has halved
due to excessive unnecessary stoppages at
loading-unloading points.
Key recommendations by Anil Kakodkar
Committee
The Ministry of Railways had appointed aÂ
High-Level Safety Review CommitteeÂ
under the chairmanship of Dr Anil
Kakodkar to review the safety of the Indian
Railways and recommend improvements. The
report was submitted in February 2012.
• Creation of a Railway Safety Authority: Â
The Committee suggests the establishment
of a statutory Railway Safety Authority with
sufficient powers to oversee and regulate
safety on the railways, independent of the
Railway Board.
• Restructuring of RDSO: Â The Research
Design and Standards Organization
(RDSO) should be restructured for greater
empowerment, enabling it to embrace
emerging technologies effectively.
Additionally, the Committee proposes
the creation of a Railway Research and
Development Council (RRDC) directly under
the government.
• Adoption of Advanced Signalling System:
 The entire trunk route length of 19,000
km should be equipped with an Advanced
Signalling System, similar to the European
Train Control System, within five years. The
estimated cost for this implementation is Rs
20,000 crore.
• Elimination of Level Crossings: Â All Level
Crossings, both manned and unmanned,
should be eliminated within five years.
This target would require an estimated
expenditure of Rs 50,000 crore. The
Committee expects that this investment
will be recovered within 7-8 years through
savings in maintenance costs and improved
train operations.
• Switch to LHB Design Coaches: Â The
Committee recommends switching from the
ICF design coaches to the safer LHB design
coaches. This transition is expected to cost Rs
10,000 crore over the next five years.
• Safety Infrastructure Maintenance: Â The
Committee suggests investing approximately
Rs 20,000 crore in the maintenance of safety-
related infrastructure.
• Financial Investment: Â The Committee
recommends a total financial investment of
Rs 1,00,000 crore over a five-year period to
address the current safety and infrastructure
challenges.
Way forward
• Implement recommendations: Â Act on
the recommendations of the Anil Kakodkar
Committee, including creating a Railway
Safety Authority, restructuring RDSO,
adopting advanced signalling systems,
eliminating level crossings, and transitioning
to safer LHB coaches.
• S
 trengthen maintenance: Â Focus on
regular inspection and maintenance of tracks,
coaches, and infrastructure, addressing
backlogs and improving overall conditions.
• E
 mbrace technology: Â Invest in advanced
sensors, GPS-based systems, and automatic
fire detection to enhance safety features in
coaches and wagons.
• E
 nsure safety oversight: Â Establish an
independent regulatory body to monitor
and enforce safety standards, ensuring
accountability and adherence to protocols.
CASHLESS SOCIETY - DIGITAL PAYMENTS, DEMONETIZATION, ETC.
RBI issues draft on
Cybersafety for PSOs
Economics | GS3: Indian Economy
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Payment System Operators (PSOs)
Mains level : Not Much
The Reserve Bank of India has released the
draft Master Directions on Cyber Resilience and
Digital Payment Security Controls for Payment
System Operators (PSOs).
What are Payment System Operators
(PSOs)?
• A
 payment system operator means a
legal entity responsible for operating a
payment system.
• A llocate adequate funds: Â Prioritize safety
expenditure, effectively utilize funds like the
Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh, and regularly
review funding to meet evolving safety
requirements.
• L earn from international best practices: Â
Collaborate with experts and organizations
to gain insights and expertise from countries
with exemplary railway safety records.
• P
 romote a safety culture: Â Foster a safety-
first mindset through awareness campaigns,
training programs, and public outreach
initiatives.
• T
 he PSO provides services by operating on
certain models.
• T
 hey largely outsource their payment and
settlement-related activities to various
other entities.
• E
 xamples of PSOs include: Google Pay (and
other apps), Clearing Corporation of India,
National Payments Corporation of India,
Cards Payment Networks, Cross border
Money Transfer, ATM networks, Prepaid
Payment Instruments, White Label ATM
Operators, Instant Money Transfer, and Trade
Receivables Discounting System, Bharat Bill
Payment System etc.
Key points from the draft
(1) Governance Mechanisms:
• T he draft emphasizes the need for robust
governance mechanisms to manage
cybersecurity risks effectively.
• It covers information security risks and
vulnerabilities that PSOs should address.
• P SOs are expected to establish and maintain
a comprehensive cybersecurity framework.
Mains value addition
Improving safety management system:
East Japan Railway Company has formulated
the new five-year safety plan “JR East Group
Safety Plan 2018” (fiscal year 2014 to 2018),
poised to take on the challenge of “ultimate
safety” by using four principles- `Ingraining
the culture of safety‘, `Improving safety
management`, `Steadily reducing risk,
and `Priority improvement plan for safety
equipment`.
(2) Baseline Security Measures:
• The draft specifies baseline security measures
to be implemented by PSOs.
• These measures are designed to
protect digital payment systems from
cybersecurity threats.
• PSOs must implement controls related
to data security, access controls, incident
response, and business continuity planning.
(3) Resilience to Cybersecurity Risks:
• The directions aim to ensure that PSOs are
resilient to both traditional and emerging
information systems and cybersecurity risks.
• PSOs are required to conduct periodic risk
assessments and implement appropriate
controls to mitigate identified risks.
• The draft emphasizes the importance
of continuous monitoring and review of
cybersecurity measures.
(4) Safeguarding Digital Payment
Transactions:
• The focus of the directions is to enhance the
security of digital payment transactions.
• PSOs must implement strong authentication
mechanisms, encryption standards, and
secure communication protocols.
• The draft highlights the need for robust fraud
monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
www.civilsdaily.com 11
OIL AND GAS SECTOR - HELP, OPEN ACREAGE POLICY, ETC. • C urrent capacity and days of demand met:

Oil Reserves in Salt Caverns:

India’s current strategic oil reserves have a
capacity of 5.33 million tonnes, equivalent

The Potential in India

Economics | GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Salt Cavern-Based Reserves
Mains level : Strategic Oil Reserves in India
Central Idea
• E ngineers India (EIL) is conducting
a feasibility study for developing salt
cavern-based strategic oil reserves in
Rajasthan, India, to increase the country’s
storage capacity.
• If successful, it would be India’s first oil
storage facility using salt caverns, different
from the existing rock cavern-based strategic
storage facilities.
• E
 fficient pumping: Furthermore, cavern-
based storage facilities often have high
injection and extraction rates, allowing for
rapid and efficient operations.
• H
 uge capacity: The large volume capacity of
caverns enables significant storage capacity,
making them ideal for strategic oil reserves
intended to address supply disruptions or
emergencies.
• S
 trategic asset: Countries build strategic
crude oil reserves to mitigate supply
disruptions and ensure energy security during
global supply shocks and emergencies.
India’s Current Strategic Oil Reserves
to around 39 million barrels, meeting
approximately 9.5 days of demand.
• Expansion plans: India is in the process of
expanding its strategic oil reserves by 6.5
million tonnes at Chandikhol in Odisha
and Padur.
Examples of Salt Cavern-Based Storage
• US Strategic Petroleum Reserve: The US
has the world’s largest emergency oil storage,
with storage caverns created in salt domes
along the Gulf of Mexico coast. It has a
capacity of around 727 million barrels.
• Salt caverns for other purposes: Salt caverns
are also used for storing liquid fuels, natural
gas, compressed air, and hydrogen in various
parts of the world.
Potential for such storage in Rajasthan
• Rajasthan’s conducive conditions: Rajasthan,
with abundant salt formations, is seen as a
favorable location for developing salt cavern-
based strategic storage facilities.

Cavern-based Oil Storage

• C avern-based strategic oil storage facilities
are storage facilities for crude oil or
petroleum products that utilize naturally
occurring underground caverns for
storage purposes.
• T hese caverns are typically formed in salt
formations or other geological formations
through processes such as solution mining or
excavation.
• In the case of salt cavern-based storage
facilities, the storage space is created by
dissolving salt deposits with water.
• T he process involves pumping water into the
geological formations with large salt deposits,
which dissolves the salt and creates caverns.
• O nce the brine (water with dissolved salt) is
pumped out, the space can be used to store
crude oil or other petroleum products.

Advantages offered
• S ecure and safe: They are naturally well-
sealed, providing a secure and impermeable
barrier against liquid and gaseous
hydrocarbons. • E
 xisting strategic oil storage facilities:
India’s three current strategic oil storage • Previous plans and current renewal: Earlier
• I mpermeable: This inherent sealing
facilities are located in Mangaluru, Padur, plans for a strategic oil reserve in Bikaner did
property makes them suitable for long-term
and Visakhapatnam, consisting of excavated not materialize, but the exploration of salt
storage of oil, minimizing the risk of leaks or
rock caverns. cavern-based storage in Rajasthan can be
environmental contamination.
seen as a renewed proposal.

12 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• I nfrastructure suitability: The presence
of a refinery in Barmer and existing crude
pipelines in Rajasthan make the infrastructure
conducive for building strategic oil reserves.
• I mportance of technology access:
Previously, no Indian company possessed the
necessary technical expertise for building salt
cavern-based strategic hydrocarbon storage.
Challenges
• N
 o Indian company, including EIL, had the
requisite technical know-how to build salt
cavern-based strategic hydrocarbon storage.
TEXTILE SECTOR - COTTON, JUTE, WOOL, SILK, HANDLOOM, ETC.
Global Organic Textile
Standard (GOTS)
Economics | GS3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : GOTS
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• C
 ollaboration between the European
Space Agency (ESA), Global Organic
Textile Standard (GOTS), and Marple
(an AI company) aims to track cotton
certification in India.
• U
 tilizing satellite images and artificial
intelligence, the project focuses on identifying
and classifying cotton fields in India.
• T
 his gap in access to technology has been
bridged by EIL’s recent partnership with
Germany’s DEEP.KBB GmbH — a company
that specialises in cavern storage and solution
mining technology — Shukla said.
• H
 owever, it is still too early to identify a
specific site or make an estimate of the
project cost.
Future plans in India
• E
 mergency stockpiles: India’s strategic oil
reserves are intended to provide emergency
stockpiles and are managed by the Indian
Strategic Petroleum Reserve (ISPRL).
• C
 ommercialization plans and partnerships:
India plans to commercialize its strategic
petroleum reserves through public-private
What is GOTS?
• T he Global Organic Textile Standard
(GOTS) is a globally recognized standard
for the processing and manufacturing of
organic textiles.
• It is a leading certification for organic
fibers, including cotton, throughout the
entire supply chain, from harvesting of raw
materials to labeling of the final product.
• G
 OTS ensures that organic textiles meet
strict environmental and social criteria,
providing credible assurance to consumers.
Key aspects of GOTS include:
• O
 rganic Fiber Criteria: GOTS requires that
at least 95% of the fibers in a textile product
must be certified organic. It prohibits the use
of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
and restricts the use of certain synthetic
chemicals.
• E
 nvironmental Criteria: GOTS sets strict
environmental criteria for processing and
manufacturing organic textiles. It includes
guidelines for wastewater treatment,
partnerships, reducing government spending
and leveraging the commercial potential of
the reserves.
• Recent actions and releases: India took
advantage of low crude oil prices to fill its
reserves, leading to cost savings. It also
released oil from its strategic reserves as part
of coordinated actions with other major oil-
consuming countries.
Conclusion
• Compared to rock cavern-based reserves, salt
caverns offer unique benefits that align with
India’s goals of increasing storage capacity
and ensuring energy security.
chemical inputs, and energy usage,
promoting sustainability and minimizing the
environmental impact.
• Social Criteria: GOTS also encompasses
social criteria, ensuring fair and safe working
conditions for employees throughout the
supply chain. It includes provisions for
workers’ rights, prohibition of forced labor,
and compliance with International Labor
Organization (ILO) standards.
• Supply Chain Traceability: GOTS requires
full traceability of the supply chain, from
the source of the organic fibres to the final
product. This ensures transparency and
integrity throughout the production process.
• Labelling and Certification: GOTS-certified
products are labelled accordingly, allowing
consumers to identify and choose organic
textiles with confidence. Certification is
carried out by independent third-party
organizations that assess compliance with
GOTS standards.
What is the new program about?
• ESA’s programme will train AI models to
analyze ESA satellite data and identify cotton
fields in India.
• The project will help GOTS generate
accurate estimates of organic cotton yields
and incorporate standardized yield metrics.
• The initiative aims to identify cotton fields
meeting predetermined standards and
support a seamless transition to organic
cultivation.
• Traditional and ecologically friendly farming
practices will be encouraged.
www.civilsdaily.com 13
DIGITAL INDIA INITIATIVES
Kerala Fibre Optical
Network (KFON)
Economics | GS3: Inclusive Growth & Issues
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : KFON, Fibre Optic
Mains level : Internet inclusivity
PRODUCTION-LINKED INCENTIVE SCHEMES: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Production-Linked Incentive
Schemes: A Critical Analysis
Economics | GS3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy
and their effects on Industrial Growth
Central Idea
• F ormer Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor,
Raghuram Rajan, recently expressed doubts
regarding the efficacy of the production-
linked incentive (PLI) scheme in boosting
India’s domestic manufacturing and exports.
While the government believes that the PLI
scheme has been successful in enhancing
the manufacturing sector, critics have raised
concerns about its effectiveness.
What is Production-Linked Incentive
scheme (PLI)?
• P
 LI is a scheme introduced by the Indian
government in 2020 to promote domestic
manufacturing in specific sectors.
• U
 nder the PLI scheme, eligible companies
receive financial incentives or subsidies based
on their incremental production or sales.
14 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• T
 he objective of the scheme is to boost the
competitiveness of Indian manufacturers,
attract investment, create employment
opportunities, and enhance exports in
targeted sectors.
• T
 he scheme aims to encourage both
domestic and foreign companies to set up
or expand their manufacturing operations
in India, thereby strengthening the country’s
manufacturing ecosystem and reducing
reliance on imports.
Significance of the policy of subsidizing
domestic sectors
• P
 romoting Domestic Industries: Subsidies
provide financial support to domestic
industries, encouraging their growth and
competitiveness. By reducing production
costs, subsidies enable businesses
Central Idea
• Free Internet: The Kerala government
officially launched KFON, a flagship project
aimed at reducing the digital divide and
promoting e-governance.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: KFON intends
to provide high-speed broadband internet
access to all households and government
offices in Kerala.
What is KFON?
• KFON acts as an optical fibre cable network
infrastructure provider, covering 30,000 km
and 375 Points-of-Presence across Kerala.
• KFON’s infrastructure is shared with all
service providers, including cable operators,
benefiting both government offices and
individual beneficiaries.
• Local ISP/TSP/cable TV providers are
responsible for providing internet
connectivity to households.
to offer goods and services at more
competitive prices, both in domestic and
international markets.
• Encouraging Employment Generation:
Subsidies can stimulate job creation within
domestic sectors. By providing financial
incentives to businesses, subsidies help them
expand their operations, leading to increased
hiring and reduced unemployment rates.
• Enhancing Competitiveness: Subsidies can
bolster the competitiveness of domestic
industries, particularly in sectors where
foreign competitors have a significant
advantage. Financial assistance can be used
to invest in research and development,
adopt advanced technologies, upgrade
infrastructure, and improve product quality,
enabling domestic businesses to compete
more effectively on a global scale.
• Reducing Dependency on Imports: By
subsidizing domestic sectors, governments
aim to reduce reliance on imported
goods and services. This supports import
substitution, where domestic industries are
incentivized to produce goods that were
previously imported, thereby strengthening
the domestic manufacturing base and
reducing trade deficits.
• F ostering Innovation and Technology
Development: Subsidies can facilitate
research and development activities within
domestic sectors. By providing financial
support for innovation, governments
encourage businesses to invest in new
technologies, processes, and products.
• S ectoral Development and Economic
Diversification: Subsidies can be targeted
towards specific sectors deemed strategically
important for the country’s economic
development and diversification. By
incentivizing investments in these sectors,
governments aim to create a robust industrial
base, foster industrialization, and facilitate
economic growth.
• A ddressing Market Failures: Subsidies can
be used to rectify market failures, such as
externalities or information asymmetries.
For example, subsidies can be provided to
encourage the adoption of environmentally
friendly practices or to support industries
with high spillover effects on other sectors of
the economy.
• A ttracting Investments: Subsidies
serve as a tool to attract domestic and
foreign investments. By offering financial
incentives and creating a favorable business
environment, governments can entice
businesses to establish or expand their
operations within the country. This promotes
economic development, job creation, and
technology transfer
Challenges of effective implementation of
the PLI in manufacturing sector
• T argeting and Selection: Identifying the
right sectors and companies for incentives
is crucial to the success of the PLI scheme.
Determining the sectors that have the
potential for growth, job creation, and export
competitiveness requires careful analysis and
assessment.
• A dministrative Efficiency: Efficient
administration and implementation of the PLI
scheme are essential. This involves the timely
disbursal of incentives and the monitoring of
compliance by beneficiary companies.
• F unding and Budgetary Allocation: The
PLI scheme requires significant financial
resources to support the incentives provided
to eligible companies. Ensuring adequate
funding and appropriate budgetary allocation
pose challenges, especially in balancing the
financial burden on the government while
meeting the scheme’s objectives.
• M eeting Performance Criteria: The PLI
scheme typically includes performance-
based criteria that companies must meet
to qualify for incentives. Ensuring that
beneficiary companies adhere to these
criteria and meet the prescribed benchmarks
can be challenging and requires continuous
monitoring and evaluation.
• R
 isk of Subsidy Dependence: There is a risk
that companies may become overly reliant
on subsidies and may not invest adequately
in improving their competitiveness or
innovation capabilities.
• S
 ector-Specific Challenges: Different
sectors within the manufacturing industry
have unique challenges that need to be
considered during the implementation of
the PLI scheme. These challenges could
include technological barriers, supply
chain complexities, skill gaps, or global
market dynamics.
Way ahead: Addressing the structural issues
in the manufacturing sector
• I nfrastructure Development: Adequate
and modern infrastructure, including
transportation networks, power supply,
logistics, and connectivity, is essential for
the smooth functioning of manufacturing
activities.
• A
 ccess to Finance: Availability of affordable
and accessible finance is critical for the
growth of the manufacturing sector,
especially for small and medium enterprises
(SMEs). Enhancing access to credit,
promoting innovative financing mechanisms,
and easing collateral requirements can help
address the finance gap and support the
expansion of manufacturing businesses.
• Q
 uality of Education and Skill
Development: A skilled workforce is vital for
the manufacturing sector’s productivity and
competitiveness. Addressing the quality of
education and aligning it with the needs of
the industry can help bridge the skill gap.
• R
 esearch and Development (R&D) and
Innovation: Promoting R&D and innovation
is crucial for enhancing the technological
capabilities and competitiveness of the
manufacturing sector. Encouraging
investment in R&D, fostering collaboration
between industry and research institutions
can help drive technological advancements
• R
 egulatory Reforms: Simplifying and
rationalizing regulatory frameworks can
reduce bureaucratic burdens, enhance ease
of doing business, and attract investments.
Streamlining processes, reducing red tape,
and ensuring transparent and efficient
regulatory mechanisms can create a
conducive environment for manufacturing
businesses to thrive.
• Supply Chain Integration: Strengthening
supply chain integration is essential for
improving efficiency, reducing costs, and
enhancing competitiveness.
• Sustainability and Environment: Integrating
sustainability practices and adopting
eco-friendly technologies are increasingly
important for the manufacturing sector.
Emphasizing resource efficiency, reducing
carbon emissions, and promoting circular
economy principles can enhance the sector’s
environmental sustainability and compliance
with global sustainability standards.
• Market Access and Trade Policies:
Facilitating market access, reducing trade
barriers, and promoting export-oriented
policies are critical for the manufacturing
sector’s growth and global competitiveness.
Conclusion
• The efficacy of the PLI scheme in boosting
India’s domestic manufacturing and exports is
a subject of debate. While targeted subsidies
can stimulate growth in strategic sectors
and cater to existing demand, concerns
surrounding cronyism and bureaucratic
control must be addressed. Focusing on
improving the investment environment and
addressing infrastructural and educational
deficiencies will contribute to sustainable
growth in the manufacturing sector.
MAINS VALUE ADDITION: International
best practice: Vietnam Model
Vietnam started manufacturing only around a
decade ago in sectors like Chemicals, assembly,
and garments and has sustained an impressive
growth rate of 12-14% for the past 10 years.
Reasons Behind Vietnam Success
• low-cost manufacturer with competitive
labor costs
• Relatively large, well-educated labor force
• Focus on vocational education and training
sessions to equip the workforce.
• A plethora of free trade agreementsÂ
(FTAs), such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade
Agreement (EVFTA), the UK-Vietnam Free
Trade Agreement (UKVFTA)
• Vietnam has issued several tax incentives
and tax holidays for manufacturing projects
in the form of corporate income tax (CIT),
for large investment projects with capital of
more than VND 6 trillion (US$264 million)
as well as incentives in high-tech zones,
certain industrial zones and difficult socio-
economic areas.
www.civilsdaily.com 15
MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICES FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE
[pib] Price Support
Scheme (PSS)
Economics | GS3: Issues Related To Farm Subsidies & Msp
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Price Support Scheme (PSS)
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• P
 rocurement Ceilings for Pulses: The
government has removed the procurement
ceilings of 40% for tur, urad, and masur under
the Price Support Scheme (PSS) operations
for 2023-24.
What is Price Support Scheme (PSS)?
• P hysical procurement: The Price Support
Scheme (PSS) involves the physical
procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra by
Central Nodal Agencies.
• N odal Agencies: The National Agricultural
Cooperative Marketing Federation of India
(NAFED) and the Food Corporation of India
(FCI) are the designated agencies responsible
for procuring crops under the PSS.
• I mplementation: The scheme is
implemented in collaboration with state
governments, who exempt the procured
commodities from mandi tax and provide
logistical support, including gunny bags and
working capital.
BANKING SECTOR REFORMS
Deposit Insurance
Cover for PPIs
Economics | GS3: Indian Economy
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI), DICGC
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• R
 ecommendation for DICGC cover
extension: A committee suggests extending
Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee
Corporation (DICGC) cover to Prepaid
Payment Instrument (PPI) holders to protect
against fraud and unauthorized transactions.
16 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Need for such scheme
• B
 alancing farmer and consumer interests:
The PSS strikes a balance between the
welfare of farmers and consumers, ensuring
fair returns for farmers and affordable prices
for consumers.
• R
 emunerative prices: The primary objectives
of the PSS are to provide remunerative prices
to farmers, encouraging increased investment
and production, while ensuring affordable
prices and availability for consumers.
• E
 ncouraging production: By offering a
guaranteed price, the PSS incentivizes
farmers to invest in agricultural production,
leading to increased output and self-
sufficiency.
• C
 onsumer welfare: The scheme aims
to protect the interests of consumers
by ensuring a stable supply of essential
commodities at reasonable prices, reducing
intermediation costs.
• M
 arket intervention: The PSS acts as a
market intervention measure, stabilizing
prices, and mitigating the risks faced by
farmers due to market fluctuations and
unforeseen circumstances.
• R
 elief for PPI holders: Acceptance of the
recommendation would provide significant
relief to PPI holders.
• Support for agricultural growth: The
scheme is part of the government’s broader
efforts to support agricultural growth,
enhance farmer income, and promote food
security in the country.
Why in news?
• Notified Essential commodities: On June 2,
2023, the government imposed stock limits
on tur and urad by invoking theEssential
Commodities Act, 1955https://www.
civilsdaily.com/news/essential-commodities-
act-india/.
• Prevent hoarding: The imposition aims
to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous
speculation, as well as improve affordability
for consumers.
• Applicability and declaration: Stock limits
are applicable to wholesalers, retailers,
big chain retailers, millers, and importers,
who are required to declare their stock
position on the portal of the Department of
Consumer Affairs.
Enforcement of Stock Limits by State
Governments:
• Directives to state governments: The
Department of Consumer Affairs has
directed state governments to ensure strict
enforcement of the stock limits in their
respective states.
• Monitoring and verification: States have
been asked to monitor prices and verify the
stock position by coordinating with various
warehouse operators.
• Cooperation from warehousing
corporations: Central Warehousing
Corporation (CWC) and State Warehousing
Corporations (SWCs) have been requested to
provide details of tur and urad stocks held in
their warehouses.
PPI Instruments
Definition instruments facilitating
various financial
transactions and the
purchase of goods
and services.
Types Small PPIs and full-KYC
PPIs, issued as cards
or wallets.
Loading It can be loaded/
and Reloading reloaded with cash,
debit/credit cards, or
bank transfers.
Authorized issuers Banks and non-banks
authorized by the RBI
 • P
 urpose of examination: Considering PPIs DICGC Coverage and Limits
Examples of Airtel Payments Bank,
as deposits held with regulated PPI issuers • Types of deposits covered: DICGC insures
authorized issuers Axis Bank, Union Bank
requires further examination. savings, fixed, current, recurring, and accrued
Non-bank Amazon Pay (India), interest deposits.
PPI issuers Bajaj Finance, Ola Understanding DICGC • Maximum insurance limit: Each depositor
Financial Services, • R
 ole of DICGC: DICGC, a subsidiary of the is insured up to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh for
and others also offer RBI, provides deposit insurance. both principal and interest amounts.
PPI services. • P
 rotection for depositors: DICGC ensures • Increase in insurance cover: The insurance
the stability of the financial system by cover was raised to Rs 5 lakh in 2020 from
RBI Committee’s Recommendations protecting small depositors in the event of a the previous limit of Rs 1 lakh.
• C
 all for DICGC cover examination: The bank failure.
committee recommends examining the • C
 overage scope: DICGC covers commercial
extension of DICGC cover to bank and banks, payments banks, small finance banks,
non-bank PPIs. regional rural banks, and cooperative banks
licensed by the RBI.

SKILLING INDIA - SKILL INDIA MISSION,PMKVY, NSDC, ETC.

Window of Time-limited period

Demographic Advantage: opportunity to harness the

potential of the

India vs. China

young workforce.
Challenges and Effective policies
prerequisites and investments
Economics | GS3: Indian Economy in education, skill
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : development,
Prelims level : Demographic Dividend healthcare, job
Mains level : Read the attached story creation, and
infrastructure.
Demographic Dividend
Definition Economic growth Demographic Advantage for India
potential results The current median age of 28 in India signifies
from a favourable a young population, which brings several
demographic advantages:
structure, particularly • Demographic advantage: A young
a large working-age population contributes to economic growth
population relative and development.
to the dependent • Productive workforce: With a large working-
population (children age population, India has the potential for a
and elderly). productive workforce.
Age structure ”Bulge” in the • Long-term economic growth: The young
working-age population offers a demographic dividend for
population due to sustained economic growth with investments
declining fertility in education, skills, and job creation.
rates and improved • Market potential: The young population
life expectancy. represents a significant consumer market,
Central Idea: Pew Survey Report stimulating economic activity.
Economic benefits Increased
• T
 he current median age in India is 28, • Addressing societal challenges:
productivity, higher
compared to China’s 39, indicating India’s Opportunities arise to address education,
savings, and greater
demographic advantage will persist until the healthcare, and social welfare needs among
economic output.
end of the century. the youth.
• C
 hina’s youth population is declining, and the Increased Rise in disposable
aging population is rising, leading to concerns consumption income, stimulating India’s Edge over China
about employment and stability. consumer spending (1) Job Market
and demand. • Graduates facing difficulty finding
employment: A large number of college
Savings and Opportunity for
and university graduates in China struggle
investments higher savings
to secure jobs, facing job market challenges
and productive
exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
investments.
• Impact of the pandemic on employment:
COVID-19 lockdowns and layoffs in key
sectors have negatively affected China’s

www.civilsdaily.com 17
 job market, particularly for the “post-’00s”
generation who grew up during rapid
economic growth.
(2) Urban Joblessness
• R
 ising joblessness among young urbanites
: One out of every five young urbanites in
China is without work, leading to a growing
problem of joblessness.
• O
 fficial jobless rate for urban youth: China’s
National Bureau of Statistics reported a 19.9%
jobless rate for urban youth aged 16 to 24 in
July, the highest since the release of youth
employment data in 2018.
Factors Contributing to China’s job market
challenges
• S upply-demand contradiction: China’s
economic growth decline and the impact of
COVID-19 have created a supply-demand
contradiction in the job market.
• I ssues with the education sector:
Some argue that the problem lies within
China’s education sector, and finding
jobs for educated youth has become a
perennial crisis.
• S hifting focus to qualitative growth: Despite
China’s focus shifting from quantitative
to qualitative growth, the challenge of
employment for educated youth persists.
MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICES FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE
Centre hikes Kharif
crop Minimum Support
Price (MSPs)
Economics | GS3: Issues Related To Farm Subsidies & Msp
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : MSP system
Mains level : Issues with MSP
Ahead of the nationwide protests demanding
a law to ensure MSP, NITI Aayog has asserted
that the MSP should continue till markets
become competitive and efficient.
What is MSP?
 he MSP is the rate at which the
• T
government purchases crops from farmers
, and is based on a calculation of at least
one-and-a-half times the cost of production
incurred by the farmers.
 SP is  a “minimum price” for any
• M
crop that the government considers as
remunerative for farmers  and hence
deserving of “support”.
18 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Where does India stand?
• C
 hallenges for school leavers and
graduates: India faces challenges with school
leavers, liberal arts graduates, and engineers
from low-grade colleges who struggle to find
employment.
• S
 hortage of specific skilled personnel: While
facing a surplus of certain graduates, India
experiences a shortage of skilled workers in
various fields, such as plumbing, electrical
work, and artisanal crafts.
Issues in India’s Skilling Efforts
• I nadequacies in skill development
initiatives: Entities like the National Skill
Development Corporation (NSDC) have not
delivered effective skilling programs, focusing
on short courses rather than comprehensive
skill acquisition.
• I ndustrial Training Institutes (ITIs): The
potential of ITIs to address the skill gap has
been hampered by resistance from state
governments and the failure of partnerships
with industrial enterprises.
• P
 rivate Skilling institutes: Private Skilling
institutes, often in the informal sector, have
emerged to fill some of the gaps left by
government initiatives.
NEP and Vocational Training in India
• Vocational segmentation in NEP 2020: NEP
2020 introduces vocational training from 6th
to 8th grade to improve students’ skills in
specific fields.
• Need for continued vocational training:
To be effective, vocational segmentation
should continue at the secondary level, with
dedicated schools focused on producing
skilled artisans and specialists.
• Challenges in vocational education: Similar
to China, vocational education in India faces
challenges in attracting students compared to
traditional academic paths.
Way forward
• Emulating Germany’s model: Germany’s
emphasis on respecting and valuing
vocational specializations can serve as a
model for India.
• Success of vocational education in other
countries: Several countries, including
Singapore and to some extent, China,
have successfully implemented vocational
education systems.
• Addressing inequalities in education: In
China, challenges remain in providing quality
education for rural students, which can limit
their access to better job opportunities.
Crops under MSP:
• The Commission for Agricultural Costs
& Prices (CACP) recommends MSPs
for 22 mandated crops and fair and
remunerative price (FRP)  for sugarcane.
• CACP is an attached office of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• The mandated crops include 14 crops of the
kharif season, 6 rabi crops  and 2 other
commercial crops.
• In addition, the MSPs of toria and de-husked
coconut are fixed on the basis of the MSPs of
rapeseed/mustard and copra, respectively.
Factors for Recommending the MSP:
• The CACP considers various factors while
recommending the MSP for a commodity,
including cost of cultivation.
• It takes into account the supply and demand
situation for the commodity, market price
trends (domestic and global) and parity
vis-Ã -vis other crops, and implications for
consumers (inflation), environment (soil
and water use) and terms of trade between
agriculture and non-agriculture sectors.
• Three Kinds of Production Cost:
• The CACP projects three kinds of production
cost for every crop, both at state and all-India
average levels.
• â
 €˜A2’: Covers all paid-out costs directly
incurred by the farmer in cash and kind on
seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, hired labour,
leased-in land, fuel, irrigation, etc.
• â
 €˜A2+FL’: Includes A2 plus an imputed
value of unpaid family labour.
• â €˜ C2’: It is a more comprehensive cost
that factors in rentals and interest forgone
on owned land and fixed capital assets, on
top of A2+FL.
• C ACP considers both A2+FL and C2 costs
 while recommending MSP.
• C
 ACP reckons only A2+FL cost for return.
• However, C2 costs are used by CACP
primarily as benchmark reference costs
(opportunity costs) to see if the MSPs
recommended by them at least cover these
costs in some of the major producing States.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
(CCEA) of the Union government takes a
final decision on the level of MSPs and other
recommendations made by CACP.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND VARIOUS REPORTS ON IT- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR ETC
Cash Reserve Portion of banks’

RBI Monetary Policy Update Ratio (CRR) deposits that they

must hold as reserves
with the central bank
Economics | GS3: Indian Economy
Statutory Liquidity Percentage of certain
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Ratio (SLR) assets that banks are
Prelims level : RBI Monetary Policy Committee
required to maintain
Mains level : Read the attached story
in their portfolio
RBI Monetary Policy Committee Open Market Buying and selling
Purpose Make decisions Operations (OMOs) of government
on monetary securities by the
policy in India central bank in the
open market
Constituted by RBI Act, 1934
Marginal Standing Facility allowing
Objective Maintain price
Facility (MSF) banks to borrow
stability and foster
funds overnight
economic growth
from the central
Members • 3 officials bank against eligible
from the RBI, securities
• 3 external
Liquidity Adjustment Repo and reverse
members
Facility (LAF) repo rates used by
appointed by the
banks to manage
Government of India
their liquidity needs
Chairperson Governor of the RBI
Policy Stance and MPC’s approach
Decision Factors • Economic Communication to monetary policy
and financial and communication
developments of decisions
• Inflation trends and outlook
Central Idea • Macroeconomic
• T
 his article discusses the recent policy review conditions Key outlooks
by the MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) • GDP growth and inflation forecasts: GDP
Key Tools Policy interest
and its implications for India’s economy. growth forecasts provide insights into the
rate (Repo rate)
• T
 he MPC is responsible for making decisions expected pace of economic expansion, while
Policy stance
regarding the repo rate and determining the inflation forecasts help gauge price stability
policy stance to achieve specific economic Impact of Decisions • Borrowing costs and purchasing power.
objectives. • Liquidity in the • Stability of forecasts: The MPC’s latest
banking system review indicates relatively little change in the
Key highlights by RBI • Overall economic GDP growth and inflation forecasts, reflecting
• R
 epo Rate: Kept unchanged at 6.50% environment a consistent outlook for the economy.
• S
 tanding Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate:
• Goldilocks metaphor for the economy : The
Remains unchanged at 6.25% Various MPC tools
reference to a Goldilocks moment alludes to
• M
 arginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate and Repo Rate Rate at which an ideal state where the economy operates
Bank Rate: Unchanged at 6.75% the central bank optimally, striking a balance between
• T
 arget Inflation: Medium-term target for lends money to high inflation (too hot) and faltering GDP
Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation of 4% commercial banks growth (too cold). RBI surveys on consumer
within a band of +/- 2%
Reverse Repo Rate Rate at which confidence and inflation expectations
the central bank suggest a positive and favourable economic
borrows money from environment.
commercial banks

www.civilsdaily.com 19
Positive Developments
• S
 urprising GDP growth: India’s GDP growth
in FY23 exceeded the RBI’s expectations,
reaching 7.2% instead of the projected 7%.
• D
 ecrease in headline retail inflation: Retail
inflation dropped to 4.7% in April, marking
the lowest reading since November 2021.
• C
 onsumption recovery and private
investments: The anticipation of a robust
Rabi crop production and a normal monsoon,
combined with the government’s emphasis
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR AND MARKETING REFORMS - ENAM, MODEL APMC ACT, ECO SURVEY
RECO, ETC.
Lessons of Indo-US
Cooperation in Agriculture
Economics | GS3: Agriculture and related issues
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Green Revolution
Mains level : India’s journey to self reliance in Agriculture
Central Idea
• S
 oviet Union’s role: The Soviet Union
contributed to India’s industrialization
through capital equipment and technology.
• U
 nited States’ contribution: The United
States, along with the Rockefeller and Ford
Foundation, supported India’s agricultural
development.
Soviet Union’s Role in Industrialization
• C
 ollaborations with the Soviet Bloc:
Collaborations with the Soviet Bloc led to
the establishment of key industrial plants and
institutions in India.
• E
 xamples: Bhilai and Bokaro steel plants
(established in the 1950s), Barauni and
Koyali refineries, Bharat Heavy Electricals,
Heavy Engineering Corporation, Mining
& Allied Machinery Corporation, Neyveli
Thermal Power Station, Indian Drugs &
Pharmaceuticals, and oil prospecting and
drilling at Ankleshwar.
US Contribution to Agricultural
Development
• L esser-known involvement: The United
States, along with the Rockefeller and Ford
Foundation, played a crucial role in India’s
agricultural development during the 1950s
and 1960s.
• A ssistance provided: The US supported
areas such as agricultural education, research,
extension services, and technology transfer.
20 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
on capital expenditure, suggests a potential
increase in consumption levels and private
investments.
• I ncrease in consumer confidence: Consumer
confidence is gradually improving, while
Indian families expect inflation to stabilize at
a more manageable level.
Major considerations
• E
 xpected deceleration in GDP: Despite
positive indicators, the MPC anticipates
a slowdown in GDP growth from 7.2% to
6.5% in FY24, with professional forecasters
projecting an even lower growth rate of 6%.
US Land-Grant Model
• V
 isit to US land-grant universities: In 1950,
Major H.S. Sandhu and Chief Secretary A.N.
Jha visited US land-grant universities for
inspiration.
• P
 roposal for integrated agricultural
universities: The visit inspired the
recommendation to establish integrated
agricultural universities in India.
• E
 stablishment of UP Agricultural
University: The UP Agricultural University
was established in the Tarai region of Uttar
Pradesh and inaugurated by PM Jawaharlal
Nehru on November 17, 1960.
Expansion of Agricultural Universities
• Publication of blueprint by ICAR: The Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
published a blueprint titled “Blueprint for a
Rural University in India” in the late 1950s.
• Consumer confidence still in negative
territory: While consumer confidence
metrics show improvement, they remain
below the 100 mark, indicating prevailing
pessimism among the public.
• Headwinds and potentially economic
challenges: Various factors, including weak
global demand, volatility in global financial
markets, geopolitical tensions, and the
potential impact of El Nino on the monsoon,
pose potential risks to India’s economy.
• F inancial assistance: The United States,
through the USAID, provided support for the
establishment of agricultural universities in
India, starting from the late 1950s.
• Collaboration with US land-grant
institutions: Agricultural universities in India
established in the late 1950s and early 1960s
were linked with US land-grant institutions
for expertise and curriculum design.
Green Revolution under M.S. Swaminathan
• Characteristics of traditional varieties:
Traditional wheat and rice varieties were tall
and prone to lodging when the ear-heads
were heavy with well-filled grains.
• Introduction of semi-dwarf varieties:
Semi-dwarf varieties with strong stems that
tolerated high fertilizer application were
developed in the 1960s.
• Development and distribution of Norin-10
genes: The Norin-10 dwarfing genes played
a significant role in the development of high-
yielding wheat varieties in the 1960s.
Introduction of Seeds to India
• Correspondence with Vogel and Borlaug:
M.S. Swaminathan contacted Orville Vogel
and Norman Borlaug in the late 1950s.
• Arrival of Mexican wheat varieties : Mexican
wheat varieties, sent by Borlaug, were first
sown in trial fields in the early 1960s and later
adopted on a large scale in India.
• Transition to self-sufficiency: India
transitioned from being a wheat importer to
achieving self-sufficiency in wheat production
in the mid-1960s.
Motivation for US Assistance
• Cold War geopolitics and competition :
Assistance in agricultural development was
motivated by the Cold War geopolitics and
the competition between superpowers.
• Benefits of India’s non-aligned status:
India’s non-aligned status allowed for
assistance from both superpowers, benefiting
agricultural development.
Socioeconomic Benefits of the Green
Revolution:
• I ncreased grain yields and productivity: The
Green Revolution significantly increased grain
yields, ensuring a stable food supply starting
from the mid-1960s.
• F ood security and self-sufficiency: Adoption • Economic growth and poverty reduction:
of high-yielding varieties improved food The Green Revolution contributed to
security and reduced dependence on imports economic growth and poverty reduction in
in the 1960s and 1970s. rural areas in the 1960s and 1970s.

LABOUR, JOBS AND EMPLOYMENT - HARMONIZATION OF LABOUR LAWS, GENDER GAP,

UNEMPLOYMENT, ETC. Manifestations of modern slavery in Global

Global Slavery Index:

Supply Chains
• The report highlights the prevalence of
forced labor across different points in the

Controversies with global supply chain, particularly in industries

such as textiles.

modern Metric
• Exploitative conditions, unpaid work, low
wages, debt bondage, and health and
safety risks are common in industries like
Economics | GS2: spinning mills.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : • G20 countries collectively import billions of
Prelims level : Global Slavery Index, 2023 dollars’ worth of goods produced by forced
Mains level : Forced labour labor every year.

Central Idea Key highlights India’s measures against on modern slavery

• India tops the list of Global Slavery Index, • T
 he number of people living in conditions of • India has passed laws like the Bonded
2023 with 11 million people working as modern slavery has increased by 25% over Labour Abolition Act of 1976 to address
forced laborers. the last 5 years, reaching 50 million people. modern slavery.
• G
 20 nations, including India, China, • However, implementation challenges,
Global Slavery Index, 2023 Russia, Indonesia, Turkey, and the US, are corruption, legal loopholes, and lack of
Publisher Walk Free Foundation contributing to this increase through their political hinder effective enforcement of
trade operations and global supply chains. these laws.
Purpose Assess modern slavery
conditions worldwide • Moreover, there are lacunas in proper
Definition and scope of modern slavery identification and enumeration of people
Data Sources International Labour • M odern slavery encompasses various trapped in modern slavery conditions.
Organization practices such as-
(ILO), International • F orced labor Way forward
Organization for • F orced marriage • Strengthen Measures and Legislation:
Migration (IOM). • D ebt bondage Enact stronger laws to prevent the sourcing
Indicators Forced labor, forced • C ommercial sexual exploitation of goods and services associated with
marriage, human • H uman trafficking modern slavery.
trafficking, exploitation • S lavery-like practices (ex. coercion to do • Embed Anti-Slavery Measures in Climate
certain work) Change Plans: Integrate anti-slavery efforts
Rankings Countries ranked
• S ale and exploitation of children. into sustainability plans, acknowledging the
based on estimated
• It involves situations where threats, violence link between climate change and vulnerability
number of people in
and deception prevent individuals from to modern slavery.
modern slavery
refusing or leaving. • Enhance Education and Tighten
Index Score Reflects vulnerability Regulations: Provide accessible education
and response to Factors contributing to the increase while tightening regulations on forced labor,
modern slavery • T he rise of modern slavery is influenced child marriage, and exploitative practices.
by climate change, armed conflict, weak • Prioritize Rehabilitation and Support:
Recommendations Calls for action to
governance, and health emergencies Prioritize comprehensive support systems
combat modern slavery
like COVID-19. for the rehabilitation of bonded laborers,
and protect rights
• Imports of at-risk products worth $468 including financial aid, education, job security,
Target Audience Policymakers, billion, including electronics, textiles, palm
activists, researchers, and fair compensation.
oil, and solar panels, worsen forced labor • Hold G20 Nations Accountable and Foster
organizations conditions by coming from countries with Cooperation: Ensure accountability among
Impact Raises awareness, weak worker protection. G20 nations and promote collaborative
informs strategies,
promotes human rights efforts to eliminate modern slavery.

www.civilsdaily.com 21
ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND VARIOUS REPORTS ON IT- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR ETC without significantly reducing consumption.

India’s Middle Class:

Private consumption in India is almost 60%
of the gross domestic product (GDP), and

Estimation, Expansion
private consumption growth has accounted
for 70% of Indian growth since 2000.
• Investor confidence: A stable and resilient

and Economic Impact middle-class demand instills investor

confidence, leading to job creation and
reinforcing the middle class. Surplus income
Economics | GS3: Inclusive Growth & Issues contributes to overall savings.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : • Continuous income improvement: A strong
Prelims level : NA
foundation for continuous income growth
Mains level : Middle class woes in India
within the middle class drives higher-quality
• H
 omeownership aspirations consumption and stimulates diverse and
• A
 ccess to credit and financing high-quality supply responses.
• A
 ffordability of consumer durables • Shift to more formal businesses: The growth
and comforts of the middle class is likely to be associated
• P
 rioritization of healthcare and insurance with a gradual shift from large-scale
• E
 mphasis on savings and investments informality that characterizes much of
• A
 ssociated with upward social mobility the services and manufacturing sectors
• V
 alue placed on education and success today, to more formal, wage-earning and
• A
 ctive civic engagement medium-scale businesses.
• Rise in Demand for Goods and Services:
Estimating India’s Genuine Middle Class The middle class is also demanding
Central Idea
• E
 stimating India’s middle class: This article
delves into the estimation of India’s middle
class, a crucial indicator of household
consumption and the economy’s health.

Key points of discussions

• L ack of clarity in defining the middle
class: The absence of a clear definition
results in diverse estimations, based on
subjective judgments or income ranges and
consumption benchmarks.
• I mportance of expanding the middle class:
Despite the impact of the existing middle
class, the focus is shifting towards significant
expansion to unleash India’s economic
potential.
• D iscrepancy in popular estimates: Popular
Understanding a Genuine Middle Class housing, shopping malls, and other
estimates tend to overstate the middle class’s
• C haracteristics of a genuine middle class: infrastructure , and can afford to
size, obscuring the actual extent.
It entails stable and resilient consumption take an annual vacation , boosting
• C oncentration within the richest deciles:
patterns, enabling them to weather economic domestic tourism.
India’s genuine middle class is primarily
downturns without significantly reducing • The middle class is a source of
concentrated within the richest 10 to 20
consumption. entrepreneurship. It is often claimed that
percent of households rather than uniformly
• I mplications for investors and the economy: small businesses and family farms—the heart
distributed.
A stable and resilient middle-class demand of the middle class—made America great.
• C oncerns about occupation profiles:
instills investor confidence, leading to job • Political implication : T hey strengthen the
Instability characterizes the occupation
creation and reinforcing the middle class. links with democracy , free press, education
profiles of the richest deciles, with a reliance
Surplus income contributes to overall savings. and fair elections.
on small agricultural land and informal non-
• C ontinuous income improvement: A strong
agricultural occupations.
foundation for continuous income growth Issues faced by the Indian Middle Class
• L imited upward mobility: Chief wage
within the middle class drives higher-quality • Income Stagnation: Many middle-class
earners in the richest deciles demonstrate
consumption and stimulates diverse and individuals in India struggle with stagnant
limited potential for upward mobility into
high-quality supply responses. income levels, with limited opportunities for
higher-skilled occupations.
significant wage growth or promotions.
Features of the Indian Middle Class • Rising Cost of Living: The increasing
Consequences of Genuine Middle Class
• S
 table income cost of essential goods and services,
• S
 table consumption: It entails stable and
• H
 igher levels of education and skills including housing, education, healthcare,
resilient consumption patterns, enabling
• L
 imited disposable income for
them to weather economic downturns
discretionary spending

22 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
 and transportation, often outpaces income
growth, putting financial strain on the
middle class.
• I nflationary Pressures: Inflation rates impact
the purchasing power of the middle class,
making it challenging to maintain their
standard of living and meet their financial
obligations.
• J ob Insecurity: Middle-class individuals
face concerns about job security, as
economic uncertainties and technological
advancements lead to changes in job markets
and potential layoffs.
• H ealthcare Expenses: Rising healthcare costs
and limited access to quality healthcare put
a significant burden on the middle class,
impacting their financial well-being and
ability to seek necessary medical care.
Consequences of Limited Middle-Class
Expansion
RENEWABLE ENERGY - WIND, TIDAL, GEOTHERMAL, ETC.
Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric
Project (SLHEP)
Economics | GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP)
Mains level : Hydropower in India
• E conomic implications: The limited
expansion of the middle class hinders the
economy from reaching its fullest potential
in terms of consumption, investments, and
job creation.
• Inequality concerns: A small middle class
contributes to income inequality, as a
significant portion of the population remains
deprived of upward mobility and economic
opportunities.
• O verreliance on the affluent: The
concentration of economic power and
consumption within the richest deciles may
result in skewed market dynamics and limited
inclusivity.
Strategies for Expanding the Middle Class
• E
 nhancing education and skill
development: Investing in education
and skill-building initiatives to equip
individuals with the qualifications needed
for higher-skilled occupations.
Central Idea
• Trial runs for the Subansiri Lower
Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP): NHPC
Limited, a government of India enterprise,
will begin trial runs for the Project in July.
• I ndia’s largest: After a delay of 20 years,
India is finally approaching the launch of
India’s largest hydropower project which is
crucial for the region’s energy transition.
• P romoting entrepreneurship and
small businesses: Creating an enabling
environment for entrepreneurial growth,
which can generate jobs and foster economic
resilience within the middle class.
• Strengthening social safety nets: Developing
robust social safety nets to provide
support during economic downturns and
help individuals bounce back without
significant setbacks.
• Addressing informal employment:
Implementing policies that promote
formalization of employment, providing
stability and better benefits for workers.
• Strengthen financial literacy: Implement
comprehensive programs, accessible
resources, and collaborations to improve
understanding of personal finance.
• Promote entrepreneurship and innovation:
Foster an ecosystem with resources,
mentorship, and support for middle-class
individuals starting businesses.
• Build social safety nets: Establish
comprehensive programs for unemployment
benefits, healthcare coverage, and retraining
support during economic shocks.
• Foster social dialogue: Create platforms
for inclusive discussions, partnerships,
and collaborations between policymakers,
businesses, and the middle class.
• Prioritize work-life balance: Advocate
for family-friendly policies, flexible work
arrangements, and support for well-being
and productivity.
• Support family-friendly policies: Implement
policies for affordable childcare, parental
leave, and flexible work arrangements to
support work-life balance.
• A
 bout NHPC Ltd: NHPC Limited, formerly
known as National Hydroelectric Power
Corporation Ltd, is the largest hydropower
development organization in India.
About Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric
Project (SLHEP)
• Gravity dam: It is a concrete gravity dam
116 m high from river bed level on the
Subansiri River.
• Location: The dam is located approximately
2.3 km upstream of the Subansiri River in
Arunachal Pradesh, India.
• Accessibility: The project is located near
North Lakhimpur on the border of Arunachal
Pradesh and Assam. The nearest railhead is
Nagaon, and the nearest airport is Lilabari/
Dibrugarh.
www.civilsdaily.com 23
• R
 un-of-the-river project: NHPC Limited, the
project developer, describes the SLHEP as a
run-of-the-river project, indicating its design
aims to maintain the natural flow of the river.
• P
 ower generation capacity: Once
completed, the SLHEP is expected to have
a power generation capacity of 2,000 MW,
making it one of the largest hydroelectric
projects in India.
FOOD PROCUREMENT AND DISTRIBUTION - PDS & NFSA, SHANTA KUMAR COMMITTEE, FCI
RESTRUCTURING, BUFFER STOCK, ETC.
India’s Ambitious
Grain Storage Plan
Economics | GS3: Agriculture and related issues
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : NA
Mains level : Need for integrated grain storage plan
Link with UPSC Syllabus:
Major cropping patterns in various parts of
the country, different types of irrigation and
irrigation systems storage
Central Idea
• India, with its massive population of 1.4 billion
people, faces the challenge of ensuring food
security for its citizens.
• T o address this issue, the Centre has
approved the establishment of an Inter-
Ministerial Committee (IMC) to facilitate the
implementation of the “world’s largest grain
storage plan in the cooperative sector.”
• T his article explores the key aspects of
the plan and its potential impact on food
security in India.
Need for Grain Storage Network
(1) Population vs. Arable Land
• India constitutes 18% of the global population
but has only 11% of the arable land.
• T he country’s vast population necessitates
a robust network of food-grain storage
facilities.
(2) Current Storage Gap
• India’s current foodgrain storage capacity is
145 million metric tonnes (MMT).
24 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Benefits offered
• C
 ascade development and flood
moderation: It is expected to moderate
floods in the Subansiri River and bring overall
development to the area, benefiting the
local economy.
• H
 ydropower boost: Hydropower plays
a crucial role in balancing the electricity
grid, especially as solar and wind power
generation rise.
• H owever, the total food production stands
at 311 MMT, resulting in a storage gap
of 166 MMT.
• Insufficient storage facilities often lead to
open storage, causing damage to food grains.
(3) Global Storage Capacities
• C ountries like China, USA, Brazil, Russia,
Argentina, Ukraine, France, and Canada have
better storage capacities than their foodgrain
production.
• F or instance, China, with a foodgrain
production of 615 MMT, has a storage
capacity of 660 MMT.
(4) Regional Disparities in India
• In India, the storage capacity varies
across regions.
• Some southern states have a storage capacity
of 90% and above, while northern states
like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have capacities
below 50%.
Understanding the ‘World’s Largest Grain
Storage Plan’
(1) Role of Primary Agricultural Credit
Societies (PACS)
• T
 he Ministry of Cooperation plans to
establish a network of integrated grain
storage facilities through PACS.
• P
 ACS are widely spread across India, with
over 1,00,000 societies and more than 13
crore farmers as members.
• L
 everaging the existing PACS network is a
crucial aspect of the plan.
Strategic Location
• Its strategic significance is heightened by its
proximity to the India-China border.
• Located in Arunachal Pradesh, which shares
a border with China, the project holds
geopolitical importance.
(2) IMC Composition
• The IMC, constituted under the chairmanship
of Minister of Cooperation, includes three
other ministers and secretaries from relevant
ministries.
• The IMC will modify guidelines and
implementation methodologies of schemes
to facilitate the storage plan.
(3) Budgetary Allocation
• The plan will be implemented through
the convergence of 8 existing schemes,
eliminating the need for a separate allocation.
• Schemes under the Ministry of Agriculture
and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Food
Processing Industries, and Ministry
of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution will be utilized.
Benefits of the Grain Storage Plan
(1) Multi-Purpose Benefits:
The plan aims to establish godowns at the
PACS level, enabling them to serve multiple
functions:
• Procurement centres for state agencies and
Food Corporation of India (FCI)
• Fair Price Shops (FPS)
• Custom hiring centres
• Common processing units for
agricultural produce
(2) Other benefits
• Reduction in post-harvest losses
• Decreased foodgrain handling and
transportation costs
• Enhanced market flexibility for farmers,
reducing distress sales
Key issues addressed
• I nfrastructure Address: The establishment
of godowns at PACS level will address the
shortage of agricultural storage infrastructure,
increasing India’s foodgrain storage capacity
by 700 lakh tonnes.
• D iversification of PACS: PACS will be
empowered to undertake various activities
such as procurement centers, fair price
shops, and setting up custom hiring centers,
enhancing farmer incomes.
• R educed Food Grain Wastage:
Decentralized storage at PACS level will
minimize grain wastage, contributing to
improved food security.
• P revention of Distress Sales: Farmers can
store their produce in PACS facilities and
access loans of up to 70%, preventing distress
sales and enabling better prices.
• C ost Reduction: Local storage facilities will
significantly reduce transportation costs of
food grains to procurement centers and fair-
price shops.
FOOD PROCUREMENT AND DISTRIBUTION - PDS & NFSA, SHANTA KUMAR COMMITTEE, FCI
RESTRUCTURING, BUFFER STOCK, ETC.
Centre Discontinues Sale of
Rice and Wheat under OMSS
Economics | GS3: Agriculture and related issues
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS)
Mains level : Read the attached story
Design and Features of Integrated Storage
Facilities
(1) Facility Layout
• Spread over 1 acre of land, the integrated
modular PACS will have various components.
• These include a custom hiring center, a
multi-purpose hall, primary processing
units, storage sheds, and container storage
and silos.
(2) Financing and Capacity:
• The cost of establishing the facility is
estimated at Rs 2.25 crore.
• A subsidy of Rs 51 lakh will be provided, with
the remaining amount as margin money
or a loan.
• The PACS is projected to earn Rs 45
lakh per year.
• The hub and spoke model will be
implemented, with 55,767 PACS functioning
as spokes and 7,233 PACS as hubs.
• The combined storage capacity of all 63,000
PACS will be 70 million tonnes.
Central Idea
• The Centre has discontinued the sale of rice
and wheat from the central pool to State
governments under theOpen Market Sale
Scheme (OMSS).https://www.civilsdaily.
com/news/what-is-open-market-sale-
scheme-omss/
• This move is aimed at controlling price
inflation and stabilizing food prices, but it may
have an impact on states like Karnataka that
offer free grains to the poor.
(3) Technological Advancements:
• The modern silos will be equipped with
computerized real-time monitoring systems.
• These facilities can be rented out to the FCI
and other private agencies.
Conclusion
• India’s ambitious grain storage plan in the
cooperative sector, facilitated by the IMC,
aims to bridge the storage gap and ensure
food security for its billion-plus population.
• By leveraging the vast network of PACS
and implementing an integrated storage
model, the plan seeks to reduce losses,
transportation costs, and distress sales.
• With proper execution and allocation of
resources, this transformative initiative can
have a significant and positive impact on
India’s food security landscape.
Back2Basics: Primary Agricultural Credit
Societies (PACS)
• PACS are the lowest tier of the Short-Term
Cooperative Credit (STCC) structure in India
directly dealing with Farmers.
• The first PACS was established in 1904.
• They are headed by the State Cooperative
Banks (SCB) at the state level.
• Credit from the SCBs is transferred to the
District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs)
which operate at the district level.
• PACS directly work with farmers and play a
crucial role in providing short-term lending.
• PACS provide credit to farmers at the
beginning of the cropping cycle to meet
their needs for seeds, fertilizers, and other
requirements.
What is Open Market Sale Scheme
(OMSS)?
• The OMSS refers to the government’s selling
of food grains, such as rice and wheat, in the
open market at predetermined prices.
• The scheme aims to enhance grain supply
during the lean season and moderate open
market prices.
• It consists of three components:
Sale of wheat to bulk consumers/private traders
through e-auction.
• Sale of wheat to bulk consumers/
private traders through e-auction by
dedicated movement.
• Sale of Raw Rice Grade ‘A’ to bulk
consumers/private traders through e-auction.
Working of OMSS
• To ensure transparency, the Food Corporation
of India (FCI) has adopted e-auction as the
method for selling food grains under the
OMSS (Domestic).
www.civilsdaily.com 25
• W
 eekly auctions are conducted on the
NCDEX platform.
• S
 tate governments and Union Territory
Administrations can participate in the
e-auction if they require wheat and
rice outside TPDS & OWS (Targeted
Public Distribution System & Other
Welfare Schemes).
Reasons for Discontinuation of OMSS:
• C ontrolling price inflation: Discontinuing
OMSS helps regulate the supply of rice and
wheat to prevent price hikes.
• E nsuring price stability: By limiting the
availability of grains through OMSS, the
government aims to maintain stable
market prices.
• B alancing stock levels: Discontinuation
allows for better management of grain stock
in the central pool.
• S treamlining distribution channels: OMSS
discontinuation enables a more focused
and efficient distribution of grains through
targeted welfare schemes.
• E fficient utilization of resources: By
discontinuing OMSS, resources can be
allocated more effectively to optimize
procurement and distribution efforts.
• F lexibility in response to market conditions:
The discontinuation provides flexibility
to adjust grain supply based on market
demands and conditions.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS - COTTON, MUSTARDS, ETC.
Transgenic Crops in India
Economics | GS3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Transgenic Cotton
Mains level : GM crops and issues
Central Idea
• T
 he states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and
Telangana in India have deferred a proposal
to test a new type of transgenic cotton seed.
• T
 his proposal had been approved by the
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
(GEAC) of the central government.
26 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• P
 romoting market competition: The
absence of OMSS encourages the
participation of private traders and bulk
consumers, fostering a competitive market
environment.
Concerns and Production Challenges
• A dverse weather conditions: Unseasonal
rains, hailstorms, and higher temperatures
have posed challenges to wheat production.
• L ower production and higher prices: The
adverse weather conditions may lead to
reduced wheat production and subsequent
price increases.
• R
 ice price fluctuations: Rice prices have
already increased by 10% at the mandi level
in the last year.
• D
 ependence on monsoon rains: Monsoon
rains are crucial for rice production, as 80%
of the country’s total rice production occurs
during the kharif season.
• P
 otential impact on food security: Lower
production and price fluctuations can affect
food security, particularly for vulnerable
sections of society.
• P
 rocurement challenges: Slow wheat
procurement and increased prices create
difficulties in achieving procurement targets
and maintaining stock levels.
• P
 otential impact on overall agricultural
output: Production challenges in wheat may
have a ripple effect on the overall agricultural
sector and farm incomes.
• T
 he deferral of the proposal by these states
indicates that the broader acceptance
of genetically modified crops, including
transgenic cotton, remains challenging to
achieve in India.
What are Transgenic Crops?
• T
 ransgenic crops, also known as genetically
modified (GM) crops or genetically
engineered (GE) crops, are plants that have
been modified through genetic engineering
techniques.
• T
 hese techniques involve the introduction
of specific genes from one organism into
the genetic material of another organism,
resulting in the expression of new traits or
characteristics in the modified crop.
• Need for stabilizing measures: Measures
to stabilize supply, improve agricultural
practices, and manage weather-related risks
are crucial to address these concerns.
Efforts to Stabilize Supply and Stock Levels
• Food Corporation of India: FCI plays a
vital role in ensuring the availability of food
grains at reasonable prices to vulnerable
sections of society through the Public
Distribution System.
• Increased Procurement: The government
has set a procurement target of 341.5 lakh
metric tonnes of wheat for the ongoing Rabi
Marketing Season (RMS) 2023-24.
Conclusion
• The Centre’s decision to discontinue the sale
of rice and wheat to states under the OMSS
aims to control price inflation and stabilize
food prices.
• Exceptions have been made for regions
facing specific challenges.
• The imposition of stock limits and offloading
through the OMSS demonstrates the
government’s efforts to manage overall food
security and prevent hoarding.
• However, concerns remain regarding lower
wheat production due to adverse weather
conditions, highlighting the need for
measures to stabilize supply and stock levels.
Benefits of Transgenic crops
The introduction of transgenic technology
allows scientists to selectively transfer desirable
genes into crop plants to impart beneficial
traits such as:
• Pest Resistance: Genes from naturally
pest-resistant organisms can be inserted into
crops to make them resistant to specific pests
or insects.
• Disease Resistance: Genes conferring
resistance to diseases can be introduced into
crops to enhance their ability to withstand
infections caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal
pathogens.
• Herbicide Tolerance: Transgenic crops can
be engineered to tolerate specific herbicides,
allowing farmers to effectively control weeds
without harming the crop.
• Improved Nutritional Content: Genetic
engineering techniques can be employed to
enhance the nutritional profile of crops by
increasing the levels of essential nutrients,
such as vitamins, minerals, or proteins.
• Abiotic Stress Tolerance: Transgenic
crops can be engineered to withstand
environmental stresses such as drought,
salinity, or extreme temperatures.
• E
 xtended Shelf Life: Such crops have
extended shelf life or resistance to spoilage,
thereby reducing food waste and increasing
marketability.
Transgenic Crops in India
• C
 otton: Cotton is currently the only
transgenic crop being commercially
cultivated in India. It contains a gene called
Cry2Ai, which is believed to confer resistance
against the American pink bollworm, a
significant pest affecting cotton crops.
• O
 ther Crops in Trials: Apart from cotton,
there are several other crops in various
stages of trials using transgenic technology.
These include brinjal (eggplant), tomato,
maize (corn), and chickpea. These crops are
being developed with traits such as insect
resistance, disease resistance, and improved
nutritional content.
• M
 ustard Hybrid DMH-11: The Genetic
Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
approved the environmental release of
Mustard hybrid DMH-11 and its parental
lines for seed production and testing. This
transgenic mustard variety is awaiting final
clearance.
Regulation Process in India
• S
 afety Assessments: Transgenic crops
go through rigorous safety assessments
conducted by committees before they
are approved for further testing. These
assessments evaluate the potential
environmental, health, and socioeconomic
impacts of genetically modified crops.
• C
 onfined Trials: After safety assessments,
transgenic crops undergo confined trials
in controlled environments. These trials
are conducted at agricultural universities
or plots controlled by the Indian Council
for Agricultural Research (ICAR). The aim
is to assess the performance, agronomic
traits, and potential risks associated with
transgenic crops.
• O
 pen Field Trials: Upon successful confined
trials, transgenic crops can proceed to
open field trials. These trials are conducted
over multiple crop seasons and in different
geographical regions to evaluate the
performance of the crops under diverse
environmental conditions.
• C
 omparative Evaluation: Transgenic crops
can seek commercial clearance only if they
demonstrate superiority over comparable
non-GM varieties in terms of desired
traits, such as resistance to pests, diseases,
or drought, without causing harm to the
environment or other cultivated species.
Issues in Acceptance of Transgenic Crops
• P ublic Perception and Opposition: The
acceptance of genetically modified crops
continues to be elusive in India due to
concerns raised by activists, farmers, and
consumer groups regarding the safety,
environmental impact, and long-term
consequences of GM crops.
• L egal and Regulatory Framework: The
litigation in the Supreme Court regarding the
approval and cultivation of transgenic crops
adds complexity to the regulatory framework.
The decision-making process involves
multiple stakeholders, including government
agencies, scientists, activists, and judicial
authorities.
• S
 tate-Level Approvals: Agriculture being a
state subject, companies interested in testing
transgenic seeds often require approvals from
the respective states. Varying attitudes and
policies towards GM crops among states can
create challenges and inconsistencies in the
regulatory process.
• E
 cological Impact and Biodiversity: Critics
argue that the release of transgenic crops
into the environment may have unintended
ecological consequences, such as the
potential harm to non-target organisms,
disruption of ecosystems, and loss of
biodiversity.
• S
 ocioeconomic Implications: The adoption
of transgenic crops may have socioeconomic
implications, including concerns about farmer
dependency on seed companies, patenting of
genetic materials, and potential impacts on
traditional farming practices and indigenous
seed varieties.
MAINS VALUE ADDITION: Success
Stories/Data
Source: Alliance for Science
• G
 M crops have allowed an average increase
in agricultural yield by 22 percent and
increased farmers’ profits by 68 percent,
• G
 M crops increased global production by
357.7 million tons of corn, 180.3 million tons
of soybean, 25.2 million tons of cotton fiber,
10.6 million tons of canola and about a ton of
sugar beet
• B
 T Brinjal Bangladesh: Researchers from
the Washington-based International Food
Policy Research Institute and the Bangladesh
Agricultural Research Institute, a government
agency, examined the impact of GM brinjals
and found a 47 percent reduction — or
$85.53 (approx. Rs 6,000)/hectare — in the
expense incurred by farmers on pesticides.
The quantity of pesticides used was also
found to have come down by 39 percent.
Way forward
• Robust Regulation: Strengthen the
regulatory framework for transgenic crops
to ensure rigorous evaluation, transparent
decision-making, and effective monitoring of
potential risks to human health, environment,
and biodiversity.
• Public Awareness: Conduct comprehensive
campaigns to educate the public about the
benefits and safety of transgenic cotton,
dispelling misconceptions, and promoting
informed decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster open
dialogue among farmers, scientists,
policymakers, and consumer groups to
address concerns, share information, and
build mutual understanding.
• Environmental Monitoring: Implement
long-term monitoring programs to assess
the impact of transgenic cotton cultivation
on factors such as pest resistance, gene
flow, and ecological interactions to ensure
sustainability.
• Farmer Training and Support: Provide
training programs and technical assistance
to farmers, equipping them with proper
cultivation practices and effective
management strategies for transgenic cotton,
maximizing benefits of improved yields and
pest control.
• Socioeconomic Assessments: Conduct
comprehensive assessments to evaluate the
potential impact of transgenic cotton on
farmers’ livelihoods, rural economies, and
social well-being, addressing issues of equity,
access, and distribution of benefits.
• Transparent Labelling and Traceability:
Implement clear labeling and traceability
mechanisms to ensure transparency in
marketing and trade of transgenic cotton
products, enabling consumers to make
informed choices.
Conclusion
• The GEAC is exploring options to streamline
the regulatory process for GM crops.
• The proposal to declare certain regions as
“notified testing sites” aims to provide a
standardized framework for conducting trials
and minimize the dependency on state-level
approvals.
www.civilsdaily.com 27
GI(GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATOR) TAGS
Kari Ishad Mango from
Karnataka gets GI tag
Economics | GS3: Intellectual Property Rights
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Kari Ishad Mango, GI Tag
Mains level : Not Much
• T
 he GI certificate has been issued to Matha
Totagars Farmer Producer Company Limited,
Ankola, and is valid until March 1, 2032 from
March 31, 2023.
Kari Ishad Mango
• T
 he Kari Ishad mango is renowned for its
unique aroma, luscious taste, high amount of
pulp, and distinctive shape and size.
• T
 hey are large and have an oblique to
oval shape.
• T
 ypically, each panicle bears only one fruit,
and a well-grown tree can produce up to
2,000 fruits in a season.
Central Idea
• H
 owever, the fruit has a short shelf life of
• T
 he Kari Ishad mango, prominently grown
about five days.
in Ankola taluk of Uttara Kannada, has been
awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag
Cultivation and Production
by the Geographical Indications Registry.
• A
 part from Ankola, the Kari Ishad mango is
grown in Karwar and to a certain extent in
Kumta of Uttara Kannada.
FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN INDIA AND ITS CHALLENGES
National Pension
Scheme (NPS)
Economics | GS3: Inclusive Growth & Issues
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : National Pension Scheme (NPS)
Mains level : Not Much
National Pension Scheme (NPS): A Brief
Overview
• T he National Pension Scheme (NPS)
is a voluntary retirement savings
scheme launched by the Government of
India in 2004.
• It is regulated and administered by the
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development
Authority (PFRDA).
• T
 he primary objective of the NPS is to
provide a pension income to individuals upon
Central Idea their retirement.
• T
 he Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority (PFRDA) has
introduced a new feature for systematic
withdrawal from the National Pension
Scheme (NPS).
28 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• The prominent cultivation areas include
Belse, Shetgeri, Belambara, Mogata, and
Vandige villages of Ankola.
• Vandige village stands out as the highest
producer, yielding around 600 tonnes of fruits
per season. Belse village boasts 1,500 plants.
Variants of the Mango
• The Ishad mango has two variants:
• Kari Ishad, characterized by its thin skin,
abundance of pulp, and sweetness,
• Bili Ishad, which has thick skin, less pulp, and
sweetness.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
• A GI is a sign used on products that have
a specific geographical origin and possess
qualities or a reputation that are due to
that origin.
• Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry
of Commerce and Industry
• India, as a member of the World Trade
Organization (WTO), enacted the
Geographical Indications of Goods
(Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f.
September 2003.
• GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1)
of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS) Agreement.
• The tag stands valid for 10 years.
Key Features of the NPS:
• Contributions: Subscribers make regular
contributions to their NPS account during
their working years. These contributions
accumulate and grow over time.
• Investment Options: The NPS offers
two investment options: a) Auto Choice:
where the funds are invested based on the
subscriber’s age, and b) Active Choice: where
the subscriber can select the asset classes
(equity, corporate bonds, and government
securities) and the fund manager.
• Portable Account: The NPS account is
portable, allowing subscribers to maintain
their account even if they change jobs or
locations.
• Withdrawal Options: Upon retirement,
subscribers have the flexibility to withdraw
a portion of their accumulated corpus as a
lump sum and use the remaining amount to
purchase an annuity, which provides a regular
pension income.
• Tax Benefits: NPS offers tax benefits at
different stages. Contributions made by
subscribers are eligible for tax deductions
under Section 80C, while withdrawals are
subject to certain tax exemptions.
• R
 egulated and Transparent: The NPS
is regulated by the PFRDA, ensuring
transparency and oversight of the scheme.
It follows strict investment guidelines and
has mechanisms in place to safeguard the
interests of subscribers.
• W
 ide Coverage: The NPS is available to all
Indian citizens, including salaried employees,
self-employed individuals, and non-resident
Indians (NRIs).
Benefits of the NPS
• R etirement Income: The NPS provides a
retirement income to subscribers, ensuring
financial security during their post-
retirement years.
• L ong-term Wealth Creation: The investment
component of the NPS allows subscribers
to accumulate wealth over time, potentially
generating higher returns and building a
substantial retirement corpus.
WATER MANAGEMENT - INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS, CONSERVATION EFFORTS, ETC.
Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR):
A Water-Saving Alternative
for Paddy Cultivation
Economics | GS3: Agriculture and related issues
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR)
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• T
 he ongoing southwest monsoon season
in India has registered a deficiency of 37.2%
in rainfall.
• W
 eak monsoon affects paddy cultivation, a
water-intensive crop.
• T
 his article explores theDirect Seeding of
Rice (DSR)https://www.civilsdaily.com/
news/what-is-direct-seeding-of-rice-dsr-
2/as a water-saving alternative to traditional
transplanting methods in the context of
deficient rainfall.
• F lexibility and Control: Subscribers have the
flexibility to choose their investment options
and actively manage their NPS accounts,
providing a level of control over their
retirement savings.
• T
 ax Efficiency: The NPS offers tax benefits
both on contributions and withdrawals,
making it a tax-efficient retirement
savings option.
• P
 ortability: The portability feature of the NPS
allows subscribers to continue their account
irrespective of job changes or relocations.
• R
 egulated and Secure: The NPS is
regulated by the PFRDA, ensuring a
secure and transparent framework for
retirement savings.
Changes introduced: Systematic
Withdrawal Plan
• N
 PS subscribers will be allowed to withdraw
60% of their contributions systematically
post-retirement.
Understanding Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR)
• D
 SR is the method of directly sowing paddy
in the field without nursery preparation,
puddling, or flooding.
• T
 raditional transplanting methods use
flooded fields to suppress weed growth and
provide oxygen to the roots.
• D
 SR replaces water with chemical herbicides
for weed control.
• D
 SR offers potential water savings and
reduces irrigation dependency during early
crop stages.
DSR Technique and Water Savings
• F ield Preparation: Ploughing, laser levelling,
and soil compaction to retain moisture.
• S
 owing: Using DSR machines for direct
sowing in the field.
• W
 eed Control: Application of pre-emergent
herbicides to suppress weed germination.
• R
 educed Irrigation: First irrigation
required 18-20 days after sowing, reducing
water usage.
• The current system of one-time withdrawal
will be replaced.
• 40% of the contributions must be in annuity.
• Systematic withdrawals can be customized
by the subscriber based on their needs.
• Withdrawals can be made in lump sum
or on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or
annual basis.
• This feature is applicable to individuals
aged 60-75.
Benefits offered by this change
• Flexibility: Subscribers can customize their
withdrawals based on their financial needs.
• Regular Income: Systematic withdrawals
provide a regular income stream post-
retirement.
• Enhanced Financial Planning: Allows for
better financial planning and management.
Economic Benefits
• Water Savings: DSR reduces the total
number of irrigations compared to
traditional methods.
• Labor Savings: DSR machines cover
larger areas in less time, reducing labor
requirements and costs.
• Herbicide Costs: Additional expenses for
herbicides are offset by savings in labor costs.
Environmental and Sustainability Benefits
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: DSR eliminates
the need for flooding fields, reducing
methane emissions.
• Soil Health and Erosion Prevention: DSR
promotes soil health by minimizing soil
disturbance and erosion risks.
Challenges and Adoption of DSR
• Subsidized Electricity: Availability of
subsidized or free electricity for irrigation
reduces incentives for DSR adoption.
• Machine Design: Limited access to well-
designed and efficient DSR machines
hampers widespread adoption.
• Proper Plant Spacing: Achieving optimal
plant-to-plant distance is crucial for
successful DSR.
• Policy Incentives: State governments offering
financial incentives for DSR adoption, such as
in Haryana and Punjab.
Way forward
• Government Initiatives: Promoting DSR
through subsidies, awareness campaigns, and
support for efficient machine development.
• Research and Development: Continuous
research to improve DSR techniques,
herbicide efficiency, and machine design.
www.civilsdaily.com 29
• F armer Education and Training: Enhancing
knowledge and capacity-building programs
to encourage wider DSR adoption.
• F uture Prospects: Increasing DSR adoption
can contribute to sustainable agriculture and
resilience against water scarcity.
TELECOM AND POSTAL SECTOR - SPECTRUM ALLOCATION, CALL DROPS, PREDATORY PRICING, ETC
TRAI suggests norms
for Undersea Cables
Economics | GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : India’s Cable Projects
Mains level : Undersea Fibre Optic Cables
Central Idea
• T
 he Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
(TRAI) has issued recommendations on rules
governing undersea cables connecting Indian
telecom networks to the global internet.
• T
 hese recommendations address
concerns raised by the Department of
Telecommunications (DoT) regarding the
participation of Indian firms in undersea cable
projects and related regulatory clearances.
What are Undersea Cables?
• U
 ndersea cables, also known as submarine
cables, are fiber optic strands enclosed in
protective layers laid on the ocean floor.
• T
 hey are essential for global connectivity,
transmitting data and communication signals
between continents and nations.
• T
 hese cables form the backbone of
international communications infrastructure,
ensuring reliable internet connectivity
and supporting seamless communication
worldwide.
• T
 hey play a pivotal role in facilitating
collaboration, trade, and socio-cultural
interactions on a global scale.
30 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Conclusion
• D
 irect Seeding of Rice (DSR) offers a viable
water-saving alternative to traditional
transplanting methods.
• A
 doption of DSR can mitigate the impact of
deficient rainfall and water scarcity.
Key Recommendation by TRAI
(A) Ownership Requirements for Undersea
Cables:
• P
 roof of Ownership: TRAI recommends
that all Indian telecom companies operating
undersea cables must demonstrate
ownership of the portion of cables located in
Indian waters.
• S
 ignificance: This requirement ensures
that Indian firms have a stake in undersea
cable infrastructure and fosters their active
participation in global connectivity.
(B) Distinction between Cable Landing
Stations and Points of Presence (PoPs):
• D
 ifferentiation of Facilities: TRAI suggests
distinguishing between cable landing stations
and PoPs, which are further connected to
the stations.
• R
 egulatory Simplification: Owners of PoPs
would be exempted from multiple clearance
requirements but would need to comply with
lawful interception regulations.
• S
 ignificance: This differentiation streamlines
the regulatory process for telecom companies
and promotes ease of doing business.
(C) Allowance for Dark Fiber and Stubs:
• D
 ark Fiber Usage: TRAI recommends
permitting the use of dark fiber
(unused optical fiber) on existing cable
landing stations.
• U
 se of Stubs: TRAI suggests allowing
the installation of stubs, short cables
in Indian waters, for potential future
expansion and use.
• S
 ignificance: Allowing dark fiber usage
and stub installations enhances the
flexibility and scalability of undersea cable
infrastructure in India.
• Development of efficient DSR machines,
supportive policies, and continuous research
are crucial for widespread adoption of this
sustainable farming technique.
(D) Financial Viability Models for Repair
Vessels
• Commissioning Indian Flagged Ships: TRAI
proposes that a government committee
explore financial viability models for
commissioning Indian flagged ships for the
repair and maintenance of undersea cables.
• Significance: This promotes indigenous
capabilities and supports the growth of the
domestic maritime industry.
(E) Domestic Traffic and Terrestrial
Networks
• Permission for Domestic Traffic: TRAI
recommends explicitly permitting the
carrying of domestic traffic on undersea
cables, allowing for connectivity between
domestic locations.
• Extension through Terrestrial Networks: The
regulator suggests enabling undersea cable
systems to extend further inland through
terrestrial networks to facilitate the flow of
international traffic.
• Significance: This improves efficiency
and promotes seamless communication
within India.
Critical Information Infrastructure
Protection
• Notification of Critical Infrastructure:
TRAI proposes notifying undersea cables as
critical information infrastructure, making
them eligible for protection by the National
Critical Information Infrastructure Protection
Centre (NCIIPC).
• Significance: Recognizing undersea cables
as critical infrastructure strengthens their
security and safeguards against potential
cyber threats.
India’s Cable Projects and Future Expansion
• India-Asia Xpress (IAX) and India-Europe
Xpress (IEX): Reliance Jio is leading these
projects, connecting India to Singapore,
the Persian Gulf, and Europe. The capacity
is around 200 Tbps, with funding from a
consortium including Facebook and Google.
• MIST: This cable will link Mumbai and
Cochin in India to Myanmar, Thailand,
Malaysia, and Singapore. It has a
capacity of 218 Tbps and is scheduled for
operation in 2024.
• B
 lue-Raman: Connecting Italy, Greece, Israel,
Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and India, this
cable bypasses the Egyptian chokepoint. It
has a capacity of over 200 Tbps and is funded
by a consortium led by Google.
• S
 EA-ME-WE 6: Upgrading the link from
Singapore to Marseille, this cable spans
19,200 km with a capacity of 126 Tbps. It
is scheduled to be operational in 2025 and
involves a consortium of telecommunications
companies.
• 2
 Africa Pearl: Extending from India and
Pakistan, this cable orbits Africa, connecting
33 nations across three continents. It has
a capacity of 180 Tbps and is funded by
a consortium that includes Facebook and
China Mobile.
BANKING SECTOR REFORMS
NaBFID to Boost
Infrastructure Financing
Economics | GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : NaBFID
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he National Bank for Financing
Infrastructure & Development (NaBFID) is
making significant strides in infrastructure
financing, with ambitious goals for loan
disbursement and expansion.
• O
 perational for less than a year it has already
made substantial progress in lending and
aims to further strengthen its presence in the
infrastructure sector.
What is NaBFID?
• T he NBFID was established in 2021 through
the enactment of The National Bank for
Financing Infrastructure and Development
Act, 2021.
• It serves as a specialized Development
Finance Institution (DFI) in India.
India’s Significance in Undersea
Connectivity
• G
 rowing digital economy: India’s rapidly
expanding digital market and high data usage
make it a significant consumer and provider
of global data connectivity.
• S
 trategic location: Situated at the
crossroads of major regions, India serves as
a vital link connecting Asia, Europe, Africa,
and the Middle East through undersea
cable networks.
• T
 echnical expertise: India boasts a large pool
of skilled professionals in the tech industry,
enabling it to actively participate in the
development, deployment, and maintenance
of undersea cables.
• R
 ising global influence: With its projected
economic growth, population size, and
geopolitical significance, India’s increasing
• Its primary objectives include addressing the
gaps in long-term non-recourse finance for
infrastructure development, strengthening
the development of bonds and derivatives
markets in India, and fostering sustainable
economic growth.
• T he Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will regulate
and supervise NBFID as an All-India Financial
Institution (AIFI).
Development Finance Institutions (DFIs):
They are government-owned or public
institutions that provide funding for
infrastructure and large-scale projects. They
play a crucial role in financing projects that are
often unviable for traditional banks to lend to.
DFIs offer two types of funds: Medium-term
influence positions it as a key player in
shaping the future of undersea cable
connectivity.
• Connectivity expansion: India’s efforts
to enhance domestic and international
connectivity, coupled with its focus on
improving infrastructure and regulatory
frameworks, contribute to its importance in
undersea cable networks.
Conclusion
• TRAI’s recommendations on undersea
cables aim to enhance the participation of
Indian firms, simplify regulatory processes,
and strengthen the security and efficiency of
undersea cable infrastructure in India.
• These recommendations promote the
growth of the telecom industry and support
the country’s digital connectivity goals.
funds with a maturity period of 1-5 years,
and Large-scale funds with a maturity period
exceeding 5 years.
Loan Disbursement and Expansion Targets
• Disbursement Target: NaBFID aims to
disburse approximately ₹60,000 crore by
the end of this fiscal year, showcasing its
commitment to fostering infrastructure
development.
• Sanctioning Loans: NaBFID is poised
to sanction loans amounting to ₹1 lakh
crore during this fiscal year. These loans
will be directed towards both greenfield
and brownfield assets in the vital
infrastructure space.
• Debt Raise: Recently, NaBFID successfully
raised ₹10,000 crore through debt issuance,
signalling the institution’s ability to attract
substantial funding.
• High Demand: The debt issuance received
an overwhelming response, with bids worth
₹23,629.50 crore, nearly five times the base
issue of ₹5,000 crore.
• Largest Debt Issuance: The debt securities,
with a 10-year tenor, mark the largest debt
issuance by a national-level institution.
www.civilsdaily.com 31
DIGITAL INDIA INITIATIVES
National Internet Exchange
of India (NIXI)
Economics | GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)
Mains level : Not Much
Central idea:
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)
marked its 20th Foundation Day.
What is NIXI?
• N
 IXI is a not-for-profit Organization under
Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 and
was registered on 19th June 2003.
CIVIL AVIATION SECTOR - CA POLICY 2016, UDAN, OPEN SKIES, ETC.
IndiGo’s Aircraft Order:
A Game Changer for
Indian Aviation
Economics | GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : NA
Mains level : Indian Aviation Sector
Central Idea
• IndiGo, India’s largest airline, recently made
history by placing an order for 500 planes,
setting a new world record.
• T his landmark deal comes on the heels ofAir
India’s order for 470 aircrafthttps://www.
civilsdaily.com/air-india-aircraft-deal-and-its-
significance/a few months ago.
• T his article explores the transformative
impact of IndiGo’s order and its implications
for the future of Indian aviation.
32 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• It’s an initiative under the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY) vision 1000 days.
• It is tasked with increasing Internet
penetration and adoption in India by
facilitating infrastructure aspects.
NIXI provides four key services:
Internet Exchange Points: NIXI sets up
and manages Internet Exchange Points,
which enhance Internet connectivity and the
exchange of data.
• .IN Registry: NIXI oversees the.in domain
digital identity, promoting its adoption
and growth.
IndiGo’s Order and its Implications
• D oubling the Current Fleet: IndiGo’s order
brings their total aircraft count to 1,330,
almost twice the size of the current Indian
aviation market.
• F ueling Connectivity: Expanded capacity
expected to enhance domestic and
international connectivity.
• G
 lobal Impact: Improved direct connectivity
across Europe and South Asia as a result of
the record-breaking order.
Indian Aviation Sector: A quick recap
• IRINN: NIXI facilitates the adoption of IPv4
and IPv6 addresses through its Internet
Registry and Information Network.
• Data Centre Services: NIXI-CSC offers
secure and reliable data storage services,
further strengthening the digital ecosystem.
Key initiatives of NIXI
• IPv6 Expert Panel (IP Guru): A joint effort of
DOT, MeitY, and the community to support
Indian entities in adopting IPv6.
• NIXI Academy: Created to educate people
in India on technologies like IPv6 that are not
typically taught in educational institutes.
• NIXI-IP-INDEX: Developed an IPv6 index
portal to showcase the adoption rate in India
and worldwide.
• Big market: India ranks as the third-largest
domestic aviation market globally, with
significant annual domestic air traffic.
• Lower air travel penetration: India has
the potential to become the third-largest
international aviation market, given the
substantial gap between current air travel
penetration and potential demand.
• Shift in Market Dynamics: Competition
is intensifying with the emergence of
strong players like Air India and Akasa Air,
challenging IndiGo’s dominance.
• Targeting New Destinations: IndiGo eyes
expansion into Europe and East Asia, while
Air India aims to surpass foreign carriers in
flights to the US and Europe.
• Focus on Multiple International Hubs: The
government encourages airlines and airports
to develop multiple international hubs
within India.
Duopoly under discussion
• IndiGo’s Market Share: Holding a
commanding 61.4% market share according
to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
• Air India Umbrella: Combined share of Air
India, Vistara, AirAsia India, and Air India
Express at 26.3%.
• Duopoly: IndiGo and Air India’s combined
market share of 88% signals a duopoly in
the industry.
• Challenges for Competitors: Limited means
and strong promoter groups leave other
airlines struggling to scale up.
Impact on Air Fares
• U nregulated Air Fares: Unregulated air fares
in India subject to market dynamics.
• S upply Chain Issues: Delivery delays due to
supply chain challenges impacting fares.
• T emporary Suspension Impact: Go First’s
operational suspension leading to reduced
flight availability and higher air fares.
• L ong-Term Stabilization: Potential for fares
to stabilize as airlines increase capacity
over time.
Future Aircraft Orders
• A
 nticipated Orders: CAPA India predicts
Indian airlines to order 1,500-1,700 planes in
the next two years.
• R
 ecent Orders: IndiGo and Air India have
already placed orders for 970 aircraft.
• N
 ew Entrant: Expectations of additional
orders from Akasa Air, a new airline in India.
• C
 onversion Options: Air India’s 370
optioned aircraft can be converted into firm
orders later.
• R
 eplacing Aging Fleet: Older aircraft retiring
necessitate new orders for efficient and
modern replacements.
UDAY SCHEME FOR DISCOMS
What is Time-of-Day Tariff ?
Economics | GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Time-of-Day Tariff
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he Ministry of Power has recently
introduced Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff for
electricity, which will be implemented next
year for commercial users and in 2025 for
home users.
• T
 his article aims to explain what ToD tariff
is, how it impacts consumers, and why it is
important for the power sector.
What is Time-of-Day Tariff?
• A
 mendments: The government has made
amendments to the Electricity (Rights of
Consumers) Rules 2020, introducing ToD
tariff and rationalizing smart meters.
• T
 ariff structure: Under ToD tariff, electricity
charges will vary based on the time of day.
The current flat rate system will be replaced.
During daytime, the tariff may decrease by
India’s Appeal to Airlines
• E
 conomic Growth and Rising Middle Class:
India’s fast-growing major economy and
expanding middle class create strong air
travel demand.
• U
 ntapped Market Potential: Under-
penetrated aviation market offers significant
growth opportunities for airlines.
• A
 irport Development: Construction of new
airports across India fuels the demand for
air travel.
• R
 esilient Recovery: Surpassing pre-COVID
passenger numbers, indicating a resilient
bounce-back in the sector.
Challenges Faced by Indian Aviation
• D ebt Burden: Air India’s acquisition by
the Tata Group poses the challenge of
raising substantial funds, given the airline’s
existing debt.
• F inancial Implications: Securing a loan of the
required magnitude may prove challenging,
impacting the financial viability of the deal.
• M
 ake-in-India Clause: The inclusion of a
Make-in-India clause in the final agreement is
crucial to ensuring direct economic benefits
for the Indian economy.
• P
 otential Concerns: Without adequate
provisions, India may become a mere
customer of goods without reaping
significant economic advantages.
up to 20%, benefiting consumers. Conversely,
during night-time, the tariff will increase by
the same amount.
Impact on electricity bills
• I mpact on different households: For small
working couples who primarily use electricity
at night, their bills are likely to increase.
However, other households can offset the
nighttime spike by shifting some of their
electricity usage to daytime hours.
• P
 ower consumption patterns: Power
consumption typically peaks in the morning
when schools and offices open, in the late
afternoon when children return home, and in
the early evening when air conditioners and
heaters are in high demand. ToD tariff aims
to discourage excessive power consumption
during these peak hours.
• Costly Operational Environment: The
Indian aviation industry grapples with high
operating costs, including fuel expenses,
airport fees, and taxes, which can impact
profitability.
• Profitability Concerns: The industry needs
to address these cost challenges to maximize
the returns from the influx of new aircraft.
• Outdated Infrastructure: Obsolete air traffic
control systems, inadequate ground support
services, and limited airport capacity pose
barriers to efficient operations.
• Regulatory Framework Limitations: The
industry faces difficulties due to regulatory
complexities and limitations that hinder
growth and innovation.
Conclusion
• IndiGo’s record-breaking aircraft order,
coupled with Air India’s recent purchase,
is poised to revolutionize the Indian
aviation industry.
• With increased capacity and enhanced
connectivity, this landmark development is
set to propel economic growth and benefit
both domestic and international travellers.
• As India’s economy continues to thrive and
air travel demand remains strong, airlines
are optimistic about the future, heralding a
dynamic era for the Indian aviation sector.
Benefits for the power sector
• Improved billing efficiency: ToD tariff
and smart metering can enhance billing
efficiency and reduce transmission and
distribution losses.
• Differential tariff for renewable power: As
the share of renewable power increases, it
needs to be blended with coal-based power,
requiring differential tariff structures. ToD
tariff can facilitate this blending effectively.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) and ToD tariff: With
the expected surge in EV adoption, ToD tariff
can encourage consumers to charge their
vehicles during off-peak hours, reducing the
strain on the power grid.
• Flexibility for discoms: ToD tariff provides
flexibility for loss-making distribution
companies (discoms) to revise tariffs,
addressing their financial challenges.
Challenges
• Infrastructure Readiness: ToD tariffs require
advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) or
smart meters to accurately measure and
bill electricity consumption during different
time periods. However, the widespread
deployment of smart meters across India’s
electricity distribution networks is still limited.
www.civilsdaily.com 33
 The lack of adequate infrastructure can
pose challenges in implementing ToD tariffs
effectively.
• C onsumer Awareness and Participation:
ToD tariffs require active participation and
behavior change from consumers to shift
their electricity consumption to off-peak
hours. However, consumer awareness
about ToD tariffs and the benefits of shifting
consumption patterns may be limited.
Educating consumers and encouraging their
active participation in ToD programs can be a
significant challenge.
• I mpact on Disadvantaged Sections : ToD
tariffs may disproportionately impact certain
segments of society, particularly low-income
households and small businesses that may
not have the flexibility to shift their electricity
consumption patterns. The potential increase
in electricity costs during peak hours could
pose affordability challenges for vulnerable
consumers, raising concerns about equity and
social implications.
• G rid Management and Load Balancing:
ToD tariffs aim to incentivize load shifting to
off-peak hours to reduce peak demand on
the grid. However, managing the potential
shift in electricity demand patterns can
FERTILIZER SECTOR REFORMS - NBS, BIO-FERTILIZERS, NEEM COATING, ETC.
PM-PRANAM Scheme
gets cabinet nod
Economics | GS3: Agriculture and related issues
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : PM-PRANAM Scheme
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he union cabinet has given its approval
to PM-PRANAM scheme, which aims to
promote the usage of alternative fertilizers
and balanced utilization of chemical
fertilizers.
• T
 his scheme, announced in the budget
for 2023-24, reflects the government’s
commitment to sustainable agricultural
practices and the conservation of natural
resources.
34 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
pose challenges for grid operators. Ensuring
grid stability, managing load balancing, and
optimizing grid operations to accommodate
changes in demand require robust planning
and infrastructure investments.
Way forward
• R
 obust Infrastructure Investment : Prioritize
the deployment of advanced metering
infrastructure (AMI) or smart meters across
the electricity distribution networks. This will
enable accurate measurement of electricity
consumption during different time periods,
facilitating the implementation of ToD tariffs.
• C
 onsumer Awareness and Education:
Launch comprehensive awareness
campaigns to educate consumers about
ToD tariffs, their benefits, and how they
can shift their electricity consumption to
off-peak hours. Provide information through
various channels, including websites,
pamphlets, social media, and community
outreach programs.
• G
 radual Phased Implementation: Introduce
ToD tariffs gradually, initially targeting specific
consumer segments or geographic areas.
This allows consumers to become familiar
What is PM-PRANAM Scheme?
• P M-PRANAM stands for Prime Minister
Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for
Agriculture Management Yojana.
• T he scheme was proposed during the
National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi
Campaign in September 2022.
• Its objective is to reduce the subsidy burden
on chemical fertilizers by promoting the use
of alternative fertilizers.
Notable features of the scheme
• I ncentivizing States and UTs: The scheme
incentivizes states and Union Territories to
promote the usage of alternative fertilizers
and achieve a balanced use of chemical
fertilizers. States that demonstrate significant
savings in funds due to reduced chemical
fertilizer usage receive grants as incentives.
with the concept, adjust their consumption
patterns, and mitigate potential challenges
before broader implementation.
• Incentives and Rewards : Provide incentives
and rewards for consumers who actively
participate in ToD programs and effectively
shift their electricity consumption to off-
peak hours. This can include reduced tariffs
during off-peak periods, loyalty programs, or
discounts on energy-efficient appliances.
• Support for Vulnerable Consumers:
Implement measures to protect vulnerable
consumers from potential affordability
challenges posed by ToD tariffs. This
can include targeted subsidies, financial
assistance programs, or exemptions for low-
income households, ensuring that the burden
of increased costs during peak hours is not
disproportionately borne by them.
• Grid Management and Flexibility:
Strengthen grid infrastructure and invest in
technologies for effective load management
and load balancing. This includes upgrading
distribution networks, implementing demand
response programs, and promoting energy
storage solutions to accommodate changes
in demand patterns resulting from ToD tariffs.
• Subsidy Savings Allocation: Around 50% of
the subsidy savings resulting from reduced
chemical fertilizer consumption will be
allocated as a grant to the state that exhibits
the highest savings. This encourages states
to actively participate in the adoption of
alternative fertilizers.
• Creation of Assets: A significant portion
(70%) of the granted funds will be utilized
for creating assets associated with the
technological integration of alternate
fertilizers. This includes establishing
production units at the village, block, and
district levels, facilitating local production and
availability of alternative fertilizers.
• Recognition and Incentives for Farmers:
The remaining 30% of the granted funds
will be utilized to incentivize and recognize
farmers and other village entities for their
contributions to reducing fertilizer usage.
This recognizes their efforts in adopting
sustainable agricultural practices.
• Environmentally Friendly Farming
Practices: The scheme aims to promote
environmentally friendly farming practices
by encouraging the adoption of alternative
fertilizers. This reduces the dependency on
chemical fertilizers, which in turn contributes
to environmental conservation and
sustainability.
• L ong-term Soil Health and Agricultural
Ecosystems: By promoting a balanced use of
fertilizers, the scheme ensures the long-term
health and fertility of agricultural ecosystems.
COAL AND MINING SECTOR
Centre identifies 30 Critical
Minerals: Why, how, and
importance of the exercise
Economics | GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Critical Minerals
Mains level : Not Much
*Relevance of the topic:
*As countries shift towards clean energy
and digital economies, critical and rare
earth minerals are essential for driving this
transition
*Dependence on other nations for procuring
these resources can pose significant risks to
the economy and strategic autonomy.
*Also keep an eye on the reserves of these
critical minerals. For example, Vast Lithium
deposits were discovered in the Himalayan
region of Kashmir. A 5.9-million-ton lithium
deposit was discovered in the Reasi district by
the Geological Survey of India
Central Idea
• T
 he Ministry of Mines has strategically
identified 30 critical minerals, including
lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite, crucial
for the country’s economic development and
national security.
It emphasizes sustainable agricultural
practices that preserve soil health and protect
natural resources.
• T
 echnological Integration: The scheme
supports the integration of technology into
agriculture for the production and utilization
• T
 he move aims to address supply chain
vulnerabilities and ensure availability of
these minerals for key industries such as
clean technologies, information technology,
advanced manufacturing, and defense.
What are Critical Minerals?
• C
 ritical mineralshttps://www.civilsdaily.com/
news/what-are-critical-minerals/are elements
that are crucial to modern-day technologies
and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
• T
 hese minerals are used in making mobile
phones, computers, batteries, electric
vehicles, and green technologies like solar
panels and wind turbines.
• M
 inerals such as antimony, cobalt, gallium,
graphite, lithium, nickel, niobium, and
strontium are among the 22 assessed to be
critical for India.
• M
 any of these are required to meet the
manufacturing needs of green technologies,
high-tech equipment, aviation, and
national defence.
of alternative fertilizers. This includes the
establishment of production units at the
grassroots level, encouraging local production
and accessibility of alternative fertilizers.
Major Critical Minerals and their
applications
• Graphite : Graphite is extensively used in
the manufacturing of electric vehicle (EV)
batteries. It is a key component in the anode
of lithium-ion batteries, which power EVs and
several portable electronic devices.
• Lithium : Lithium is another essential mineral
in the production of EV batteries. Lithium-ion
batteries are widely used in electric vehicles,
providing them with energy storage capacity.
Lithium is also utilized in other applications,
such as renewable energy storage systems.
• Cobalt : Cobalt is a critical mineral required
for the production of lithium-ion batteries
used in electric vehicles. It enhances the
stability and performance of the batteries.
Additionally, cobalt finds applications in
aerospace, communications, and defense
industries. It is used in manufacturing fighter
jets, drones, and other critical equipment.
• Rare Earth Minerals: Â Rare earth minerals,
although required in trace amounts, play
a significant role in the manufacturing of
semiconductors and high-end electronics.
These minerals include elements like
neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium,
which are crucial for producing magnets used
in electric motors, wind turbines, and other
advanced technology applications.
• Nickel: Â Nickel is another essential
component in lithium-ion batteries, especially
those used in electric vehicles. It helps
enhance battery performance and energy
density. Nickel is also utilized in various other
industries, including aerospace and defense.
List of Critical Minerals for India
• Identified Minerals: The assessment resulted
in a list of 30 critical minerals, including
antimony, beryllium, cobalt, copper, lithium,
nickel, rare earth elements, silicon, tin,
titanium, tungsten, and others.
• Fertilizer Minerals: Two minerals critical
for fertilizer production, phosphorous and
potash, are also included.
Why are these resources critical?
• Clean energy transition: Critical minerals
are essential to the ecosystem that fuels the
world’s transition towards clean energy and
digital economy.
www.civilsdaily.com 35
• S trategic nature: Any supply shock
can severely imperil the economy and
strategic autonomy of a country that is
over-dependent on others to procure
critical minerals.
• R are availability: Supply risks exist due
to rare availability, growing demand, and
complex processing value chain.
• K ey Industry Enablers: Critical minerals are
fundamental components in industries such
as clean energy, electronics, transportation,
defense, and manufacturing. Without a
stable supply of critical minerals, these
industries would face significant challenges
in meeting the growing global demand for
their products.
• Technological Advancements: Critical
minerals are crucial for driving technological
advancements and innovation. They provide
the necessary raw materials for developing
and improving clean technologies, energy
storage systems, telecommunications
devices, advanced electronics, and defense
technologies.
• Economic Growth and Job Creation : Critical
minerals contribute to economic growth
by supporting industries that generate
employment opportunities and foster
innovation. By developing a robust critical
minerals sector, countries can stimulate
economic growth, enhance competitiveness,
and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
• National Security: Â By identifying and
developing domestic sources of critical
minerals, countries can enhance their
resilience, reduce vulnerabilities, and
safeguard national security interests.
What is the China ‘threat’?
• Dominant role: China is the world’s largest
producer of 16 critical minerals, including
cobalt and rare earth elements.
• Monopoly in processing: The country
has a strong presence across the board
in processing operations, with a share of
refining around 35% for nickel, 50-70% for
lithium and cobalt, and nearly 90% for rare
earth elements.
• Control over offshore mines: China also
controls cobalt mines in the Democratic
Republic of Congo, from where 70% of this
mineral is sourced.
• Supply chain dominance: The country’s
dominance in critical minerals production
and processing raises concerns of a supply
disruption in case of a geopolitical conflict.
36 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Challenges in ensuring resilient critical
minerals supply
• L imited availability of critical minerals: The
rare availability of critical minerals poses a
challenge in meeting the growing demand
for these minerals.
• G eopolitical risks: Complex supply chains
can be disrupted by hostile regimes or
politically unstable regions, leading to supply
chain disruptions.
• T he dominance of certain countries: A few
countries, such as China, are the dominant
producers of critical minerals, leading to
concerns over supply disruptions in case of a
geopolitical conflict.
• I ncreasing demand for critical minerals:
With the shift towards renewable energy
technologies and electric vehicles, the
demand for critical minerals such as
copper, lithium, and rare earth elements is
increasing rapidly.
• R eliance on foreign partners: Countries with
limited reserves and higher requirements for
critical minerals may have to rely on foreign
partners to meet their domestic needs,
leading to supply chain vulnerabilities.
• E
 nvironmental and social concerns: The
extraction and processing of critical minerals
can have negative environmental and social
impacts, leading to challenges in meeting
sustainability goals.
What are countries around the world doing
about it?
Several countries are taking measures to ensure
a consistent supply of critical minerals to their
domestic markets.
• U
 S: It has ordered a review of vulnerabilities
in its critical minerals supply chains and
shifted its focus on expanding domestic
mining, production, processing, and recycling
of critical minerals and materials.
• A
 ustralia: Its Critical Minerals Facilitation
Office (CMFO) and KABIL had recently
signed an MoU aimed at ensuring reliable
supply of critical minerals to India.
• U
 K: It has unveiled its new Critical Minerals
Intelligence Centre to study the future
demand for and supply of these minerals, and
its critical mineral strategy will be unveiled
later this year.
India’s Domestic and Global Outreach
• D
 omestic Exploration Efforts: The
Geological Survey of India conducted
advanced mineral exploration in Jammu
& Kashmir, identifying inferred lithium
resources. Further exploration is planned in
different parts of the country.
• Joint Venture Company: Khanij Bidesh India
Ltd. (KABIL) has been established to acquire
overseas mineral assets, including lithium,
cobalt, and rare earth elements, ensuring a
reliable supply.
• Mineral Security Partnership (MSP): India’s
inclusion in the MSP, a collaboration of 14
countries, highlights the country’s focus
on securing critical mineral supply chains
globally and reducing dependency on China.
What should India do to ensure resilient
supply?
• Developing domestic sources of critical
minerals: This can be achieved by promoting
exploration and mining activities, both by
public and private sector entities.
• Encouraging responsible mining practices:
The Indian government should encourage
responsible mining practices that minimize
the negative environmental and social
impacts of mining activities.
• Need for a Specialized Agency: The expert
team proposed the establishment of a
National Institute or Center of Excellence
dedicated to critical minerals, similar to
Australia’s CSIRO.
• Promoting transparency in the supply
chain: India should promote transparency in
the critical minerals supply chain by ensuring
the traceability of minerals from the point of
extraction to the point of end-use.
• Investing in research and development:
India should invest in research and
development to develop new technologies
and processes for efficient extraction,
processing, and recycling of critical minerals.
• Developing a national critical minerals
strategy: India should develop a national
critical minerals strategy that identifies
priority minerals, promotes domestic
exploration and mining, and promotes
sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Conclusion
• India has a significant mineral geological
potential, many minerals are not readily
available domestically.
• Hence, India needs to develop a national
strategy to ensure resilient critical minerals
supply chains, which focuses on minerals
found to be critical in this study.
Governance

www.civilsdaily.com 37
URBAN TRANSFORMATION - SMART CITIES, AMRUT, ETC. • Financial and technical support for

City Investments to
developing climate-resilient projects in up to
18 smart cities.

Innovate, Integrate and

• Interventions at the center, state, and city
levels to enhance climate governance.
• Promotion of climate adaptation and

Sustain (CITIIS) Project mitigation measures.

Back2Basics: Smart Cities Mission

Governance | GS2: Government Scheme/Policies
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : CITIIS 2.0, Smart Cities Mission
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he Union government has approved
the second phase of the City Investments
to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain
(CITIIS) project.
What is CITIIS 2.0?
• It is a part of theSmart Cities Missionhttps://
www.civilsdaily.com/news/73-projects-
smart-cities-mission/and aims to promote
integrated waste management and climate-
oriented reform actions.
• T he project will be implemented in 18 cities
selected through a competition process.
• T
 he project will span over a period of four
years, from 2023 to 2027.
Objectives of the project
• C ITIIS 2.0 supports competitively selected
projects focusing on circular economy
and integrated waste management at the
city level.
• It also emphasizes climate-oriented reform
actions at the State level and aims to
strengthen institutions and disseminate
knowledge at the national level.
Implementation Partners
• T
 he project is implemented in partnership
with the French Development Agency (AFD),
Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW), the
European Union (EU), and the National
Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
Components
The project consists of three major
components:
• The Smart Cities Mission is an initiative
of the Union Housing and Urban Affairs
Ministry that was launched in 2015.
• Cities across the country were asked to
submit proposals for projects to improve
municipal services and to make their
jurisdictions more liveable.
• Between January 2016 and June 2018 (when
the last city, Shillong, was chosen), the
Ministry selected 100 cities for the Mission
over five rounds.
• The projects were supposed to be completed
within five years of the selection of the
city, but in 2021 the Ministry changed the
deadline for all cities to June 2023, which was
earlier the deadline for Shillong alone.
• With an increase on urban population
and rapid expansion of areas, government
is looking at smarter ways to manage
complexities, increase efficiencies and
improve quality of life.
• The mission will cover 100 cities that
have been distributed among the States /
Union Territories (UT) on the basis of an
equitable criteria.
• The formula gives equal weightage (50:50)
to urban population of the State/UT and the
number of statutory towns in the State/UT.

TOBACCO: THE SILENT KILLER What is COTPA, 2004?

Mandatory Anti-Tobacco Purpose Regulate production,

sale, distribution,

Warnings on OTT Platforms and consumption of

tobacco products
Prohibition of Smoking prohibited
Governance | GS2: Health & Education Smoking in in public areas like
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Public Places offices, restaurants,
Prelims level : NA
parks, public
Mains level : Tobacco consumption and issues
transport, etc.
Central Idea Health Warnings on Mandatory display
• Over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms Tobacco Products of health warnings
must displayanti-tobacco warningshttps:// on cigarette
www.civilsdaily.com/story/tobacco-the- packages and other
silent-killer/similar to those seen in movies tobacco products
screened in theatres and on TV. Ban on Prohibition on
• The requirement is based on a Union Health Advertisement direct and indirect
Ministry notification that amends the rules and Promotion advertising of
under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco tobacco products
Products Act (COTPA), 2004.

38 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
 • C
 ardiovascular diseases: Consumption Way forward
Prohibition on Selling tobacco
increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and • Strengthen tobacco control laws: Review
Sale to Minors products to
other cardiovascular diseases. It damages and enhance existing laws to effectively
individuals below 18
blood vessels and increases the risk of reduce tobacco consumption.
years of age is strictly
blood clots. • Conduct public awareness campaigns:
prohibited
• R
 eproductive health: Tobacco use can lead Educate the public about the health risks of
Packaging Health warnings to infertility, premature birth, and low birth tobacco use and the benefits of quitting.
and Labelling and pictorial weight in babies. • Expand access to tobacco cessation
Requirements representations of programs : Increase availability of affordable
harmful effects on Socio-economic impact and effective programs to support individuals
cigarette packages (1) On an individual level: who want to quit tobacco.
Powers of Authorities • D
 ecreased productivity: Smoking-related • Implement sin taxes on tobacco products:
Enforcement empowered illnesses can result in absenteeism from work, Increase taxes to discourage consumption,
to enforce the decreased work performance, and increased especially among price-sensitive populations.
act, conduct medical expenses. • Enforce smoke-free environments: Strictly
inspections, and seize • D
 ecreased life expectancy: Tobacco implement smoke-free laws in public places,
contraband products consumption can lead to decreased life workplaces, and public transport.
expectancy, which reduces the overall • Support tobacco farmers: Provide alternative
New requirements for Anti- productive years of an individual. livelihood options and assistance for farmers
Tobacco Warnings transitioning away from tobacco farming.
(2) On a societal level:
• P
 ublishers of online curated content • Conduct research and surveillance: Invest
• H ealthcare cost: Tobacco consumption can
displaying tobacco products or their use in data collection and analysis to inform
lead to decreased economic development
must show anti-tobacco health spots at the evidence-based policies and interventions.
due to the increased burden of healthcare
beginning and middle of the program. • Collaborate with international
costs and decreased productivity.
• W
 hen tobacco products or their use are organizations: Partner with global entities
• I ncreased social expenditure: According
displayed during the program, an anti- like WHO to leverage expertise and
to a study conducted by the World
tobacco health warning must be prominently resources in tobacco control.
Health Organization (WHO), tobacco-
displayed as a static message at the bottom
related illnesses cost India about $22.4 Mains value addition
of the screen.
billion in healthcare costs and lost WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco
• T
 he warning message should be legible
productivity annually Control (WHO FCTC) is the first international
and readable, with black font on a white
background. treaty negotiated under the auspices of WHO.
Why tobacco isn’t completely banned?
• T
 he specified warnings are ‘Tobacco causes It was adopted by the World Health Assembly
• R
 evenue loss: The industry contributes a
cancer’ or ‘Tobacco kills.’ on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27
significant amount of tax revenue to the
• H
 ealth spots, warnings, and audio-visual February 2005. It has since become one of the
government. Banning tobacco would result
disclaimers should be in the same language most rapidly and widely embraced treaties in
in the loss of these tax revenues, which are
as used in the show. United Nations history. The WHO FCTC was
used for various public welfare programs and
developed in response to the globalization
initiatives.
Negative health impacts of tobacco of the tobacco epidemic and is an evidence-
• E
 conomic Impact: The tobacco industry
• C ancer: Tobacco use is the leading cause of based treaty that reaffirms the right of all
provides employment to a large number of
preventable cancer. It can cause cancer of people to the highest standard of health.
people, especially in the agricultural sector,
the lungs, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, The Convention represents a milestone for
where tobacco farming is prevalent.
bladder, kidney, and cervix. the promotion of public health and provides
• N
 ot a psychotropic substance: While
• Respiratory diseases: It may cause new legal dimensions for international health
the harmful effects of tobacco are well-
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cooperation. Gr personal mentor for UPSC
documented, banning a legal product entirely
(COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get
requires careful consideration and legal
and emphysema. It can also worsen the Prelims prep Toolkit!
processes.
asthma symptoms.
• R
 egulatory approach: Instead of a complete
ban, the Indian government has adopted a
regulatory approach to control tobacco use.

VERY IMPORTANT: EVIDENCE-BASED POLICYMAKING (EBP)

Very Important: Evidence-

Based Policymaking (EBP)
Governance | GS2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

www.civilsdaily.com 39
Central Idea
• T he unavailability of Census and Household
Consumer Expenditure (HCE) survey data is
causing difficulties in policymaking in India.
• T he census enumeration, originally scheduled
for 2021, has been postponed to 2024-25.
• F urthermore, the results of the National
Statistical Office’s HCE survey for 2022-23,
expected to be released by December this
year, might be delayed until after the general
elections in 2024.
What is Evidence-Based Policymaking
(EBP)?
• E
 vidence-based policymaking, also known
as data-based policymaking, involves using
factual information and credible evidence to
make policy decisions rather than relying on
political opinions or theories.
• T
 his approach relies on relevant data and
evidence to develop policies, such as using
reliable healthcare data to inform healthcare
policy decisions.
• E
 vidence-based policymaking is widely
considered as a fundamental aspect of good
governance.
Why rely on EBP?
There are several reasons why evidence-based
policymaking (EBP) is essential and beneficial:
• F acts and Credible Evidence: Â Making
decisions based on reliable data ensure
that policymaking is grounded in objective
information and not influenced by personal
beliefs or opinions.
• S upplementing Political Opinion or
Theory: Â Evidence-based approaches
prioritize empirical evidence and research
findings over subjective political opinions or
unproven theories.
• I nformed Decision-Making: Â Utilizing
accurate and reliable information
enables policymakers to make well-
informed decisions with a comprehensive
understanding of issues.
Where can India utilize EBP?
Sector
Healthcare
Education and HRD
Agriculture upliftment
Social Welfare
40 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• B
 etter Policy Outcomes: Â Evidence helps
identify effective strategies and interventions,
leading to policies that are more likely to
achieve their intended goals and produce
positive outcomes.
• T
 argeted Resource Allocation: Â By
considering evidence of effectiveness,
policymakers can allocate limited
resources strategically. They have focus on
interventions that have a proven track record
of success.
• A
 ccountability and Transparency: Â EBP
fosters transparency and accountability by
providing a clear rationale for policy decisions
based on objective information. This earns
public trust and allowing for scrutiny and
evaluation.
• C
 ontinuous Learning: Â Evaluating policies
based on evidence promotes a culture of
learning. It allows for the identification of
what works well and areas that require
improvement. This leads to iterative policy
development.
• P
 ublic Health and Safety: Â EBP in public
health and safety ensure that decisions are
informed by scientific evidence, helping
to protect and improve the well-being
of the public by preventing harm and
mitigating risks.
Impact on Electoral Politics
• P
 revention of decisions based on vested
interests: Â Evidence-based policymaking
holds policymakers accountable and prevents
decisions driven by ideology, opinions, or
political interests.
• E
 nhanced public trust: Â Evidence-based
policymaking increases trust by using
rigorous analysis and data, enhancing
the legitimacy of government actions
and policies.
• E
 vidence-Based Campaigning: Â
Candidates use evidence-based research for
effective campaign strategies, addressing
voter concerns and tailoring policies for
electoral success.
Government Schemes
Ayushman Bharat, National Health Mission,
Swachh Bharat Mission
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid-Day Meal
Scheme, Digital India for Education
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Soil Health Card
Scheme, PM Fasal Bima Yojana
PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Awas Yojana,
National Rural Employment Guarantee
Act (NREGA)
• Voter Engagement and Education: Â
EBP informs voters with evidence-based
information, empowering them to make
informed choices based on data and research.
• Policy Evaluation and Improvement: Â EBP
promotes regular evaluation of policies based
on evidence, appealing to voters prioritizing
evidence-driven decision-making and policy
effectiveness.
Challenges and Concerns
There are several challenges and
concerns related to evidence-based
policymaking in India:
• Delay in the release of data: Â Despite
adopting advanced data processing
technologies, there has been a growing
delay, sometimes spanning years, in releasing
collected data. This renders the data less
useful for timely policy intervention and
reduces public scrutiny, undermining
accountability. For example, the government
refrained from releasing data collected
through the Socio-Economic and Caste
Census in an extreme case.
• Issue of comparability: Â Changes in the
estimation of GDP over recent years have
made it impossible to compare data over
time. While adjustments to computation and
survey methods aimed at improving accuracy
are welcome, in this case, the revisions
were seen as driven more by political
considerations than the need for accuracy.
• Reliance on multiple surveys and datasets:
 In the absence of surveys like the HCE
survey, policymakers rely on other datasets
that often provide contradictory signals. This
lack of consensus hampers understanding of
poverty and inequality trends over the past
decade. Different studies present conflicting
findings, such as varying estimates of
rural poverty during the strict lockdown of
April-June 2020.
How EBP can be used
Utilize evidence-based interventions,
allocate resources effectively, and monitor
health outcomes
Inform curriculum development, teacher
training, and interventions for improved
learning outcomes
Enhance productivity, promote sustainable
farming practices, and address farmer challenges
Ensure effective targeting, equitable distribution,
and improved outcomes for marginalized
communities
 Infrastructure
Environmental Protection and governance
Skill Development
Digital Governance
Financial Inclusion
Employment Generation
Way forward
• Establish a National Evidence-Based Policy
Institute: Â Create an institute to promote
research, evaluation, and capacity-building
in EBP, collaborating with universities and
organizations to generate and disseminate
rigorous evidence for policymaking.
• D evelop a National Evidence Bank: Â
Create a centralized platform to store and
share research findings, evaluations, and
data, ensuring policymakers have easy
access to credible evidence for informed
decision-making.
• E ncourage Collaborative Research
Partnerships: Â Foster collaborations
between researchers, policymakers, and
practitioners to conduct joint studies,
facilitating the integration of research
findings into policy processes and enhancing
relevance.
• I mplement Mandatory Evidence
Assessments: Â Require major policy
proposals to undergo systematic evidence
assessments, evaluating existing evidence,
identifying gaps, and enhancing proposed
initiatives’ quality and effectiveness.
Smart Cities Mission, Bharatmala Pariyojana,
PM Gram Sadak Yojana
National Clean Air Program, National
Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, Swachh
Bharat Mission
Skill India Mission, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana,
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme
Digital India, e-Governance
initiatives, Aadhaar
Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Suraksha Bima Yojana,
PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
Make in India, Stand-Up India, Mudra Yojana
• I nvest in Research and Evaluation
Capacity: Â Allocate resources to strengthen
research and evaluation capabilities within
government agencies, providing training
programs to build evidence use skills among
policymakers and civil servants.
• F oster Collaboration with International EBP
Networks: Â Engage with global networks
like J-PAL and the Campbell Collaboration,
leveraging their expertise and best practices
to enhance EBP in India.
• P
 romote Open Data and Transparency:
 Encourage transparency through
open data initiatives and mandatory
publication of evaluation reports, enabling
scrutiny, replication, and accountability in
decision-making.
• E
 mbed EBP in Policy Education: Â Integrate
evidence-based approaches into policy
school curricula and training programs,
equipping policymakers with skills to critically
evaluate evidence and apply it in policy
formulation.
• E
 ncourage Public Engagement: Â Facilitate
public participation in policy-making through
consultations and forums, incorporating
diverse perspectives and local knowledge in
evidence synthesis and policy development.
Prioritize investments based on data-driven
assessments of infrastructure needs and
urban planning
Address environmental challenges, mitigate
pollution, and promote sustainable development
Align training programs with industry
requirements, improve employability, and meet
skill demands
Enhance service delivery, ensure data security
and privacy, and leverage technology for
effective governance
Expand access to financial services, promote
inclusive growth, and reduce financial
vulnerability
Identify growth sectors, target job creation,
and support entrepreneurship based on market
demand and skill gaps
• Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Â
Establish robust monitoring and evaluation
frameworks for policies and programs,
enabling regular reviews to assess
effectiveness, make evidence-informed
adjustments, and learn from successes
and failures.
Conclusion
• Evidence-based policymaking holds
significant potential for bringing about high-
impact changes in people’s lives.
• To eradicate poverty and improve economic
performance, education, healthcare, and
social assistance, systemic institutionalization
of evidence-based policymaking is
imperative.
• Timely and accurate data form the
foundation of effective policymaking,
enabling policymakers to make well-
informed choices.
• Measures must be taken to strengthen the
statistical system, ensuring its independence
and safeguarding against external influence.
www.civilsdaily.com 41
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION - RTE, EDUCATION POLICY, SEQI, RMSA, COMMITTEE Why this matters?
REPORTS, ETC.
• NCERT textbooks as a cornerstone: NCERT

NCERT drops Periodic textbooks are considered a cornerstone

for guiding the publication of State board

Table from Class X book

textbooks, affecting nearly 60 State boards.
• Concerns for non-science stream students:
With a significant number of students opting
Governance | GS2: Health & Education for Arts and Commerce streams, they may
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : lose the opportunity to learn crucial basic
Prelims level : Periodic Table Chemistry concepts now only accessible
Mains level : Read the attached story in Class XI.

Main Groups Elements in groups Controversial Deletions and Omissions by

1, 2, and 13 to 18 are NCERT
referred to as main • Fundamental knowledge of chemistry:
group elements. Experts argue that leaving out the
Transition Groups 3 to 12 consist periodic table and logical organization
Metals of transition metals, of elements from the textbooks hinders
known for their variable students’ understanding of fundamental
oxidation states. chemistry concepts.
• Rationalization of contents due to the
Lanthanides The first row of the pandemic: The NCERT claims that the
f-block contains the 15 exercise of reducing the content load on
lanthanide elements. students is carried out across all classes in
Actinides The second row of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Central Idea f-block contains the 15 • Previous controversial deletions: Earlier,
• C
 hanges notified by NCERT: TheNCERT actinide elements. NCERT dropped Darwin’s theory of evolution
notified changeshttps://www.civilsdaily. Periodic Trends Various trends exist from Class X textbooks and deleted chapters
com/burning-issue-the-pre-draft-national- across the table, such from Political Science textbooks, including
curriculum-framework-2023/in its June as atomic radius, Democracy and Diversity, Popular Struggles
2022 circular, omitted the Periodic Table ionization energy, and and Movements, Political Parties, and
from 10thclass books. This has been widely electronegativity. Challenges to Democracy.
debated in academic circles.
• N
 ew textbooks hit the market: The Periodic Law The chemical and Additional controversial omissions
textbooks with the deletions and changes physical properties of • Exclusion of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad:
have now been released in the market. elements repeat in a Any mention of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad,
periodic manner based a freedom fighter and India’s first Education
What is Periodic Table? on their atomic numbers. Minister, has been deleted from the
History Developed by Dmitri Modern Versions Modern versions textbooks.
Mendeleev in 1869. incorporate atomic • Omission of J&K’s accession to India:
He arranged elements numbers and reflect our The fact that Jammu and Kashmir acceded
based on their atomic understanding of atomic to India on the basis of autonomy has been
masses and predicted structure. removed from the revised Class XI textbook.
the existence of International IUPAC is the • Further omissions in the CBSE syllabus: The
undiscovered elements. Union of international history of Mughal courts, references to the
Pure and organization responsible 2002 communal riots in Gujarat, the Naxalite
Organization Elements are arranged
Applied Chemistry for the standardization of movement, and mention of Dalit writers
based on their atomic
(IUPAC) chemical nomenclature, were also omitted from the CBSE syllabus.
numbers, electron
configurations, and symbols, and the
Reasons cited for curriculum revamp
properties. Periodic Table.
• Multiple sets of authors: Textbooks have
Periods There are seven periods Database Several organizations and undergone changes over the years, written by
(rows) in the table, Management databases manage and different sets of historians. There have been
representing different maintain comprehensive no controversies regarding these changes.
principal energy levels. information about • Celebration of diversity and assimilation:
the elements, their Exclusively holding on to one set of textbooks
Groups The table has 18
properties, and the is contrary to the spirit of a civilization that
groups (columns), with
Periodic Table. Examples celebrates diversity and assimilation.
elements in the same
include the IUPAC, • NCF’s efforts for inclusive representations:
group sharing similar
the National Institute The National Curriculum Framework (NCF)
properties.
of Standards and aims to bring a plurality of voices and more
Technology (NIST), and inclusive representations of marginalized and
the Royal Society of previously excluded history.
Chemistry (RSC).

42 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Allegations of Distortions in history
textbooks
• D
 eliberate distortions: Some sections of
the media allege that the corrections and
improvements made in the NCERT history
textbooks are deliberate distortions or
rewriting of history.
• S
 ense of entitlement: The charge of
rewriting history under a specific ideology
betrays a sense of entitlement, suggesting
that only one set of historians had the
knowledge to determine what should
be taught.
• A
 utonomy breach: While autonomy in
academic and intellectual activities is crucial,
the notion that institutional autonomy
has been undermined and academic
freedom is under stress is a one-sided and
pointless exercise.
Way forward
• L ogical revision: There is an urgent need
for a comprehensive revision of NCERT
textbooks, not only in history but in all
subjects, to incorporate new knowledge and
discoveries.
• P
 rudent use of existing textbooks: Until a
detailed plan and advice for a comprehensive
revision of books and syllabi is formulated,
NCERT has chosen to use the existing
textbooks.
• Presenting facts lucidly: Textbooks should
present facts lucidly, allowing students to
acquire the knowledge they seek.
• Avoid politicizing: Academics and politicians
should refrain from politicizing school
textbooks and instead focus on telling
students the stories of the past without
weaving in half-truths or erasing vast chunks
of history.
• Addressing gaps and inclusivity: Continuous
revision of the curriculum is necessary to
address gaps, make textbooks relevant, and
ensure inclusivity.

HIGHER EDUCATION - RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, ETC. Fee Structure Regulated Freedom to

Revised Guidelines for

and set their own
streamlined fee structure

Deemed University Status

according to
government
guidelines
Governance | GS2: Health & Education Curriculum Regulated Autonomy to
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : and aligned design their
Prelims level : UGC, Accredition of Universities with UGC own courses
Mains level : Read the attached story guidelines and curriculum

• In 2015-16, the Union government initiated Research Research Emphasis

a National Institutional Ranking Framework programs on research
(NIRF) under UGC to rank all educational and activities with credible
institutes. aligned with research output
Infrastructure Facilities and State-of-
Why in the news? infrastructure the-art
• L ight but tight regulatory framework: as per infrastructure
The guidelines are based on the principle government
of a “light but tight” regulatory framework provisions
envisioned in the National Education
Central Idea Affiliated Can have Generally
Policy 2020.
• T
 he University Grants Commission (UGC) Institutes affiliated have a single
has released revised guidelines allowing What is Deemed University? colleges and institution
higher education institutions to apply for A Deemed University is a status granted to institutes
deemed university status. higher educational institutions in India by Admission Follows state Can set their
• T
 he new guidelines aim to establish more the Department of Higher Education (DHE) Process government own admission
quality-focused deemed universities by under the Ministry of Education based on the guidelines for policies
simplifying the eligibility criteria. recommendation of the University Grants admissions and criteria
Commission (UGC).
University Grants Commission (UGC) Degree Authorized Authorized to
• U GC is a statutory body under the University State Deemed Granting to award award degrees
Grants Commission Act, of 1956. University University degrees and diplomas
• It is charged with the task of coordinating Establishment Created Granted and diplomas
and maintaining standards of higher by state autonomy Flexibility Governed Autonomy
education in India. government by the UGC by UGC in decision-
• It provides recognition to universities and also through based on regulations making and
allocates funds to universities and colleges. legislative academic and and flexibility in
• It is headquartered are in New Delhi, and it assembly act research merits guidelines operations
also has 6 regional centres. Funding Fully funded Self-funded
• A ll grants to universities and higher learning by the state New changes introduced-
institutions are handled by the UGC. government Eligibility Criteria and Changes

www.civilsdaily.com 43
• P
 revious eligibility criteria: Under the 2019
guidelines, institutions with an existence of
at least 20 years were eligible to apply for
deemed university status.
• R
 evised eligibility criteria: The revised
guidelines replace the previous criteria with
requirements such as multi-disciplinarity,
NAAC grading, NIRF ranking, and
NBA grading.
• C
 riteria for application: Institutions
with valid accreditation by NAAC, NBA
accreditation for eligible programs, or ranking
in the top 50 of specific categories in NIRF
for the last three years can apply for deemed
university status.
Cluster of Institutions and Distinct
Institution Category
• C
 luster of institutions: A cluster of
institutions managed by multiple sponsoring
bodies or a society can also apply for deemed
university status.
• D
 istinct Institution category: The guidelines
introduce the “Distinct Institution” category,
exempting institutions focusing on unique
disciplines, addressing strategic needs,
preserving Indian cultural heritage or the
environment, dedicated to skill development,
sports, languages, or other disciplines
determined by the Expert Committee.
Changes in Faculty Strength and Corpus
Fund
• I ncreased faculty strength: The revised
guidelines increase the required faculty
strength from 100 to 150.
• I ncreased corpus fund for private
institutions: The corpus fund requirement for
private institutions has been increased from
Rs 10 crore to Rs 25 crore.
Executive Councils and Academic Bank of
Credits
• C
 reation of executive councils: Private
universities seeking deemed university status
will be required to create executive councils,
similar to central universities.
• Mandatory registration on Academic Bank
of Credits: Deemed universities must register
on the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and
can offer twinning programs, joint degree
programs, and dual degree programs.
Off-Campus Centers and Future Plans
• Off-campus centers eligibility: Deemed
universities with a minimum ‘A’ grade or
ranked from 1 to 100 in the “universities”
category of NIRF rankings are eligible to
establish off-campus centers.
• Future removal of “deemed to be university”
term: The UGC chairperson stated that
the term “deemed to be university” will
be removed once the Higher Education
Commission of India is established through
an act of Parliament.
• Current number of deemed institutions:
Currently, there are around 170 deemed
institutions in the country.

Back2Basics:
NAAC NIRF NBA
Full Form National National Institutional National Board of Accreditation
Assessment and Ranking Framework
Accreditation Council
Governing Body University Grants Ministry of Education, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
Commission (UGC) Government of India
Purpose Assessing and Ranking higher education Accrediting technical education programs in engineering
accrediting institutions
higher education
Assessment Criteria Quality parameters Teaching, learning, research, Criteria and standards for quality technical education
and predefined criteria graduation outcomes, etc.
Accreditation Grades A, A+, B, B+, C - -
Focus Evaluating institution’s Ranking institutions based on Accrediting engineering programs for quality technical education
quality and various parameters
performance
Scope All higher education All higher education Technical education programs in the field of engineering
institutions in India institutions in India

MOTHER AND CHILD HEALTH - IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, ETC. Central Idea

Why is India rethinking • Anaemia questions are excluded from

National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) due

its Anaemia Policy?

to concerns about accuracy, emphasizing the
need for precise estimates to address India’s
growing anaemia burden.
Governance | GS2: Health & Education • NFHS-5 data reveals a significant increase in
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : anaemia prevalence in India, underscoring
Prelims level : NFHS, Anaemia the urgency of accurate estimates to
Mains level : Read the attached story effectively tackle this public health challenge.

44 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
• N FHS is a large-scale, multi-round survey
conducted in a representative sample of
households throughout India.
• T hree rounds of the survey have been
conducted since the first survey in 1992-93.
• T he International Institute for Population
Sciences (IIPS) Mumbai, is the nodal agency,
responsible for providing coordination and
technical guidance for the survey.
• IIPS collaborates with a number of
Field Organizations (FO) for survey
implementation.
• T he survey provides state and national
information for India on fertility, infant
and child mortality, the practice of family
planning, maternal and child health,
reproductive health etc.
Each successive round of the NFHS has had
two specific goals:
1. To provide essential data on health and family
welfare needed by the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare and other agencies for policy
and programme purposes, and
2. To provide information on important
emerging health and family welfare issues.
Anaemia: A bigger menace
• A naemia is characterized by low red blood
cells or haemoglobin levels, leading to
symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
• Iron deficiency is the primary cause, but
deficiencies in folate, vitamins B12, and A also
contribute.
• A ddressing nutritional deficiencies is crucial
for prevention and treatment.
Shift to DABS-I for Anaemia Assessment
• T
 he Health Ministry shifted anaemia
assessment to Diet and Biomarkers Survey in
India (DABS-I) for more accurate prevalence
estimates.
• D
 ABS-I is a comprehensive dietary survey
collecting individual data to assess food and
nutrient adequacy nationwide.
Reasons for Methodology Change
• C
 oncerns of Over-Diagnosis: Using WHO
cut-offs may not suit the Indian population
due to various factors that influence anaemia.
• I nadequacy of WHO Cut-Offs: Country-
specific cut-offs are needed as the WHO’s
haemoglobin cut-offs may not reflect the
Indian anaemia situation accurately.
• D
 ifferences in Blood Sampling Methods:
Venous blood sampling is more accurate
than the capillary blood sampling used in
previous surveys.
Role of DABS-I Dietary Survey
• D ABS-I collects detailed dietary intake
data to understand nutritional patterns and
deficiencies contributing to anaemia.
• It provides information on nutrient
composition in foods from different regions,
aiding targeted interventions.
Prevalence of Anaemia in India
• H
 igh Burden: Anaemia is a significant
public health concern in India, with
a high prevalence across different
population groups.
• A
 naemia among Women: Data from
national surveys indicate that a considerable
percentage of women in India, particularly
those in the reproductive age group, are
affected by anaemia.
• A
 naemia among Children: Anaemia is also
prevalent among children in India, with a
substantial proportion experiencing this
condition at a young age.
Causes and Risk Factors
• N utritional Deficiencies: Iron deficiency
is the primary cause of anaemia in India.
Inadequate intake and absorption of iron,
along with deficiencies in other key nutrients,
contribute to the problem.
• S ocioeconomic Factors: Factors such as
poverty, limited access to nutritious food,
and inadequate healthcare contribute
to the high prevalence of anaemia in
certain socioeconomically disadvantaged
populations.
• I nfections and Diseases: Certain infections,
such as malaria and helminthiasis, and
chronic diseases like kidney disease
and cancer, can increase the risk of
developing anaemia.
Impact on Health and Well-being
• Physical Symptoms: Anaemia can cause
a range of physical symptoms, including
fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and
impaired cognitive function.
• Maternal and Child Health: Anaemia
in pregnant women increases the risk
of complications during pregnancy and
childbirth. It can also lead to low birth weight
and developmental issues in infants.
• Impaired Growth and Development:
Anaemia among children can hinder their
growth, development, and overall well-being.
It may affect cognitive function, school
performance, and future productivity.
Government Initiatives and interventions
• National Nutrition Programs: The
Government of India has implemented
various programs, such as the National Iron+
Initiative and the Pradhan Mantri Matru
Vandana Yojana, to address anaemia and
improve maternal and child health.
• Supplementation and Fortification: Iron
and other micronutrient supplementation
programs, along with food fortification
initiatives, aim to enhance iron intake and
combat anaemia.
• Awareness and Education: Public awareness
campaigns and educational programs focus
on promoting nutrition, especially among
vulnerable groups, and raising awareness
about the importance of addressing anaemia.
Challenges and Future Directions
• Access to Healthcare and Nutritious Food:
Improving access to quality healthcare
services, affordable nutritious food, and
clean drinking water is crucial in addressing
anaemia in India.
• Multisectoral Collaboration: Addressing
anaemia requires collaboration across various
sectors, including healthcare, nutrition,
education, and social welfare, to develop
comprehensive strategies and interventions.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular
monitoring and evaluation of anaemia
prevalence, intervention effectiveness, and
progress towards targets are essential to
track improvements and identify areas that
require further attention.
www.civilsdaily.com 45
HIGHER EDUCATION - RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, ETC.
Kerala High Court’s
Ruling on Education Loan
and Credit Scores
Governance | GS2: Health & Education
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : CIBIL Score
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• S tudent’s credit score not a factor: Kerala
High Court emphasizes that a student’s credit
score should not be a determining factor
in rejecting an education loan application,
highlighting the importance of equal
opportunities for students.
• I mportance of humanitarian approach: The
court asserts that a humanitarian approach
is necessary from banks while considering
education loan applications, recognizing
students as the “nation builders of tomorrow.”
RBI Circular on Educational Loan Scheme
• M
 odel scheme for financial support: RBI has
a model educational loan scheme prepared
by the Indian Banks Association (IBA) to
provide financial support to deserving
students pursuing higher education, ensuring
equal opportunities.
• A
 doption by scheduled commercial banks:
In 2019, the RBI advised all scheduled
commercial banks to adopt the educational
loan scheme, aiming for consistent practices
and adherence to principles outlined in
the circular.
Role of RBI in Education Loan Policies
• E
 nsuring financial support: RBI’s circular and
advisory role aim to ensure that deserving
students are not denied the opportunity to
pursue higher education due to financial
constraints, promoting inclusive access to
education loans.
• S
 tandardization and uniformity: The
RBI’s model educational loan scheme and
guidance seek to establish standardized
practices across scheduled commercial
banks, fostering fair and equitable access to
education loans.
46 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
What is CIBIL Score?
• N umerical reflection of credit history: Credit
scores, like the Credit Information Bureau
(India) Limited (CIBIL) score, provide a
numerical summary of an individual’s credit
payment history across different loan types
and institutions, aiding lenders in assessing
creditworthiness.
• I mpact on loan applications: Credit scores
play a crucial role in loan applications and
financial assessments, serving as indicators of
an individual’s ability to repay debts.
Why Education Loan can be an exception?
• E nabling pursuit of higher education:
Education loans play a vital role in enabling
students to pursue higher education,
providing necessary financial support
for tuition fees, living expenses, and
educational costs.
• E qual opportunities for students: Access to
education loans ensures equal opportunities
for students from diverse backgrounds,
facilitating their academic aspirations and
future contributions to society.
• I mplications of loan rejections: Loan
rejections based solely on credit scores can
hinder students’ educational prospects and
limit their access to quality education and
future career opportunities.
Judicial perspective on Education Loan
• H
 olistic evaluation beyond credit scores:
Kerala HC emphasized the importance
of considering the ground realities, future
prospects, course potential, and scholarship
opportunities for students in education loan
applications, promoting a comprehensive
assessment approach.
• U
 pholding equal access for all: Key rulings
such as KM George vs The Branch Manager
and Pranav SR vs The Branch Manager
underscore the court’s commitment to
upholding principles of equal access to
education loans and fair assessments.
Significance of the Kerala HCs Ruling
• E
 qual opportunities: The ruling ensures
equal opportunities for students by
emphasizing that credit scores should not be
the sole basis for loan rejections, preventing
students from being denied educational
opportunities based on their credit history.
• Humanitarian approach: The court’s
emphasis on a humanitarian approach
acknowledges the importance of considering
students’ future potential and recognizes their
role as future builders of the nation.
• Fair assessment criteria: The ruling
establishes the need for fair assessment
criteria that go beyond credit scores,
encouraging financial institutions to consider
factors such as course potential and future
earning capabilities.
• Protection of educational aspirations: The
ruling safeguards students’ educational
aspirations, preventing loan rejections
solely based on credit scores and allowing
deserving students to pursue their studies.
• Precedent for future cases: The ruling sets
a precedent for future cases, promoting a
more holistic and compassionate approach
in evaluating education loan applications,
and potentially influencing other courts and
financial institutions.
Way Forward
• Peer-to-Peer Lending Networks: Facilitate
peer-to-peer lending platforms for education
loans, connecting students directly with
lenders and expanding access to funding.
• Education Loan Guarantee Funds: Establish
funds to guarantee education loans, reducing
risk for lenders and encouraging loans to
students with lower credit scores.
• Financial Literacy Programs: Implement
comprehensive financial literacy programs to
equip students with knowledge and skills for
responsible financial management.
• Industry-Academia Initiatives: Foster
collaborations between industry and
academia to provide scholarships, internships,
and grants, supporting students’ education
and future employability.
• Innovative Repayment Models: Explore
income-share agreements and flexible
repayment options to align loan repayment
with individual earnings and ease
financial burden.
• Crowdfunding for Education: Utilize
crowdfunding platforms dedicated to
education, enabling students to raise funds
for their educational expenses from a
wider audience.
• Collaborative Industry Sponsorship:
Encourage partnerships where companies
sponsor education loans in exchange for an
internship or job placement opportunities,
benefiting both students and companies.
LAND REFORMS
SC Hemaji Waghaji

Law Commission Report Recommendations

for Changes
Jat v. Bhikhabhai
Khengarbhai

on Adverse Possession in the Law Harijan and Others

(2008) case: The SC
criticized the law of
Governance | GS2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters adverse possession
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : as irrational and
Prelims level : Hammurabi Code, Adverse Possession placing a premium
Mains level : Not Much on dishonesty.

Historical Historical roots The SC

Background dating back to recommended a
the Hammurabi fresh look at the
Code and developed law and urged the
through statutes of government to make
limitation in England. suitable changes.

The first attempt to Recent Law There is no

introduce the law Commission Report justification for
of limitation in India changing the law on
was through the adverse possession.
Central Idea
“Act XIV of 1859,” Two ex officio
• T
 he recent report by theLaw
regulating civil suits. members of the
Commissionhttps://www.civilsdaily.com/
Provisions of the The burden of Commission filed
news/22nd-law-commission-constituted/on
Limitation Act, 1963 proof for adverse a dissent note,
the law of adverse possession provides an
possession shifted arguing that the
overview of adverse possession, its historical
to the claimant, law promotes false
origins, and its current provisions under the
who must show claims and should be
Limitation Act of 1963.
continuous struck off.
Adverse Possession possession for a Dissenting Opinions It questioned the
specified period. and Criticisms contradictory
DEFINITION It refers to the
requirement of
hostile possession
peaceful and hostile
of property, which
possession in adverse
must be continuous,
possession cases.
uninterrupted,
and peaceful. It argued that
the law burdens
the courts with
unnecessary litigation
and promotes
false claims.

HEALTH SECTOR - UHC, NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY, FAMILY PLANNING, HEALTH INSURANCE, ETC.

Addressing Antimicrobial
Resistance (AMR) in
the Pandemic Treaty
Governance | GS2: Health & Education
Central Idea
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
• Pandemic Treaty: The latest version
Prelims level : AMR, Pandemic Treaty
Mains level : Not Much of the draft Pandemic Instrument, also
known as the “pandemic treaty,” was
shared with Member States at the World
Health Assembly.

www.civilsdaily.com 47
• R
 emoval of AMR Mentions: It became
apparent that all mentions of addressing
antimicrobial resistance in the Pandemic
Instrument were at risk of removal.
What is AMR?
• A
 ntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the
development of resistance in microorganisms
to drugs that were once effective
against them.
• M
 icroorganisms, including bacteria, fungi,
viruses, and parasites, can become “immune”
to medications used to kill or control them.
• M
 isuse or overuse of antibiotics can
contribute to the development of AMR.
About the Pandemic Treaty
• I nitiation of Work: Work on the Pandemic
Instrument began in December 2021.
• O bjective: The instrument aims to protect
nations and communities from future
pandemic emergencies under the WHO’s
Constitution.
Importance of Addressing Antimicrobial
Resistance (AMR)
• C alls for Inclusion: Civil society and experts,
including the Global Leaders Group on
Antimicrobial Resistance, have emphasized
the inclusion of AMR in the Pandemic
Instrument.
• N ot Limited to Viruses: Not all pandemics in
the past or future are caused by viruses, with
bacterial pandemics like plague and cholera
being devastating examples.
• I mpact of Bacterial Infections: Bacterial
infections cause one in eight deaths globally
and contribute to the rise of drug-resistant
infections.
RAILWAY REFORMS
In news: Commission of
Railway Safety (CRS)
Governance | GS2: Statutory, Regulatory & Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS)
Mains level : Read the attached story
48 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Need for Comprehensive Pandemic
Preparedness
• W
 ider Range of Threats: Planning and
developing effective tools to respond to a
broader range of pandemic threats, beyond
viruses, is crucial.
• S
 econdary Bacterial Infections: Even in
viral pandemics like COVID-19, secondary
bacterial infections become a serious issue,
requiring effective antibiotics.
Concerns over Potential Removal of AMR
Measures
• R
 isk to Future Pandemics: The removal
of AMR measures from the Pandemic
Instrument could hinder efforts to protect
people from future pandemics.
• A
 t-Risk Measures: Measures at risk of
removal include better access to safe water,
infection prevention and control, integrated
surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship.
Strengthening the Pandemic Instrument to
Address AMR
• I nclusion of AMR Measures: Measures to
address AMR can be easily incorporated into
the Pandemic Instrument.
• R ecommendations for Inclusion:
Recommendations include addressing
bacterial pathogens, tracking viral and
bacterial threats, and harmonizing AMR
stewardship rules.
Efforts to Highlight AMR in the Pandemic
Instrument
• I nvolvement of Specialized Organizations:
Civil society and research organizations
participated in the WHO’s Intergovernmental
Negotiating Body, providing analysis on AMR
in the draft.
Central Idea:
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS)
conducts investigations into train accidents,
including the recent tragic train crash
in Odisha.
• Publication of Special Edition: Leading
academic researchers and experts published
a special edition outlining the importance of
addressing AMR in the Pandemic Instrument.
Current State and Next Steps
• Concerns over Removal: Insertions related
to AMR are at risk of removal after closed-
door negotiations by Member States.
• Importance of the Pandemic Instrument:
The instrument is vital for mitigating AMR
and safeguarding antimicrobials for treating
secondary infections in pandemics.
• Global Political Action: Collaboration and
collective efforts are needed to address
AMR and support the conservation and
equitable distribution of safe and effective
antimicrobials.
Safeguarding Antimicrobials for Future
Pandemic Response
• Undermining Goals: Missing the opportunity
to address AMR in the Pandemic Instrument
undermines its broader goals of protecting
nations and communities.
• Core Role of Antimicrobials: Antimicrobials
are essential resources for responding to
pandemics and must be protected.
• Call for Strengthened Measures: Member
States should strengthen measures to
safeguard antimicrobials and support actions
for conserving their effectiveness within the
instrument.
About Commissioner of Railway Safety
(CRS)
• Role of CRS: CRS is a government body
responsible for railway safety oversight
and carries out inspectorial, investigatory,
and advisory functions as mandated by the
Railways Act, 1989.
• Headquarters: The CRS is headquartered in
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and operates under
the administrative control of the Ministry of
Civil Aviation (MoCA).
Functions and Responsibilities of CRS
• Railway Safety Oversight: CRS is responsible
for ensuring the safety of rail travel and
operations in India.
• Inspectorial Functions: CRS conducts
inspections of railway infrastructure,
equipment, and operations to ensure
compliance with safety standards.
• I nvestigatory Functions: CRS conducts
thorough investigations into serious train
accidents to determine the causes and make
recommendations for improvements.
• A dvisory Functions: CRS provides expert
advice and recommendations to the Ministry
of Civil Aviation and other stakeholders on
matters related to railway safety.
• C ollaboration with Railway Authorities: CRS
works closely with the Ministry of Railways
and the Railway Board to address safety
concerns and implement safety measures.
• C ooperation with Other Agencies: CRS
collaborates with other agencies and
organizations involved in railway safety, such
as the National Safety Council and the Indian
Railways Institute of Civil Engineering.
Why does it function under MCA?
• I nsulation from Railway Establishment:
CRS operates under the administrative
control of the Ministry of Civil Aviation to
maintain independence and prevent conflicts
of interest.
• O
 bjective Decision-Making: Independence
from the railway establishment ensures
impartiality in accident investigations and
safety oversight.
• E
 nhanced Credibility: The separation of
CRS from the Railway Board enhances
the credibility of safety oversight and
investigations.
Future Challenges and Priorities
• M
 odernization and Technology Integration:
CRS focuses on integrating advanced
technologies and modernizing railway
infrastructure to enhance safety.
• S
 afety Culture and Behavioral Change:
Promoting a strong safety culture and
fostering behavioral change among railway
staff and passengers are key priorities.
• A
 ddressing Emerging Risks: CRS
continuously assesses and addresses
emerging safety risks, such as cybersecurity
threats and climate change impacts, in
railway operations.
International Collaboration and Best
Practices
• Knowledge Sharing: CRS actively
participates in international forums and
collaborates with global railway safety
organizations to exchange best practices and
enhance safety standards.
• Benchmarking and Learning: CRS
benchmarks its safety practices against
international standards and adopts
relevant best practices to improve railway
safety in India.
• Harmonization of Safety Regulations: CRS
contributes to the harmonization of safety
regulations and standards with international
frameworks to ensure interoperability and
seamless rail connectivity.

CHILD RIGHTS - POSCO, CHILD LABOUR LAWS, NAPC, ETC. Age of Consent Any sexual activity

Strict Compliance in Reporting

with person under
18 is deemed an

Offences under POCSO Act

offence, regardless of
minor’s consent.
Child- Implements child-
Governance | GS2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections Friendly Approach friendly procedures
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : for investigations,
Prelims level : POCSO Act minimizing trauma
Mains level : Read the attached story and ensuring safety
and welfare.
• R
 esponsibility of Stakeholders: The court
highlighted that all stakeholders, including Reporting Requires
doctors, have a responsibility to report Obligations stakeholders,
offences under thePOCSO Acthttps://www. including doctors,
civilsdaily.com/pocso-act-sansad-tv/. to promptly report
suspected cases of
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences child sexual offences.
(POCSO) Act Enhanced Prescribes stringent
History Enacted in 2012 Punishments punishments and
fast-track courts
Purpose and Scope Legal protection to
for expediting legal
children from sexual
proceedings and
offences, exploitation,
delivering justice.
and abuse.
Support for Victims Emphasizes support,
Safeguarding Addresses various
rehabilitation, and
Central Idea Children’s Rights sexual offences
counseling services
• H
 C orders strict compliance: The High including assault,
for victims, along
Court of Karnataka emphasized the need child pornography,
with child-friendly
for strict compliance with Section 19 of the and harassment to
courtrooms.
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences safeguard children’s
(POCSO) Act, particularly by doctors, well-being.
to prevent offenders from escaping legal
consequences.

www.civilsdaily.com 49
 old boyfriend, who administered a tablet
Awareness and Focuses on creating
to terminate the pregnancy, leading to
Prevention awareness,
heavy bleeding.
preventive measures,
• C
 omplaint Timing: The POCSO Act
and educating
complaint was filed approximately two
children, parents, and
months after the girl’s treatment at the
communities on child
petitioner’s hospital.
protection.
Continuous Undergoes periodic Court’s Analysis and Trial Testing
Amendments and amendments to • D
 octor’s Disbelief Claim: The court rejected
Enhancements strengthen the legal the doctor’s contention that he had no reason
framework and to disbelieve the individuals who brought the
adapt to evolving girl to the hospital and claimed she was 18
challenges in years and three months old.
protecting children. • O
 bservations on Doctor’s Experience:
Why in the news? The court found it highly improbable that
• C hargesheet against Medical Practitioner: the doctor, with 35 years of experience as
The chargesheet filed against a doctor was a gynaecologist, did not recognize that the
not quashed by the court. He was charged victim was of tender age.
for failing to report an offence under the • T
 esting in Trial: The court emphasized that
POCSO Act. the doctor’s claim of ignorance regarding the
• T reatment of a Minor: The case involved the victim’s age would be examined during the
medical treatment of a girl who was admitted trial proceedings.
to the hospital following an abortion caused
by the consumption of a termination of Importance of Reporting by Doctors
pregnancy tablet. • E
 nsuring Accountability: Strict compliance
• Addressing Consensual Sexual Activity and with reporting obligations by doctors is
Abuse: Strict compliance with reporting essential to hold offenders accountable for
obligations is crucial to ensure that offences their actions under the POCSO Act.
arising from consensual sexual activity, rape, • P
 reventing Offenders from Escaping Justice:
or sexual abuse against children are properly Failure to report offences, especially by
addressed under the law. medical practitioners, can allow offenders to
evade legal consequences and perpetuate
Age Discrepancy and Offence Details harm against children.
• Age Discrepancy: The girl’s age, initially • S
 afeguarding Child Welfare: Timely
recorded as 18 years and three months in reporting of offences by doctors is crucial
hospital documents, was later revealed to to protect the welfare and rights of children
be around 12 years and 11 months in the who may be victims of sexual abuse or
complaint under the POCSO Act. exploitation.
• Sexual Intercourse and Abortion: The
complaint alleged that the girl was forced Need for State Intervention and Direction
to have sexual intercourse by her 21-year- • S
 tate’s Role in Enforcement: The court
highlighted the necessity for the state to
intervene and direct strict compliance with
Section 19 of the POCSO Act, specifically
by doctors involved in medical termination
of pregnancy for minors in extenuating
circumstances.
• Preventing Offences in Extenuating
Circumstances: By ensuring strict
compliance, the state can prevent offenders
from exploiting extenuating circumstances,
such as medical termination of pregnancy,
to escape the legal repercussions of
their actions.
Way Forward
• Training and Sensitization: Specialized
training programs should be conducted to
sensitize doctors about identifying signs
of child abuse and reporting suspicious
cases promptly.
• Streamlined Reporting Mechanisms:
Establishing streamlined and confidential
reporting mechanisms within the healthcare
system can facilitate the reporting process
and encourage doctors to fulfill their
reporting obligations.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Effective
collaboration between healthcare
professionals, law enforcement agencies,
and child protection authorities is crucial
to ensure a coordinated response in cases
involving child sexual offences.
• Stringency against non-Compliance:
Implementing stringent consequences for
doctors who fail to report offences can serve
as a deterrent and reinforce the importance
of fulfilling reporting obligations.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular
monitoring and evaluation of the reporting
system can identify gaps, challenges, and
areas for improvement to strengthen
the reporting process and enhance child
protection measures.

MEDICAL EDUCATION GOVERNANCE IN INDIA

National Exit Test (NExT)

for Medical Grads
Governance | GS2: Health & Education
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : NEXT
Mains level : Not Much

50 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Central Idea:
The NExT examination, a common qualifying
criterion for final-year undergraduate medical
students will be introduced in the year 2024.
National Exit Test (NExT)
• O
 bjective: The examination aims to bring
uniformity in evaluation across the country,
ensuring minimum common standards of
education and training for medical graduates.
• T
 wo-Part Examination: The NExT exam
will consist of two parts: NExT 1, which will
be a theoretical examination, and NExT 2,
which will include practical, clinical, and oral
examinations covering seven clinical subjects
or disciplines.
HEALTH SECTOR - UHC, NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY, FAMILY PLANNING, HEALTH INSURANCE, ETC.
The story behind the
Ban on 14 FDC Drugs
Governance | GS2: Health & Education
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Fixed dose combination (FDC) Drug
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea:
Exploring the recent ban on 14 fixed dose
combination drugs in India and its rationale.
• M
 ock Test: A mock test may be conducted
to familiarize students with the procedure
and alleviate any anxiety before the official
examination is rolled out.
National Medical Commission and
Application of NExT
• R
 ole of NMC: The NMC is responsible for
implementing the NExT examination and
ensuring a common standard for medical
education in the country.
• A
 pplicability: The NExT examination
will also apply to institutes of national
importance, including the All India Institutes
of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), to maintain
uniformity in medical education.
What are FDC Drugs?
• D
 efinition: FDC drugs are combinations of
active ingredients in a fixed ratio, commonly
used in a single pill or syrup.
• B
 enefits offered: FDCs can reduce pill
burden, improve adherence to therapy, and
lower costs.
• R
 isks associated: Certain combinations can
be pharmacologically incompatible, have
abuse potential, and contribute to antibiotic
resistance.
Issue of Irrational FDCs
• L icensed FDCs: FDCs introduced for the first
time require prior approval, while many older
FDCs were licensed without proper scrutiny.
• L ack of safety: Lack of evidence on safety
and efficacy led to the categorization of many
licensed FDCs as irrational.
• L egal challenges: A ban on 344 FDCs in
2016 was stayed by the Delhi High Court,
prompting further review and subsequent
ban on 329 FDCs in 2018.
Government Action and Expert Review
• R
 eferral to Drugs Technical Advisory Board:
The Supreme Court entrusted the review of
FDC drugs to the government’s expert body.
• B
 an on 14 Pre-1988 FDCs: An expert
committee recommended banning certain
FDCs licensed before 1988.
Significance
• Quality professionals: The NExT
examination is seen as a means to ensure
quality and produce well-trained Indian
medical graduates.
• Expert Perspectives: Experts in the medical
field have welcomed the move, emphasizing
the importance of uniform examination
standards and the opportunity for interns to
focus on their clinical training.
• Balancing Prior Approvals and Inquiry: The
Supreme Court excluded 15 FDCs licensed
prior to 1988 from the ban but allowed for
an inquiry.
Implications of the Ban
• Impact on Drug Availability: The ban affects
approximately 40-50 brands used for cough,
fever, pain, and common infections.
• Support from Pediatricians: Many
pediatricians welcome the ban, citing harmful
combinations in FDC drugs.
• Call for Additional Scrutiny: Calls to
consider banning Nimesulide for single-dose
use due to liver risks.
Cautions Regarding Cough Syrups
• Conflicting Effects of Ingredients: Experts
highlight how ingredients in cough syrups
may work against each other, reducing
their efficacy.
• Limited Evidence on Cough Syrups: Weak
evidence suggests cough syrups may not
significantly reduce cough duration.
• Caution for Cough Suppressants:
Prescription-only use is advised, particularly
for individuals with underlying lung
conditions.
Socioeconomic impact of the Ban
• Economic Savings and Improved Quality of
Life: The ban may lead to cost savings and
enhanced well-being for individuals.
• Importance of Safe Drinking Water: Access
to clean drinking water is crucial for public
health and overall quality of life.
• Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Ensuring
the safety and effectiveness of medical
treatments through research and evaluation.
• Addressing Emerging Health Challenges:
Continuous monitoring and research are
necessary to tackle evolving health risks.
• Optimizing Healthcare Practices: Ongoing
efforts to improve healthcare systems and
practices for better patient outcomes.
www.civilsdaily.com 51
Conclusion
• T
 he recent ban on 14 fixed dose
combination (FDC) drugs in India
highlights the government’s commitment
to ensuring the safety and efficacy of
pharmaceutical products.
WATER MANAGEMENT - INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS, CONSERVATION EFFORTS, ETC.
Jal Jeevan Mission:
Saving Lives through
Access to Piped Water
Governance | GS2: Government Scheme/Policies
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Jal Jeevan Mission
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• P
 otable water: TheJal Jeevan Missionhttps://
www.civilsdaily.com/news/progress-jal-
jeevan-mission/aims to provide piped potable
water to all of India.
• P
 otential Life-Saving Impact: If successful,
the mission could avert nearly 400000 deaths
from diarrhoea.
• R
 eduction in Disease Burden: The mission
could avoid 14 million DALYs (Disability
Adjusted Life Years) related to diarrhoea.
Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY)
• D ALY is a metric used to measure the burden
of disease on a population.
• It combines years of life lost due to premature
mortality (YLLs) and years lived with a
disability (YLDs) into a single measure.
• D ALYs provide a comprehensive assessment
of the impact of diseases, injuries, and
disabilities by quantifying both the years of
healthy life lost and the years lived with a
disability.
• T his metric helps policymakers and
researchers prioritize health interventions and
allocate resources effectively to address the
overall disease burden in a population.
About Jal Jeevan Mission
• L aunch : Government initiative
launched in 2019
52 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• G oal : Provide access to clean and piped
drinking water to every rural household
• F ocus : Water supply infrastructure
development, community participation,
water quality monitoring
• O
 bjective : Improve health, well-being, and
productivity of rural communities, Addressing
challenges of water scarcity, contamination,
and inadequate infrastructure
• T
 arget: Achieve 100% coverage by 2024 for
reliable and sustainable water supply
• D
 efinition of functional Connection: A
fully functional tap water connection means
receiving at least55 litres of potable waterper
capita per day throughout the year
The key objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission
include:
• U
 niversal coverage: Mission aims to
achieve tap water connections for all rural
households, ensuring access to potable water
within premises.
• S
 ustainability: Focus on long-term
sustainability through community
participation, water resource management,
and water conservation practices.
• Q
 uality assurance: Prioritizing safe and
clean drinking water by implementing water
quality monitoring systems and adhering to
prescribed standards set by BIS.
• C
 onvergence and coordination: Emphasis
on collaboration among stakeholders to
effectively achieve mission objectives.
Socioeconomic Benefits of the Mission
• E
 conomic Savings: The study suggests that
the mission could save close to $101 billion.
• T
 ime Savings: It could save 66.6 million
hours per day that would have been spent
collecting water, primarily by women.
• Improved Quality of Life: Access to
piped water connections would enhance
convenience and overall well-being.
• Sanitation benefits: Every dollar invested in
sanitation interventions yields a $4.3 return in
reduced healthcare costs.
Progress status of the scheme
• Current Coverage Levels: Around 62%
of rural households have piped water
connections.
• States and UTs at Full Coverage: Five states
and three Union Territories have reported
100% coverage.
• Progress of states: Himachal Pradesh is at
98.87% coverage, while Bihar is at 96.30%
and nearing saturation.
Challenges Addressed by the Mission
• Water scarcity: Mission aims to tackle the
challenge of inadequate water availability in
rural areas.
• Contamination: Focus on improving
water quality and addressing issues of
waterborne diseases.
• Infrastructure gaps: Efforts to bridge the gap
in water supply infrastructure in rural regions.
Way forward
• Enhancing Capacity of Local Bodies :
Provide support and resources to strengthen
the capacity of local governance institutions
in effectively managing and governing rural
water supply systems.
• Promoting Community Participation:
Foster active community participation in
decision-making processes related to water
infrastructure planning, implementation, and
maintenance.
• Empowering Local Water User Committees:
Strengthen the role of local water user
committees in monitoring and regulating
water supply services, promoting their active
involvement in decision-making.
• Participatory Planning: Facilitate
participatory planning processes, where
water user associations actively contribute
to the development of water management
plans, considering local needs and priorities.
• Adopt innovative technologies : The
government need to adopt innovative
technologies, especially sewage treatment,
in-situ combustion/energy production from
 human excreta, etc. This will reduce the
consumption of freshwater to flush tanks,
often seen in urban areas.
 ith the massive deployment of sensor-
• W
based IoT systems for measurement
& monitoring of water supply, testing of
water samples for quality and dashboard
NUTRITION IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS
Nutrition in Adolescent Girls
Governance | GS2: Health & Education
Central Idea
• India’s future prosperity hinges on the well-
being and development of its adolescent
girls. The period of adolescence is critical for
cognitive growth, making improved access
to nutrition during this phase crucial. By
addressing any nutrient deficiencies acquired
in early developmental stages, we can unlock
the full potential of the girl child.
Nutritional Status of Adolescent Girls
• H
 igh Prevalence of Anemia: The National
Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) reveals
that a staggering 59.1% of adolescent girls
in India are anemic. Anemia not only affects
their overall health but also hampers their
cognitive development and academic
performance.
• U
 nderweight and Malnourishment:
According to NFHS-4 data, over 41.9% of
school-going girls in India are underweight.
Malnourishment deprives girls of essential
nutrients necessary for their growth,
development, and overall well-being.
• M
 enstruation-Related Nutritional
Challenges: The onset of menstruation poses
specific nutritional challenges for adolescent
girls. The increased nutrient requirements
during this phase, coupled with inadequate
access to nutritious food and hygiene
products, further exacerbate the risk of
undernutrition and anemia.
for data integration and analysis will ensure
transparency, assured service delivery, and
grievance redressal.
• C
 onvergence with other schemes:Â To
ensure the long-term sustainability of JJM,Â
the mission has to converge with other
schemes such as MGNREGS, Atal Bhujal
Consequences of Poor nutritional status of
Girls
• I mpact on Cognitive Development: Poor
nutrition during adolescence can have long-
lasting effects on cognitive development,
affecting academic performance and limiting
educational attainment. This hampers
opportunities for employment and economic
self-sufficiency later in life.
• I mpediment to Women’s Labor Force
Participation: Adolescent health serves as a
significant indicator of women’s long-term
participation in the labor force. Improved
nutrition during adolescence enhances
the prospects of young girls to engage
in productive activities, contributing to
economic growth and development
• P overty and Dependency: Limited
educational attainment and reduced job
prospects due to undernutrition may lead
to challenges in finding stable employment
and earning a sufficient income, perpetuating
cycles of poverty and dependence.
• H ealth Consequences : Undernourished
adolescent girls are at a higher risk of
developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes,
hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders,
later in life. Poor nutrition during this crucial
developmental phase also increases the
likelihood of experiencing complications
during pregnancy
• I nter-generational Cycle of Malnutrition:
Neglecting the nutritional needs of
adolescent girls perpetuates an inter-
generational cycle of malnutrition.
Malnourished girls are more likely to give
birth to undernourished babies, continuing
the cycle of poor health and nutrition from
one generation to the next.
• I ncreased Healthcare Burden: The long-
term consequences of undernutrition,
including chronic diseases and pregnancy
complications, impose a significant healthcare
burden on both families and communities.
The cost of treating and managing these
health issues places additional strain on
healthcare systems and can lead to financial
instability for families.
Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee
Yojana, etc., to dovetail resources at the
village level.
• Social Participation and Empowerment:
Adequate nutrition plays a vital role in
enabling individuals to actively participate
in society. Undernourished adolescent girls
may face limitations in engaging in social and
community activities, including work, politics,
and community involvement.
Government Initiatives to address
malnutrition
• Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): It is
a national campaign launched by the
Government of India in 2018 with the aim of
reducing the prevalence of anemia among
women and children in India through a
life cycle approach. The campaign aims to
increase awareness about anemia, promote
the consumption of iron-rich foods, and
provide iron and folic acid supplements to
vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women
and children.
• Weekly Iron and Folic Acid
Supplementation (WIFS): This Programme
is being implemented to meet the challenge
of the high prevalence and incidence of
anemia amongst adolescent girls and boys.
• The intervention under WIFS includes
supervised weekly ingestion of Iron Folic Acid
(IFA) tablets. To control worm infestation,
biannual deworming with Albendazole
is provided.
• Integrated Child Development Services
Scheme (ICDS): Government implements
Anganwadi Services, Pradhan Mantri
Matru Vandana Yojana, and a Scheme for
Adolescent Girls under the Umbrella of ICDS
as targeted interventions to address the
problem of malnutrition in the country.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan: It is a flagship national
nutrition mission to improve nutrition
among children, pregnant women, and
lactating mothers.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme : It is a school meal
programme in India designed to better the
nutritional standing of school-age children.
• POSHAN 2.0: “POSHAN 2.0 seeks to
address the challenges of malnutrition in
children, adolescent girls, pregnant women,
and lactating mothers by developing,
improving, and promoting practices that
focus on health, wellness, and immunity”.
www.civilsdaily.com 53
Way Forward
• P olicy and Programmatic Interventions:
Governments should prioritize nutrition
interventions for adolescent girls by
developing and implementing policies
and programs that specifically target their
nutritional needs.
• C onvergence and Collaboration: There
should be effective convergence and
collaboration among various government
departments and stakeholders involved in
nutrition and health programs.
• A wareness and Education: Comprehensive
awareness campaigns and nutrition
education programs targeted at adolescent
girls, their families, and communities should
be implemented.
• S trengthening Health Systems: Health
systems should be strengthened to effectively
deliver nutrition interventions to adolescent
girls. This includes training health workers
to provide appropriate counseling, screening
for nutritional deficiencies, and ensuring the
availability of necessary supplements and
treatments.
• R esearch and Data: There is a need for
continued research and data collection on
the nutritional status of adolescent girls. This
data should be disaggregated by various
parameters such as age, location, and socio-
economic background.
• E mpowering Girls: Empowering adolescent
girls is essential for their overall development
and well-being. This can be done by
providing opportunities for education,
skill-building, and economic empowerment.
Empowered girls are more likely to prioritize
their own health and nutrition and become
agents of change within their communities.
• P artnerships and Investments: Public-
private partnerships and investments from
both domestic and international stakeholders
are crucial for scaling up nutrition
interventions for adolescent girls.
• I ntegration of Government Initiatives:
Various government initiatives targeting
adolescent girls’ nutrition should be
integrated and coordinated to ensure
MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSES (MOOCS)
Massive Open Online
Courses (MOOCs)
Governance | GS2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters
Central Idea
• S
 alman Khan’s Khan Academy thrived
during the global economic crisis of 2008,
attracting a large number of learners through
54 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
comprehensive coverage and avoid
duplication. For example, the Scheme for
Adolescent Girls (SAG) can be brought
under the umbrella of the Prime Minister’s
Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition
programme (POSHAN) 2.0, facilitating a
more cohesive and synergistic approach.
• S
 trengthening Awareness and Nutrition
Education: Targeted adolescent-oriented
schemes, such as the Rashtriya Kishor
Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), should
incorporate robust awareness and nutrition
education programs. Integration of behavior
change communication (BCC) efforts can
generate greater demand and promote the
adoption of good nutrition practices.
• C
 ollaborative Efforts for Convergence:
Effective convergence and collaborations
among relevant departments and
stakeholders are crucial. This includes
collaboration between the health,
education, and women and child
development departments to ensure a
coordinated approach.
• R
 egional Contextualization: Social and
Behavior Change Communication (SBCC)
efforts should be tailored to the regional
context and cultural nuances to ensure
better acceptance and uptake of nutrition
interventions. Collaboration with local
community leaders, influencers, and
organizations can help in designing region-
specific interventions and strategies.
its online education videos. Since then, online
education has gained significant momentum.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
emerged in 2011, backed by renowned
MAINS VALUE ADDITION: STATE-LEVEL
BEST PRACTICES FOR ANSWER WRITING
ENHANCEMENT
Community-led project
The district of Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh
has initiated an Information, Education, and
Communication (IEC) activity, where in
crowded public areas such as railway stations,
officials installed a wall art with messages of
nutrition, early care for the mother and the
child, the first 1000 days, WASH, and sanitation.
Participatory Learning and Action (PLA)-
based interventions :
 Jeevika Self Help Groups (SHG) in Bihar,Â
Shakti in Orissa, Anganwadi in Madhya
Pradesh, and Asha Workers in Jharkhand.
Aligning themselves with the Jan AndolanÂ
Strategy, these initiatives have created a
consensus around nutrition at the community
level and raised awareness about malnutrition
as a problem that the community must
collectively act on.
Project UDAAN
in Rajasthan aims to prevent early marriages
and early pregnancies and galvanise
government leadership by bringing together
key departments to demonstrate a scalable
model for effectively transforming the lives of
adolescent girls.
Improving the quality of nutrients
: In Odisha, the government has introduced
innovative but healthy food such as Badam
Laddoo to provide essential nutrients to
mothers and children, at the same time
removing the stigma associated with them. In
Haryana, Anganwadi centres provide meals
cooked in iron utensils and using iron cutlery.
Conclusion
• Addressing nutrition among girls is not just
a health concern but an investment in the
nation’s future. We have a responsibility and
an opportunity to prioritize the nutritional
needs of India’s girls, nurturing a healthier,
stronger India where every girl can reach her
full potential.
institutions like Stanford University, MIT,
and Harvard. India’s SWAYAM platform
also gained momentum. However, there
are financial challenges and the potential of
regenerative AI to address them is huge.
What are Massive Open Online Courses
(MOOCs)?
• MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Courses,
are online courses that are designed to be
accessible to a large number of learners
worldwide. MOOCs provide an opportunity
 for individuals to access high-quality
educational content and participate in
interactive learning experiences regardless
of their geographical location or educational
background.
Benefits of Scaling up MOOCs
• P artnering with Leading Institutions :
MOOC platforms collaborate with renowned
universities, colleges, and educational
institutions to offer a diverse range of
courses. By partnering with reputable
institutions, MOOCs gain credibility and
access to expertise in various subject areas.
• G lobal Reach: Â MOOC platforms aim
to attract learners from around the world.
They leverage technology to overcome
geographical barriers, enabling learners to
access courses regardless of their location.
This global reach helps in scaling up MOOCs
by reaching a larger audience.
• C ourse Diversity: Â Scaling up MOOCs
involves expanding the course catalog to
cover a wide array of subjects and disciplines.
Platforms collaborate with institutions to
develop courses that cater to learners’
diverse interests and learning needs.
• L anguage Localization: Â To reach learners
from different regions and cultures, MOOC
platforms may offer courses in multiple
languages. Localizing courses by providing
translations or subtitles helps in scaling up
and making education accessible to learners
who are more comfortable learning in their
native languages.
• A daptive Learning: Â Scaling up MOOCs
involves incorporating adaptive learning
technologies that personalize the learning
experience. By leveraging data and analytics,
platforms can provide tailored content and
recommendations to learners, enhancing
their engagement and learning outcomes.
• C redentialing and Certificates: Â MOOC
platforms offer various types of credentials
and certificates to recognize learners’
achievements. Scaling up MOOCs includes
expanding the certification options to provide
learners with tangible proof of their skills and
knowledge.
• S upporting Institutional Partnerships:
 MOOC platforms collaborate with
universities and educational institutions
to offer credit-bearing courses, micro-
credentials, or degree programs.
• C orporate and Professional Development
: MOOC platforms collaborate with
organizations to offer courses and programs
tailored to the needs of professionals and
companies.
• T echnology Infrastructure: Â Scaling
up MOOCs requires robust technology
infrastructure to handle the increasing
number of learners, course content, and
interactions. Platforms invest in scalable and need access to suitable devices and internet
reliable systems to ensure a seamless learning connections to engage effectively with
experience for a growing user base. course materials, which can be a challenge
for individuals with limited resources or in
Challenges for MOOCs underserved areas.
• H igh Dropout Rates: Â MOOCs often
experience high dropout rates, with a What is Generative AI?
significant portion of learners not completing Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence
the courses they enroll in. Factors such as technology that can produce various types of
lack of accountability, competing priorities, content, including text, imagery, audio, and
and limited learner support contribute to this synthetic data.
challenge.
• F inancial Sustainability: Â MOOC platforms
face financial challenges due to high
operating expenses and the practice of
offering entry-level courses for free or at low
fees. Generating revenue through degree-
earning courses can be difficult, as these
courses may have limited demand compared
to the overall course offerings.
• Q uality Assurance: Â Maintaining consistent
quality across a wide range of courses and
instructors can be challenging. Ensuring that
courses meet rigorous educational standards,
provide effective learning experiences,
and offer valid assessments requires
ongoing monitoring and quality assurance
mechanisms.
• L imited Interaction and Engagement:
 MOOCs often struggle to provide the
same level of interaction and engagement
as traditional classroom settings. It can be
challenging to foster meaningful peer-to-
peer interactions, personalized feedback, and
instructor-student interactions at scale.
• A ccess and Connectivity: Â MOOCs
heavily rely on internet access and reliable
connectivity. In regions with limited
internet infrastructure or where learners
face connectivity issues, accessing and
participating in MOOCs can be challenging
or even impossible.
• L earner Support: Â As MOOCs cater to
a massive number of learners, providing
personalized learner support can be
challenging. Addressing individual queries,
providing timely feedback, and offering The Role of Generative AI to address these
support services can be resource-intensive, challenges of MOOC
particularly for platforms with limited staff • Personalized Learning: Â Generative
and resources. AI algorithms can analyze learner data,
• R
 ecognition and Credentialing: Â While including their preferences, learning styles,
MOOCs offer certificates and credentials, and performance, to provide personalized
their recognition and acceptance by learning experiences. AI-powered
employers and educational institutions recommendation systems can suggest
can vary. Some employers and institutions relevant courses, resources, and learning
may not consider MOOC certificates paths tailored to each learner’s needs,
as equivalent to traditional degrees or improving engagement and reducing
certifications, limiting the value and dropout rates.
recognition of MOOC-based learning • Intelligent Tutoring and Support: Â
achievements Generative AI can power virtual assistants
• T
 echnological Requirements: Â MOOCs rely or chatbots that offer intelligent tutoring
on technology infrastructure, including online and learner support. These AI systems
platforms, learning management systems, can answer learners’ questions, provide
and multimedia content delivery. Learners feedback on assignments, offer guidance,
www.civilsdaily.com 55
 and assist with course navigation, creating
a more interactive and supportive learning
environment.
• C
 ontent Summarization and Adaptation
: Generative AI can automate the
summarization of voluminous course
content, providing concise overviews or
summaries. This helps learners grasp key
concepts efficiently and manage their study
time effectively. AI algorithms can also adapt
content presentation based on learners’
proficiency levels, learning pace, and
preferences.
• A
 daptive Assessments and Feedback:
 AI algorithms can generate adaptive
assessments that dynamically adjust
difficulty levels based on learners’
performance, ensuring appropriate challenge
and personalized feedback. This helps
in maintaining learner engagement and
promoting continuous improvement.
HIGHER EDUCATION - RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, ETC.
Is the National Institutional
Ranking Framework
(NIRF) flawed?
Governance | GS2: Health & Education
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : NIRF Ranking
Mains level : State of higher education in India
Central Idea
• In a country as diverse as India, ranking
universities and institutions is a complex task.
• T he Ministry of Education established the
National Institutional Ranking Framework
(NIRF) in 2016 to assess the performance of
institutions based on critical indicators.
56 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• D
 ropout Prediction and Intervention: Â
Generative AI models can analyze learner
data to identify patterns and indicators that
correlate with dropout behavior. By detecting
early signs of disengagement or struggling,
AI systems can proactively intervene with
targeted interventions, such as personalized
reminders, additional support resources, or
alternative learning strategies.
• E
 nhanced Course Discoverability: Â
Generative AI algorithms can improve the
discoverability of courses within MOOC
platforms by analyzing learner preferences,
search patterns, and browsing behaviors.
AI-powered search and recommendation
systems can present learners with relevant
courses and help them navigate through the
extensive course catalog more effectively.
• N
 atural Language Processing and Language
Localization: Â Generative AI techniques,
such as natural language processing, can
facilitate language localization efforts. AI
models can assist in translating course
• Institutions eagerly await their standings in
this nationally recognized system every year.
NIRF Ranking: An Overview
• T
 he NIRF releases rankings across various
categories, including ‘Overall’, ‘Research
Institutions’, ‘Universities’, ‘Colleges’, and
specific disciplines.
• T
 he rankings serve as an important resource
for prospective students navigating the
higher education landscape in India.
• N
 IRF ranks institutes based on their total
score, which is determined using five
indicators:
• T
 eaching, Learning & Resources (30%
weightage)
• R
 esearch and Professional Practice (30%)
• G
 raduation Outcomes (20%)
• O
 utreach and Inclusivity (10%)
• P
 erception (10%)
content, subtitles, or transcripts into
different languages, making MOOCs more
accessible to learners from diverse linguistic
backgrounds.
• Continuous Content Improvement: Â
Generative AI can help analyze learner
feedback and engagement data to identify
areas for content improvement. AI-powered
analytics can provide insights into which
course elements are most effective or
require revision, enabling instructors and
course developers to iterate and enhance
their offerings
Concerns about the methodology
• Role of Bibliometrics: Bibliometrics refers
to the quantitative analysis of scholarly
publications, including metrics such as the
number of publications, citations received,
and journal impact factors.
• Limitations: Bibliometrics may not
adequately consider factors such as the
quality and relevance of research, innovation,
societal impact, and contributions beyond
traditional publications.
• Caution against Over-Reliance: A
comprehensive evaluation methodology
should consider a broader range of factors
to provide a more holistic assessment of
institutional performance.
Issues with NIRF’s Bibliometric Approach
• Reliance on Commercial Databases: The
NIRF relies on commercial databases like
Scopus and Web of Science to collect
bibliometric data for evaluating research
output and impact. However, these
databases may have limitations in terms of
coverage, accuracy, and the inclusion of non-
traditional research outputs.
• Accuracy and Misuse Concerns: There
are concerns regarding the accuracy of
bibliometric data, potential manipulation of
citation counts, and the misuse of metrics
for promotional purposes. It is important to
ensure the integrity and validity of the data
used in ranking assessments.
• Neglecting Non-traditional Contributions:
The focus on research articles in bibliometric
indicators may overlook other valuable
intellectual contributions, such as books,
 book chapters, patents, policy reports,
and other forms of non-traditional
scholarly outputs.
• D
 isincentive for Local Issues: The emphasis
on internationally recognized journals and
global research trends may discourage
researchers from addressing local issues
and conducting research that is contextually
relevant to national or regional priorities.
Transparency and Flaws in the Rankings
• L ack of Transparency: Institutions and
stakeholders should have access to detailed
information about the methodology, data
sources, weightage assigned to different
indicators, and the process of data collection
and analysis.
HIGHER EDUCATION - RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, ETC.
VAIBHAV Fellowship Program
Governance | GS2: Indian Diaspora
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : VAIBHAV Program
Mains level : Various initiatives for Indian Diaspora
Central Idea:
The Ministry of Science & Technology has
launched the Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik
(VAIBHAV) fellowships programme.
VAIBHAV Program
• T
 he program aims to connect the Indian
STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Mathematics, and Medicine) diaspora with
Indian academic and R&D institutions.
HEALTH SECTOR - UHC, NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY, FAMILY PLANNING, HEALTH INSURANCE, ETC.
India’s Rising Burden
of Diabetes: Urgent
Actions Needed
Governance | GS2: Health & Education
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Diabetes
Mains level : Rising burden of NCDs in India
• N
 eed for Detailed NIRF Methodology:
While the NIRF publicly shares its
ranking methodology, there is a need for
more comprehensive and transparent
documentation that provides a detailed
view of the evaluation process. This would
enhance stakeholders’ understanding and
enable a more informed assessment of
the rankings.
• A
 ddressing the Discrepancy: Clear and
precise definitions for indicators like research
quantity and quality are crucial to avoid
potential ambiguity and misinterpretation.
Transparent guidelines and criteria should be
established to ensure a consistent and fair
evaluation.
• It promotes collaborative research work,
knowledge sharing, and the exchange of
best practices in frontier areas of science and
technology.
Implementation and Eligibility
• I mplementing Agency: Department of
Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of
Science and Technology.
• B
 eneficiaries: outstanding scientists/
technologists of Indian origin (NRI/OCI/
PIO) engaged in research activities in their
respective countries.
• B
 enefits: Grant of INR 4,00,000 per month,
international and domestic travel expenses,
accommodation, and contingencies
Conclusion
• Promoting Comprehensive Evaluation:
There is a need to develop evaluation
methodologies that go beyond bibliometrics
and consider a broader range of qualitative
and quantitative factors to provide a more
comprehensive assessment of institutional
performance.
• Transparency, Diverse Factors, and
Balance: Ensuring transparency in ranking
methodologies, considering diverse factors,
and striking a balance between quantitative
metrics and qualitative assessments
will contribute to a more accurate and
meaningful evaluation of universities in India.
• Verticals identified: 75 fellows will
be selected to work in 18 identified
knowledge verticals, including quantum
technology, health, pharma, electronics,
agriculture, energy, computer sciences, and
material sciences.
• Collaborations: The VAIBHAV Fellow will
collaborate with Indian Higher Educational
Institutions (HEIs), universities, and/or public-
funded scientific institutions.
• R&D Activity: The fellow can spend up to 2
months per year , for a maximum of 3years
, in an Indian institution.
VAIBHAV Summit and Participation
• The Government of India organized the
VAIBHAV Summit to connect the Indian
STEMM diaspora with Indian institutions.
• The summit was inaugurated by the Hon’ble
Prime Minister and saw the participation of
over 25,000 attendees.
• Indian STEMM diaspora from more than 70
countries took part in the deliberations.
www.civilsdaily.com 57
Central idea:
A recent study by ICMR has raised concerns
about the emerging crisis of diabetes in India
and the urgent need for effective strategies to
tackle this escalating issue.
What is Diabetes?
Prevalence
Autoimmune
Insulin Dependence
Onset
Causes
Body Weight
Insulin Production
Treatment
Complications
Lifestyle Factors
Prevention
Burden of Diabetes in India
• T
 he results of the largest long-term study on
metabolic factors in the Indian subcontinent,
known as the ICMR-InDiab study, were
recently published in The Lancet.
• T
 his study, conducted between 2008 and
2020, aimed to estimate India’s burden of
chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Key Findings
The study revealed alarming statistics regarding
diabetes in India:
• A pproximately 11% of the population
has diabetes.
• A nother 15.3% of the population is in the pre-
diabetic stage.
• T his translates to an estimated 101.3 million
diabetics and 136 million individuals in the
pre-diabetic stage.
• U rban areas have a higher prevalence (16.4%)
compared to rural areas (8.9%).
These numbers underscore the need for
immediate attention to prevent the further
rise of diabetes and manage its complications
effectively.
58 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Type 1 Diabetes
Generally diagnosed in children and young adults
Autoimmune condition, immune system
attacks pancreas
Requires insulin injections or insulin pump
Sudden onset
Genetic predisposition and environmental factors
Often normal or underweight
Little to no insulin production
Insulin therapy, blood sugar monitoring
Higher risk of diabetic ketoacidosis
Cannot be prevented or reversed
No known prevention strategies
Reasons for India’s Rising Burden
India’s escalating burden of diabetes can be
attributed to several factors:
• G
 enetic Predisposition: Indians have a
higher genetic susceptibility to diabetes.
• C
 hanging Lifestyles: Urbanization,
sedentary habits, and unhealthy dietary
patterns contribute to increased obesity and
diabetes risk.
• O
 besity Epidemic: Rising obesity rates in
India are a major risk factor for diabetes.
• S
 ocioeconomic Factors: Limited access to
healthcare, lack of awareness, and resource
constraints hinder diabetes management.
• U
 rban-Rural Divide: Diabetes is no longer
limited to urban areas, as rural regions also
experience a growing prevalence.
• D
 elayed Diagnosis and Treatment: Late
diagnosis and treatment initiation impede
effective disease management.
Addressing India’s Rising Burden of
Diabetes
To combat this crisis, key interventions include:
Type 2 Diabetes
Usually diagnosed in adults, but can occur
at any age
Not autoimmune, insulin resistance or
impaired insulin production
May be managed with lifestyle changes, oral
medication, or insulin
Gradual onset
Genetic and lifestyle factors, including obesity
Often overweight or obese
Insulin resistance or inadequate insulin
production
Lifestyle changes, oral medication, insulin
therapy if needed
Higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other
complications
Can be prevented or managed through
lifestyle changes
Focus on healthy lifestyle, weight management
• P revention and Health Promotion:
Encouraging healthy lifestyles and stress
reduction.
• Early Detection and Diagnosis:
Promoting awareness and implementing
screening programs.
• Access to Quality Healthcare: Improving
healthcare infrastructure and ensuring
equitable access.
• Education and Awareness: Public health
campaigns to raise awareness and encourage
lifestyle modifications.
• Policy Interventions: Implementing policies
for healthy environments and regulating
unhealthy products.
Conclusion
• India is facing a significant health crisis with
the rising burden of diabetes.
• It is imperative to prioritize diabetes
prevention and management to ensure a
healthier future for the nation.
FOOD PROCUREMENT AND DISTRIBUTION - PDS & NFSA, SHANTA KUMAR COMMITTEE, FCI
RESTRUCTURING, BUFFER STOCK, ETC.
Anna Bhagya Scheme
of Karnataka
Governance | GS2: Government Scheme/Policies
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Annna Bhagya Scheme
Mains level : Not Much
HEALTH SECTOR - UHC, NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY, FAMILY PLANNING, HEALTH INSURANCE, ETC.
What is Medicines
Patent Pool (MPP)?
Governance | GS2: Health & Education
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Medicines Patent Pool (MPP)
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) has
entered into sub-licence agreements with
Indian and Indonesian companies to produce
generic versions of the cancer drug Nilotinib.
• N
 ilotinib is used in the treatment of chronic
myeloid leukaemia, a type of blood cancer.
What is Medicines Patent Pool (MPP)?
• M
 ission and Purpose: The MPP is a United
Nations-backed organization focused on
increasing access to life-saving medicines for
low- and middle-income countries.
Central Idea
• The government in Karnataka is facing
challenges in procuring rice for its ambitious
Anna Bhagya scheme.
• However, there is a ray of hope as Punjab
has agreed in-principle to supply the required
quantity of rice.
What is Anna Bhagya Scheme?
• The state government plans to enhance the
free rice allocation per person in the Below
Poverty Line (BPL) card from 5 kg to 10 kg.
• The scheme is estimated to cost the
exchequer ₹840 crore monthly and
₹10,092 crore annually.
• It is scheduled to be launched on July 1.
• A
 ddressing IPR: The MPP works to
overcome barriers related to intellectual
property rights and patents that limit the
availability and affordability of essential
medicines.
• V
 oluntary Licensing Agreements: The MPP
negotiates voluntary licensing agreements
with pharmaceutical companies to allow the
production of generic versions of patented
medicines.
• P
 roduction of Affordable Generics: By
securing licenses, the MPP enables qualified
manufacturers in low- and middle-income
countries to produce and distribute affordable
generic medicines.
Need for MPP
• C
 ollaborative Approach: The MPP
collaborates with governments, non-profit
organizations, civil society groups, and
Challenges Faced
• The Food Corporation of India (FCI) initially
agreed to provide the required 2.28 lakh
tonnes of rice but later refused to do so.
• Telangana and Andhra Pradesh expressed
inability to supply, while Chhattisgarh
government offered to supply 1.5 lakh tonnes.
• Karnataka is now searching for rice in other
states and aims to purchase it at ₹34 per kg.
Consideration of Alternative Grains:
• If needed, the state may provide 2 kg of
either ragi or jowar, which would last for
six months.
• However, the government still needs to
supply an additional 3 kg of rice on top of the
existing 5 kg allocation.
Punjab’s Offer
• The Punjab government expressed
willingness to supply rice to Karnataka in the
federal spirit.
• Punjab has enough rice and wants to help
mitigate the problems faced by the poor
across the country.
pharmaceutical companies to address global
health challenges and promote access to
medicines.
• Focus on Priority Diseases: The MPP’s
efforts are particularly significant in diseases
like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis C,
and other priority areas where access to
affordable medications is crucial.
• Sustainable Supply of Generic Medicines:
Through licensing agreements, the MPP
ensures a sustainable supply of quality-
assured generic medicines, promoting
market competition and expanding
treatment options.
• Improving Health Outcomes: The MPP’s
work reduces the burden of high drug
costs and enhances access to life-saving
treatments, ultimately improving health
outcomes and saving lives.
• Benefit for Low- and Middle-Income
Countries: The MPP’s initiatives directly
benefit patients in low- and middle-income
countries by increasing access to affordable
medicines and reducing disparities in
healthcare.
Recent agreements signed
• Licence Agreement with Novartis: In
October 2022, the MPP signed a licence
agreement with Novartis Pharma AG,
the Switzerland-based pharmaceutical
corporation that holds the patent for
Nilotinib.
www.civilsdaily.com 59
• F irst Sub-Licence Agreements: The
recent sub-licence agreements with Indian
companies Eugia, Hetero, and Dr. Reddy’s
Laboratories, along with the Indonesian firm
BrightGene, mark the first such agreements
for a cancer treatment drug by the MPP.
Benefits
• G
 eneric Versions of Nilotinib: The licensed
manufacturers can produce generic versions
of Nilotinib.
SURROGACY IN INDIA
Assisted Reproductive
Technology Regulations
(ART), 2023
Governance | GS2: Health & Education
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Ideas
• T
 he Health Ministry of India introduced
the Assisted Reproductive Technology
Regulations (ART), 2023 earlier this year,
aiming to improve medical care and security
for donors and patients.
• H
 owever, industry insiders report that the
new provisions have led to increased medical
costs and pose challenges for doctors
and couples seeking ART due to limited
availability of donors.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in
India
• A RT refers to a range of techniques used
to achieve pregnancy by handling sperm
or egg cells outside the human body and
transferring embryos into the woman’s
reproductive tract.
• It is regulated by Assisted Reproductive
Technology (Regulation) Act 2021 in India.
• A RT in India is regulated by the Indian
Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• N ational Guidelines for Accreditation,
Supervision, and Regulation of ART Clinics
were established in 2005.
Definition and Techniques of ART
• A RT encompasses various procedures,
including sperm donation, in-vitro fertilization
(IVF), and gestational surrogacy.
• It involves handling sperm and egg cells in a
laboratory setting to facilitate fertilization and
embryo development.
60 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• M
 anufacturing: The selected manufacturers
have the rights to manufacture generic
Nilotinib in India and seven middle-income
countries.
• S
 upply in 44 Territories: The non-exclusive
licence agreement allows for the supply of
generic Nilotinib in 44 territories covered by
the agreement, subject to local regulatory
authorisation.
Types of ART Procedures permitted:
• I n Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs and
sperm are fertilized in a laboratory dish,
and resulting embryos are transferred to
the uterus.
• I ntracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A
single sperm is directly injected into an egg.
• I ntrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm
is placed directly into the uterus during
ovulation.
• S
 urrogacy: A surrogate mother carries
and delivers a baby for another individual
or couple.
Salient Provisions of the ART (Regulation)
Act 2021:
[A] Regulation of ART Clinics and Banks:
• R
 egistration Requirement: ART clinics
and banks must be registered under the
National Registry of Banks and Clinics of
India, maintaining a central database of these
institutions.
• V
 alidity and Renewal: Registration is valid
for five years and can be renewed for an
additional five years.
• C
 ompliance and Penalties: Violation of the
Act’s provisions may result in cancellation or
suspension of the institution’s registration.
[B] Conditions for Sperm Donation and ART
Services:
• E
 ligibility Criteria: Registered ART banks can
screen, collect, and store semen from men
aged between 21 and 55 years, as well as
store eggs from women aged between 23
and 35 years.
• Affordable Treatment Option: Charles Gore,
the executive director of the MPP, states
that the production of generic Nilotinib
will provide an affordable treatment option
for people diagnosed with chronic myeloid
leukaemia in the covered countries.
• Increasing Access to Cancer Medication:
The MPP’s initiative aims to improve access
to essential cancer medications by reducing
costs and increasing availability.
• Female Donor Requirements: Female donors
must be married with at least one child of
their own, aged at least three years.
• Parental Rights: A child born through ART
procedures is legally considered the couple’s
biological child, and the donor does not
retain any parental rights over the child.
[C] Consent and Insurance Coverage:
• Informed Consent: ART procedures require
written informed consent from both the
couple seeking the procedure and the donor.
• Insurance Coverage: The couple must
provide insurance coverage for the
female donor, protecting against loss,
damage, or death.
[D] Regulation of ART Processes:
• National and State Boards: The Surrogacy
Act 2021 establishes National and
State Boards responsible for regulating
ART services.
• Advisory Role: These boards advise the
government on policy matters, review and
monitor law implementation, and formulate a
code of conduct for ART clinics and banks.
[E] Offences and Penalties:
• Offences defined: Child abandonment
or exploitation, sale or trade of embryos,
exploitation of couples or donors, and
transfer of embryos into males or animals.
• Penalties: Offenders may face imprisonment
ranging from 8 to 12 years and fines up to Rs
10 to 20 lakhs.
• Sex-Selective ART Prohibition: Clinics and
banks are prohibited from advertising or
offering sex-selective ART, with penalties of
imprisonment ranging from 5 to 10 years and
fines up to Rs 10 to 25 lakhs.
New Provisions of the ART Regulations,
2023
• Donation Frequency Restrictions: The
regulations limit the number of times a
donor (male or female) can donate sperm or
oocytes in their lifetime.
• A ge Limits for Donors: The provisions
specify age criteria for oocyte donors,
requiring prior marriage and having at least
one living child of their own.
• L imitations on Gamete Distribution:
ART banks are prohibited from supplying
reproductive cells from a single donor to
more than one commissioning couple.
• I nsurance Coverage Requirement: Parties
seeking ART services must provide insurance
coverage for oocyte donors against any loss,
damage, or death.
• P rohibition on Pre-Determined Sex
Selection: Clinics are prohibited from offering
to provide a child of pre-determined sex.
• G enetic Disease Screening: Checking for
genetic diseases before embryo implantation
is mandated.
HEALTH SECTOR - UHC, NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY, FAMILY PLANNING, HEALTH INSURANCE, ETC.
Centre planning new Bill
on Stray Dog Issue
Governance | GS2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : NA
Mains level : Stray dog attack incidences
Centre Idea:
• T
 he Centre will soon formulate a law on
the issue of stray dogs, Union Minister
Parshottam Rupala said.
Stray Dog Menace in India
• C
 ities have witnessed a sharp increase in the
stray dog population, which as per the official
2019 livestock census stood at 1.5 crore.
• H
 owever, independent estimates peg the
number to be around 6.2 crore.
• T
 he number of dog bites has simultaneously
doubled between 2012 and 2020.
• E
 xperts agree there may be a correlation
between urbanisation and solid waste
production, made visible due to the
mismanagement of waste disposal.
Issues with these regulations
[A] Impact on Availability of Suitable
Donors
• R estricted Opportunities: The new
provisions significantly limit the opportunities
for ART couples to find suitable donors,
affecting their chances of successful
treatment.
• I ncreased Costs: The restrictions on
donation attempts have the potential to
increase costs for couples relying on assisted
reproductive techniques.
• C
 hallenges for Couples: The limitations
pose challenges for couples in need of ART
services, as finding compatible donors
becomes more difficult.
[B] Implications for Fertility Rates:
• D
 eclining Fertility Rates: Like other parts of
the world, India is experiencing a decline in
fertility rates.
• T
 epid animal birth control programmes and
insufficient rescue centres, in conjunction
with poor waste management, result in a
proliferation of street animals in India.
Reasons behind
• P oor waste management: Inadequate waste
disposal facilities and the mismanagement
of solid waste often lead to the congregation
of stray dogs around garbage dumps and
landfills, where they scavenge for food.
• U nplanned urbanization: The population
boom in Indian cities has led to a sharp
increase in the stray dog population. Rapid
urbanization has led to the creation of
slums and unmanaged solid waste, which
attract dogs.
• L ack of food and shelter: The availability
of food and shelter determines the carrying
capacity of a city. In the absence of these
facilities, free-ranging dogs become
scavengers that forage around for food,
eventually gravitating towards exposed
garbage dumping sites.
• T
 erritoriality: Stray dogs often become
territorial and aggressive about public spaces
where they are fed, leading to increased
attacks on humans.
• Increased Challenges: Further limiting
the pool of available donors through the
new regulations is likely to exacerbate the
challenges faced by couples seeking ART.
Conclusion
• While the new ART regulations in India
aim to enhance safety measures and
transparency, they have inadvertently
led to challenges in the availability of
suitable donors.
• With declining fertility rates, the restrictions
imposed by the regulations pose additional
difficulties.
• Balancing the need for regulation and patient
access to effective ART treatments will be
crucial to ensure the well-being of couples
and the continued progress of assisted
reproductive technology in India.
• Improper sterilization and rescue centres:
Tepid animal birth control programmes and
insufficient rescue centres, in conjunction
with poor waste management, result in a
proliferation of street animals in India.
Food wastage in India
• A population boom in Indian cities has
contributed to a staggering rise in solid waste
production. Indian cities generate more than
150000 metric tonnes of urban solid waste
every day.
• According to a 2021 UNEP report, an
estimated 931 million tonnes of food available
to consumers ended up in households,
restaurants, vendors and other food service
retailers’ bins in 2019.
• Indian homes on average also generated 50
kg of food waste per person.
• The presence of free-roaming dogs in urban
areas is determined by the “carrying
capacity” of a city, which is the availability of
food and shelter.
Urban Stray Dogs and Waste Disposal
• Food and shelter: The wastage food often
serves as a source of food for hunger-
stricken, free-roaming dogs that move
towards densely-populated areas in cities,
such as urban slums which are usually
located next to dumping sites.
• Sanitation assists food hunt: In the absence
of proper sanitation and waste disposal
facilities, stray dogs become scavengers that
forage for food around exposed garbage
dumping sites.
www.civilsdaily.com 61
Impact of Unplanned and Unregulated
Urban Development
• A BC Program: Under Animal Birth Control
(ABC) program, municipal bodies trap,
sterilize, and release dogs to slow down
the dog population. This approach aims to
control the number of strays while avoiding
the inhumane practice of killing them.
• R abies Control Measures: Another anchor of
India’s response is rabies control measures,
including vaccination drives. Rabies is a fatal
disease that can be transmitted to humans
through dog bites. Thus, preventing rabies is
essential in addressing the issue of stray dogs.
• I nformal Measures: These include mass
killing of dogs in states like Kerala, which is a
controversial practice as it is often inhumane
and does not address the root causes of the
issue. Other measures include imposing
bans on the entry of stray dogs in colonies or
feeding them in public.
Why address stray dog attacks issue?
• A
 dds Vulnerability to the poor: The
disproportionate burden of dog bites may
also fall on people in urban slums, which
are usually located in close proximity to
dumping sites.
HIGHER EDUCATION - RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, ETC.
Cabinet approves Bill
for National Research
Foundation (NRF)
Governance | GS2: Health & Education
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : National Research Foundation (NRF)
Mains level : NA
Central Idea
• T
 he Union Cabinet’s approval of the National
Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 marks
a significant milestone in the field of scientific
research in India.
• W
 ith an estimated budget of ₹50,000 crore
from 2023-28, the NRF will reshape the
research landscape in the country.
62 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• E
 xposes harsher realities: The rise in such
attacks speak to core issues of lack of
serviced affordable urban housing for all, lack
of safe livelihood options and improper solid
waste management”.
Empathizing the strays
• A
 bandoned, not strayed: Stray dogs are
sentient social beings capable of feeling
pain, fear, and joy. Urban living patterns have
largely impacted their abandonment.
• S
 ubjected to abuse: They are often victims
of neglect, abuse, and abandonment, and
are forced to survive in harsh conditions on
the streets.
• N
 eglected community guardians: Stray
dogs can serve as community guardians by
alerting us to potential dangers and can also
provide emotional support to humans.
Way forward
• I mprove waste management: Efficient
management of solid waste can help reduce
the availability of food for stray dogs and limit
their population growth.
What is NRF?
• A pex Body: The NRF will be established
as the highest governing body for
scientific research, in accordance with the
recommendations of the National Education
Policy (NEP).
• D epartment of Science and Technology’s
Role: The DST will serve as the
administrative department of the NRF, with
a Governing Board consisting of eminent
researchers and professionals from various
disciplines.
• L eadership Structure: PM will be the
ex-officio President of the Board, while the
Union Minister of Science & Technology and
the Union Minister of Education will be the
ex-officio Vice-Presidents.
• Increase vaccination and sterilization:
ABC and vaccination programs should
be implemented in a more organized and
efficient manner to control the stray dog
population and the spread of rabies.
• Encourage responsible feeding practices:
Regulating feeding around bakeries
and restaurants and improving waste
management in public spaces can reduce the
carrying capacity of the environment for stray
dogs and minimize the congregation of dogs
in certain areas.
• Develop national policy: There is a need
for a comprehensive national policy that
addresses the issue of stray dogs and their
management in a more systematic and
humane manner.
• Stop gruesome brutality:
Stoppingbrutalityhttps://www.civilsdaily.
com/news/cruelty-to-animals/towards dogs
is a crucial step towards creating a more
compassionate and just management of stray
dogs menace.
• Functioning: The Principal Scientific Adviser
will chair the Executive Council responsible
for NRF’s functioning.
Consolidation and Funding
• Integration of Science and Engineering
Research Board: The proposed Bill repeals
the Science and Engineering Research Board
(SERB) established in 2008 and subsumes it
into the NRF.
• Equitable Funding: The NRF aims to ensure
equitable distribution of research funding,
addressing the current disparity between
eminent institutions like IITs and IISc and
state universities. It seeks to allocate research
funds more fairly, with an expected private
sector investment of ₹36,000 crore.
• Government Contribution: The government
will contribute ₹10,000 crore over five
years, while the DST will continue to receive
its annual budget for funding autonomous
research bodies, scholarships, and capacity-
building programs.
Collaboration and Policy Framework
• Industry-Academia-Government
Collaboration: The NRF will foster
collaborations among industries, academia,
government departments, and research
institutions. It will establish an interface
mechanism to facilitate participation
 and contributions from industries, state
governments, scientific ministries, and line
ministries.
• P
 olicy Framework and Regulatory
Processes: NRF’s focus will include
creating a policy framework and regulatory
processes that encourage collaboration and
increased industry spending on research and
development (R&D).
• R
 esearch in Social Sciences and Humanities:
The NRF aims to promote research not only
in natural sciences but also in humanities,
social sciences, and arts. It recognizes the
importance of integrating these disciplines in
decision-making processes.
Addressing National Priorities
• P riority Areas: The NRF intends to
identify priority areas aligned with national
objectives, such as clean energy, climate
change, sustainable infrastructure, improved
transportation, and accessible healthcare.
• M ultidisciplinary Projects and Centers of
Excellence: To address national priorities,
the NRF will support large-scale, long-term,
multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional
projects. It also plans to establish Centers of
Excellence focusing on crucial research areas
for the country.
• I nternational Collaborations: The NRF will
coordinate and support research in mega
international projects, including LIGO and
ITER, in which India is actively involved.
Funding and Impact
• Increased Funding: The NRF aims to
significantly increase the funding available
for scientific research in India from
both government and private sources.
Currently, India’s spending on research and
development remains below 0.7% of its GDP.
• Potential Impact: The NRF’s establishment
has the potential to address the pressing
issues in Indian science and enhance the
country’s research output. Experts view it as a
major landmark for science in India, with the
allocated 50,000 crore as a starting point for
future growth and impact.
www.civilsdaily.com 63
 Polity

64 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
INTERSTATE RIVER WATER DISPUTE
Row over Mekedatu Project
Polity | GS2: Federalism
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Mekedatu Project
Mains level : Interstate water disputes
Central Idea
• A
 nnouncement of dam and reservoir: The
Deputy CM of Karnataka announced plans
for the construction of a dam and reservoir
calledMekedatuhttps://www.civilsdaily.com/
news/mekedatu-dam-project/near the state’s
border with Tamil Nadu.
• O
 bjections raised by Tamil Nadu: Tamil
Nadu expressed strong objections to the
project, arguing that it goes against the
rulings of both the Cauvery Water Disputes
Tribunal and the Supreme Court.
• W
 arning of protests: Political parties in Tamil
Nadu have warned of potential protests
and opposition if the construction of the
Mekedatu dam proceeds.
What is Mekedatu Project?
• L ocation and purpose: The Mekedatu
dam project is planned to be constructed in
Ramanagaram district, approximately 100
km south of Bengaluru. Its primary purpose
is to address the drinking water needs
of Bengaluru and replenish the regional
groundwater table.
• P
 roposed capacity and estimated cost of
the dam: The dam is proposed to have a
capacity of 48 TMC (thousand million cubic)
feet and is estimated to cost Rs 6,000 crore.
• B
 ackground and previous developments of
the project: The idea of the Mekedatu dam
has been under consideration for several
years. In 2014, the Karnataka government
invited expressions of interest for the project
and allocated funds for a detailed project
report in the following year.
Arguments against the Project
• C oncerns over modification of river flow:
Critics of the Mekedatu project argue that
constructing reservoirs on the Cauvery River
would modify its natural flow, potentially
leading to adverse effects downstream.
• V iolation of the final award of the water
disputes tribunal: Tamil Nadu contends that
the proposed dam violates the final award of
the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, which
determined the water-sharing arrangements
between the two states.
• I mpact on water flow in catchment areas:
Tamil Nadu raises concerns that the project’s
implementation would impound the flow in
catchment areas, affecting the availability of
water downstream and potentially leading to
water scarcity in the state.
Justifications and proposals
• E
 nsuring adequate flow to TN: Karnataka
argues that the construction of the Mekedatu
dam will not hinder the stipulated quantum
of water release to Tamil Nadu nor be utilized
for irrigation purposes.
• A
 llocation of funds and willingness to
negotiate: The Karnataka government has
earmarked Rs 1,000 crore for the project,
indicating its commitment. It also expresses
willingness to engage in discussions and
negotiations with Tamil Nadu to address
concerns and find a resolution.
• Clearance of feasibility study: The Central
Water Commission cleared a feasibility
study for the Mekedatu project in 2018,
providing additional support for Karnataka’s
justifications and indicating the project’s
viability.
Environmental and Economic considerations
• Potential benefits of the dam for water
supply: Proponents of the Mekedatu project
argue that it will address the pressing
drinking water needs of Bengaluru, ensuring
a stable water supply for the growing city.
• Concerns about environmental impact and
ecosystem disruption: Critics raise concerns
about the potential environmental impact
of constructing the dam and reservoir.
They highlight potential disruptions to local
ecosystems and the natural flow of the river.
• Evaluating the economic viability of the
project: Given the significant estimated cost
of the Mekedatu project, there is a need to
evaluate its cost-effectiveness and long-term
economic viability, considering factors such
as funding sources, returns on investment,
and sustainable utilization of resources.
Way forward
• Importance of negotiation and finding
common ground: The conflict surrounding
the Mekedatu project emphasizes the
importance of dialogue, negotiations, and
finding mutually acceptable solutions that
address the concerns of both Karnataka and
Tamil Nadu.
• Role of the Supreme Court and other
mediators in resolving conflicts: The
involvement of the Supreme Court and other
mediators can play a crucial role in facilitating
discussions, mediating conflicts, and reaching
a resolution that adheres to legal frameworks
and considers the interests of both states.
• Promoting inter-state cooperation for
sustainable water management: The
dispute underscores the need for robust
inter-state cooperation and collaboration
on water management issues. It is crucial to
ensure sustainable and equitable utilization
of shared water resources, respect legal
frameworks, and address the concerns of all
stakeholders involved.
www.civilsdaily.com 65
IN NEWS: TELANGANA STATEHOOD DAY
In news: Telangana
Statehood Day
Polity | GS2: India & Its Neighborhood - Relations
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Telangana, States Reorganization
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• W
 ith assembly elections just months
away, political parties across the board
are celebrating the 9th anniversary of
Telangana’s statehood today (June 2).
Formation of Telangana
• T he article discusses the historical
background and the struggle for statehood
that led to the formation of Telangana, the
newest state in India.
• It provides a chronological account of the
significant events and factors that shaped
Telangana’s journey towards becoming an
independent state.
Why was Telangana separated from Andhra
Pradesh?
Telangana was separated from Andhra Pradesh
primarily due to historical, cultural, and
developmental reasons, as well as demands
from the people of the region. Here are the key
reasons behind the separation:
• H istorical and Cultural Differences:
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have distinct
historical and cultural identities. Telangana
had its own language, Telugu, but with a
distinct dialect and cultural practices. The
people of Telangana felt that their unique
identity was not adequately recognized
or represented within the larger Andhra
Pradesh state.
• S ocio-economic Disparities: Telangana
region, despite its rich natural resources,
had been relatively underdeveloped
compared to the coastal Andhra region.
People in Telangana felt that their region’s
development needs were neglected, resulting
in socio-economic disparities and unequal
distribution of resources and opportunities.
66 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• D
 emand for Local Control: The demand
for separate statehood gained momentum
due to the belief that local control and
governance would be more effective in
addressing the specific needs and aspirations
of Telangana. The people of Telangana
sought greater autonomy and decision-
making power over their own affairs.
• P
 olitical Representation: Some leaders and
groups within Telangana felt marginalized
in the political landscape of united Andhra
Pradesh. They believed that a separate
state would provide better opportunities for
political representation and participation.
• W
 ater and Resource Sharing: Disputes over
the sharing of water resources, particularly
the Krishna and Godavari rivers, further
strained the relationship between Telangana
and Andhra Pradesh. The perceived
inequitable distribution of water resources
added to the demand for a separate state.
These factors, along with sustained movements
and protests led by various political and social
groups, culminated in the bifurcation of Andhra
Pradesh and the formation of the separate state
of Telangana on June 2, 2014.
Here is a complete timeline of the formation
of the modern Telangana State 
PART I: Pre-Independence and Formation
of Andhra Pradesh
• P
 ost-independence Hyderabad State (1948-
1951): Hyderabad’s significance as a part of
the Princely State and its dominance by the
Urdu-speaking Muslim elite.
• B
 rutalities under Nizam’s rule and the
Razakars (1945-1948): The communist-
supported rebellion and the violent response
of the Nizam’s local militia, the Razakars,
leading to atrocities on Telangana’s
population.
• S
 tandstill Agreement and its violation
(1947-1948): The signing of the Standstill
Agreement with Hyderabad, the subsequent
violation of its terms by the Nizam,
and the intervention of India through
“Operation Polo.”
• H
 yderabad’s status as a Part-B state
(1951-1956): The inclusion of Hyderabad as
a Part-B state with an elected chief minister
after India’s independence and the end of
Nizam’s rule.
PART II: Linguistic Reorganisation and
Creation of AP
• Potti Sriramalu’s demand for a separate
Telugu state (1952): The fasting protest
by Potti Sriramalu, leading to unrest and
eventually the formation of Andhra State.
• Formation of Andhra State out of Madras
state (1953): The division of the Madras state
and the creation of Andhra State, comprising
the north and north-eastern regions, in
response to the demand for a separate
Telugu state.
• Formation of the States Reorganisation
Committee (1953-1955): The establishment
of the committee to address the issue of
linguistic reorganisation and its subsequent
recommendations.
• Status of Telangana region in linguistic
reorganisation (1955-1956): The debate over
the merging of Telangana with Andhra or
having it as a separate state, conflicting with
the SRC’s recommendations.
• Merging of Andhra State and Telangana
(1956): The decision to merge Andhra
State and Telangana against the SRC’s
recommendation, resulting in the formation
of Andhra Pradesh with Hyderabad as
its capital.
PART III: Struggle for Telangana and
Creation of Telangana State
• Pre-Independence protests for Mulki Rules
(1952-1947): The protests demanding the
enforcement of Mulki Rules, which ensured
job reservations for Telangana domiciles,
even before India’s independence.
• Protests and birth of Telangana Praja Samiti
in 1969: The widespread protests in 1969,
leading to the establishment of the TPS and
the call for a separate Telangana state.
• Repeal of Mulki Rules Act in 1973: The
introduction of the 32nd Amendment to
the Constitution by Indira Gandhi, repealing
the Mulki Rules Act and impacting the
Telangana movement.
• Revival of the Telangana movement by
KCR in 2001: KCR’s resignation from the
Telugu Desam Party and the formation of the
Telangana Rashtra Samithi, rejuvenating the
demand for a separate Telangana state.
• KCR’s fast-unto-death and the promise
of Telangana statehood (2009): KCR’s
fast-unto-death in 2009 following the death
of Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Y S
Rajsekhara Reddy, leading to the Congress
party’s promise of creating Telangana.
• Formation of Telangana state in 2014:
The culmination of the struggle with the
formation of Telangana as a separate state in
2014, with Hyderabad serving as the capital
for a period of ten years.
Back2Basics: States Reorganization in India
 Background and The States Integration of Between 1947 and States Reorganisation Linguistic Provinces
Introduction Reorganisation Act, Princely States 1950, the princely Commission Commission was
1956 reformed India’s states were politically set up in 1948 but
state boundaries integrated into rejected language as
based on linguistic the Indian Union. a basis for dividing
lines. It is the most Some states were states. States
extensive change merged into existing Reorganisation
in state boundaries provinces, while Commission was
after India’s others formed established in 1953
independence. unions or remained to reorganize Indian
The act came into separate states. states. Headed by
effect along with Government of India Fazal Ali and had
the Constitution Act 1935 served as recommendations
(Seventh the constitutional law overseen by Govind
Amendment) until the adoption of Ballabh Pant.
Act, 1956. a new Constitution. Enactment States Reorganisation
Pre-Independence British India Classification of Part A states were and Changes Act was enacted
Political Integration was divided into States and Territories former governors’ on 31 August
Provinces of British provinces, 1956. Constitution
India and Indian Part B states were underwent an
States. Princely states former princely amendment, and
were encouraged states, and the terminology of
to accede to either Part C states Part A and Part B
India or Pakistan included chief states was changed
after independence. commissioners’ to simply “states.”
Bhutan remained provinces and some Also introduced
independent, princely states. the classification of
Hyderabad was Part D consisted of Union Territories.
annexed by India, the Andaman and Effects and States Reorganisation
and Kashmir became Nicobar Islands. Reorganization Act of 1956 resulted
a subject of conflict Linguistic The demand for in the reorganization
between India Movements linguistic states of states and
and Pakistan. and Demands began before territories. Took effect
independence, with on 1 November 1956.
the first movement Had a significant
in Odisha in 1895. impact on dividing
Political movements India into states and
for linguistic states Union Territories.
gained momentum
after independence.
Creation of Andhra
Pradesh in 1953
marked a significant
development in
organizing states
based on language.

JUDICIAL REFORMS
• Aims to develop infrastructure facilities for

[pib] Nyaya Vikas Portal districts and subordinate judiciary.

Polity | GS2: Executive & Judiciary
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Nyaya Vikas Program
Mains level : Not Much
Central idea:
The Nyaya Vikas Portal has been created for
monitoring the implementation of the Centrally
Sponsored, Nyaya Vikas Scheme.
• Provides central assistance to state
governments and UT administrations for
constructing court halls and residential units.
• Extended beyond March 31, 2021, with
additional features for convenience, such as
lawyers’ halls, toilet complexes, and digital
computer rooms.
What is Nyaya Vikas Program?
• Funding sharing pattern: 60:40 between the
• Initiated by the Department of Justice
central government and state governments
in 1993-94.
(excluding North Eastern and Himalayan

www.civilsdaily.com 67
 States), 90:10 for North Eastern and
Himalayan States, and 100% for Union
Territories.
About Nyaya Vikas Portal
• T he Nyaya Vikas Portal has been created to
monitor the implementation of the CSS for
Development of Infrastructure Facilities for
Districts and Subordinate Judiciary.
• It allows stakeholders to log in through
four efficient ways, providing seamless
access to information related to funding,
documentation, project monitoring,
and approval.
ISSUES WITH THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR
Issues with the office
of Governor
Polity | GS2: Federalism
Central Idea
• Issues have recently surfaced in several
states regarding the delay in the passage
of Bills, leading to conflicts between Chief
Ministers and Governors. This situation poses
a challenge for parliamentary democracies,
where governments are elected to enact laws
that reflect the will of the people. Inability to
legislate effectively can potentially result in a
breakdown of the democratic system.
Who is Governor?
Refer to Part IV of Laxmikant (Chapter 30:
30.330.12 )
The Role of the Governor in the state
Refer to Part IV of Laxmikant (Chapter 30:
30.330.12 )
Constitutional Provision Regarding
Governor
Refer to Part IV of Laxmikant (Chapter 30:
30.330.12 )
Governor’s Power to Assent the Bill
Refer to Part IV of Laxmikant (Chapter 30:
30.330.12 )
What are the recent controversies
associated with the Office of Governor?
• T
 amil Nadu : In January 2023, the
Governor refused to read some parts of the
Governor’s address at the beginning of the
session of the State Legislative Assembly. He
introduced some of his own words into it.
The Governor also walked out of the House
after the Assembly passed a resolution to
68 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• T
 he portal ensures transparency and
accessibility by providing stakeholders with
a centralized platform to access information
about funding, documentation, project
monitoring, and approval processes.
Impact of the Scheme
• I mproved infrastructure: The portal’s
monitoring capabilities contribute to the
effective utilization of funds for constructing
court halls, residential units, lawyers’ halls,
toilet complexes, and digital computer rooms.
put on record only the original speech that
was prepared by the State Government for
the Governor.
• In January 2022, the State Government had
taken exception to Governor’s Republic
Day speech articulating the benefits of NEET,
the medical entrance exam. Tamil Nadu
Assembly had passed a Bill to exempt the
State from NEET; the Governor had sent it
back to the Legislative Assembly.
• W
 est Bengal : There was a public spat
between the Governor and the Chief
Minister. The Chief Minister went to the
extent of blocking the Governor on social
media. The Governor and the CM had
differences on several issues, including the
the administration and appointments in State
run universities. The West Bengal Assembly
(June 2022) passed a Bill paving the way for
making the Chief Minister the Chancellor
of State Universities replacing the Governor
from the position.
• K
 erala : Kerala’s Governor sought the
resignation of 9 Vice-chancellors following
a Supreme Court judgement setting aside
the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of
a technology university. The Governor had
also said that the statements of individual
ministers that lower the dignity of the office
of the Governor, can invite action including
‘withdrawal of pleasure’.
• J harkhand : The Governor of Jharkhand
didn’t act on the advice of the Election
Commission of India to disqualify the
Chief Minister of Jharkhand for violation
of electoral norms. The delay by Governor
resulted in prolonged political uncertainty in
the State.
• Enhanced judicial services: By providing
better infrastructure and facilities, the portal
enhances the delivery of judicial services to
lawyers, litigants, and judicial officers.
• Strengthened rule of law: The efficient
implementation of the scheme through the
portal strengthens the rule of law by ensuring
access to justice and adequate infrastructure
for the judiciary.
What are the reasons for controversies
associated with the Office of Governor?
Appointment and Removal of Governor
The Governor is appointed by the President
and holds the Office during the pleasure of the
President. There are no specified qualifications
for appointing a person as the Governor
(apart from being a Citizen of India and being
above 35 years of age). The President appoints
and removes the Governor based on the
recommendations of the Union Government.
Thus the Governor tends to act according to
the liking of the Union Government.
Constitutional Discretion
According to Article 163, there is a Council
of Ministers to aid and advise the Governor
to exercise her functions. However, the
Constitution provides certain discretionary
powers to the Governor, where she can act
without the advice of the Council e.g.,Â
(a)  The Governor can reserve a BillÂ
passed by the State Legislative Assembly
for the consideration of the President
of India;Â
(b) Â Exercising her power under Article
356 to recommend President’s Rule in
the State;Â
(c) Â The Governor can appoint Chief
Minister when no political party has a clear
majority;Â
(d)  The Governor can dismiss the
Council of Ministers if unable to prove
confidence in the State Legislative
Assembly etc. among others. The exercise
of the discretion sometimes result in
political differences between the Governor
and the State Government (e.g., reservation
of a Bill).
Political Reasons
The conflict between the Office of Governor
and the Council of Ministers/Chief Minister is
more common when different political parties
are in power at the Union and State level. This
shows that the conflict is largely due to political
differences e.g., in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil
Nadu, Jharkhand are ruled by different political
parties than the Centre.
Affiliation-Based Appointment:
Politicians and former bureaucrats affiliated
with the ruling partyhave been appointed in
several instances as Governors. This has led
to questions about the post’s impartiality
and non-partisanship. Also, the convention of
consulting the Chief Minister before appointing
the Governor is often ignored.
MAINS VALUE ADDITION
What are the SC Judgments regarding the
Office of Governor?
• S hamsher Singh vs. State of Punjab(1974) :
The Supreme Court held that the Governor
is bound to act in accordance with the aid
and advice of the Council of Ministers Â
headed by the Chief Minister. Article 154(1)
makes it clear that the executive power of the
State is vested in the Governor, but shall beÂ
exercised by him in accordance with the
Constitution.
• SR Bommai vs. Union of India (1994) : The
case was concerned with the use of Article
356 and the Governor’s power to dismiss
a State Government. The Supreme Court
ruled that whether the State Government
has the majority should be tested on the floor
of the House. It shouldn’t be based on the
subjective assessment of the Governor.
• R ameshwar Prasad vs. Union of India
(2006) : The Supreme Court held the
Governor’s decision to dissolve the
Assembly as unconstitutional and mala fide.
• Nabam Rebia vs. Deputy Speaker (2016) :
The Governor had went against the advice
of the State Cabinet  and called the session
of the Legislative Assembly at an earlier date
(against the recommended date). The SC
confirmed that the Governor does not
enjoy broad discretionary powers  and is
always subject to Constitutional standards.
The Court concluded that the Governor’s
discretion did not extend to the powers
conferred under Article 174. Hence, he
could not summon the House, determine its
legislative agenda or address the legislative
assembly without consultation. (Article
174 is related to the Sessions of the State
Legislature, prorogation and dissolution).
What are the recommendations of Bodies/
Commissions regarding the Office of
Governor?
• T
 he Administrative Reforms Commission
(1969) : The Commission recommended
that non-partisan persons  having long
experience in public life and administration
should be appointed as the Governors
of a State.
• S
 arkaria Commission (1988) :Â (a) Â
Appointment of Governor :Â (i) Â The
Governor should be appointed afterÂ
consultations with the Chief Minister of
the State ;Â (ii) Â The Governor should
be eminent in some walk of life and fromÂ
outside the State ;Â (iii) Â The person
should be a detached figure without
intense political links , or should not have
taken part in politics in the recent past;Â (iv)
 The person should not be a member of the
ruling party;Â (b) Â Removal of Governor
:Â (i) Â The Governor should be removed
before the end of the term (5 years) only
on the grounds if doubts are raised about
his morality, dignity, constitutional propriety
etc.;Â (ii) Â In the process of removal before
the end of the term, the State Government
may be informed and consulted;Â (c) Â Use
of Article 356 : This article should be used
very sparingly  and as a matter of last
resort. It can be invoked only in the event of
political crisis, internal subversion, physical
breakdown, and non-compliance with the
Constitutional directives of the Centre.
• N
 ational Commission to Review the
Working of the Constitution (NCRWC)
: The Governor should be appointed
by a Committee comprising the Prime
Minister, Home Minister, Speaker of the Lok
Sabha, and the Chief Minister of the State
concerned.
• T
 he Second Administrative Reforms
Commission (ARC) : The Inter-State Council
needs to come up with some guidelines for
governors to follow when they are using their
discretionary power.
• P
 unchhi Commission (2010) :Â (a) Â It
proposed giving Governors a fixed term
of 5 years and removing them through
an impeachment process (similar to that
of the President) by the State Legislature.
The doctrine of pleasure (for removal of
Governors) should be deleted;Â (b) Â It
reiterated the recommendation of the
Sarkaria Commission regarding appointment
of Governors. The person shouldn’t be
active in politics;Â (c) Â The convention
of making the Governors as chancellors of
universities should be done away with;Â (d)
 Article 355 and 356 should be amended
 to allow the Union Government to bring
specific troubled areas under its rule for a
limited period, instead of the whole State.
What should be the approach going ahead?
• First , Multiple Commissions have provided
very pragmatic recommendations regarding
the functioning of the Office of the Governor.
These recommendations should be
implemented in right earnest especially those
related to the appointment and removal of
Governors.
• Second , Both the Punchhi and Sarkaria
Commissions had recommended that theÂ
Governors should not be burdened with
the positions and powers that were beyond
their constitutional domain. This was done
with the intention of shielding the high
office of the Governor from needless public
controversies. In addition, the Punchhi and
Sarkaria Commissions both agreed that this
would be in the best interest of the State. A
conflict with the State Government could
thus be avoided by taking such an action.
• Third , The Governors should also act in
the best interests of the State as well as
the Union. The Governor should not act
as the agent of the political party in power
at the Centre. The Governor should act
as a link between the State and the Union
Government.
• Fourth , The Governor’s discretion and
Constitutional mandate should be guided
by certain ‘norms and principles’, which
can be defined in a ‘Code of Conduct’.
Discretion must be a decision that is guided
by reason, motivated by good faith, and
temperated by caution.
• Fifth , Certain codification can be undertaken
regarding discretionary powers as well
e.g., determining the areas in which they
have discretion, establishing a time frame
within which they must act, and stating
unequivocally that they are required to follow
the advice of the Cabinet when dealing with
Bills etc.
Conclusion
• The issues between Chief Ministers and
Governors regarding the passing of Bills
highlight the need to preserve the integrity
of parliamentary democracy. The Governor’s
role is to act on the advice of the Council
of Ministers, and their discretion is limited.
Judicial review ensures constitutional
adherence and protects democratic
principles.
www.civilsdaily.com 69
UNIFORM CIVIL CODE: TRIPLE TALAQ DEBATE, POLYGAMY ISSUE, ETC.
Uniform Civil Code
Polity | GS2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,
significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Freedom of Religion
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central idea:
The 22nd
Law Commission of Indiahas sought fresh
suggestions from various stakeholders,
including public and religious organisations, on
the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
• T
 he UCC aims to establish a single personal
civil law for the entire country, applicable to
all religious communities in matters such as
marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, etc.
• T
 he idea of a UCC has a long history in
India and has been a topic of debate and
discussion.
• T
 his article explores the basis for a UCC,
its timeline, the conflict with the right to
freedom of religion, minority opinions,
challenges to implementation, and the
way forward.
Basis for UCC: Article 44
• A
 rticle 44 of the Directive Principles
envisions the state’s endeavor to secure a
UCC for all citizens throughout the country.
• W
 hile DPSP of the Constitution are
not enforceable by courts, they provide
fundamental principles for governance.
Personal Laws and UCC: A Timeline
• C olonial Period: Personal laws were first
framed for Hindu and Muslim citizens during
the British Raj.
• 1 940: The idea of a UCC was proposed
by the National Planning Commission,
examining women’s status and
recommending reforms for gender equality.
• 1 947: UCC was considered as a fundamental
right during the framing of the Constitution
by Minoo Masani, Hansa Mehta, Amrit Kaur,
and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
70 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• 1 948: The Constitution Assembly
debated Article 44, which emphasizes the
implementation of uniform civil laws as a
state duty under Part IV.
• 1 950: Reformist bills were passed, granting
Hindu women the right to divorce and inherit
property and outlawing bigamy and child
marriages.
• 1 951: Ambedkar resigned when his draft of
the Hindu Code Bill was stalled in Parliament.
• 1 985: Shah Bano case highlighted the
need for a UCC and the rights of divorced
Muslim women.
• 1 995: Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India
reiterated the urgency of a UCC for national
integration and removing contradictions.
• 2
 000: The Supreme Court, in Lily Thomas v.
Union of India, stated it could not direct the
government to introduce a UCC.
• 2
 015: The apex court refused to mandate a
decision on implementing a UCC.
• 2
 016: The Triple Talaq debate gained
attention, leading to the ruling of its
unconstitutionality in 2017.
UCC vs. Right to Freedom of Religion
• A
 rticle 25: Guarantees an individual’s
fundamental right to religion.
• A
 rticle 26(b): Upholds the right of religious
denominations to manage their own affairs.
• A
 rticle 29: Protects the right to conserve
distinctive culture.
• R
 easonable restrictions can be imposed on
freedom of religion for public order, health,
morality, and other provisions related to
fundamental rights.
Minority Opinion in the Constituent
Assembly
• S
 ome members sought to exempt Muslim
Personal Law from state regulation, arguing
against interference in personal laws based
on secularism.
• C
 oncerns were raised about uniformity in a
diverse country like India and the potential
for opposition from different communities.
• G
 ender justice was not a significant focus
during these debates.
Enacting and Enforcing UCC
• F undamental rights are enforceable in courts,
while Directive Principles have varying
degrees of enforceability.
• The wording of Article 44 suggests a
lesser duty on the state compared to other
Directive Principles.
• Fundamental rights are considered more
important than Directive Principles, and a
balance between both is crucial.
Need for UCC
• Multiple personal laws: Different religions
and denominations follow distinct
property and matrimonial laws, hindering
national unity.
• Customary laws are discriminatory: These
laws also vary among different communities
and regions.
• Harmonizing equality: UCC would provide
equal status to all citizens, promote gender
parity, and align with the aspirations of a
liberal and young population.
• Promote fraternity: Implementation of UCC
would support national integration.
• Societal reforms: Existing personal laws are
mainly based on the patriarchal notions of
the society in all religions. UCC will remove
such patriarchal notions by destroying
their sanctity.
• Simplify legal matters : UCC will simplify
the cumbersome legal matters governed
by personal laws. It will also help in speedy
disposal of cases and reduce burden on the
judiciary.
Hurdles to UCC Implementation
• Opposition from religious factions: The
diverse religious and cultural landscape of
India poses practical difficulties.
• Minority resistance: UCC is often perceived
by minorities as an encroachment on
religious freedom and interference in
personal matters.
• Societal preparedness: Experts argue that
Indian society may not be ready to embrace
a UCC at present.
• Ignoring diversities: Maintaining the essence
of diverse components of society while
achieving uniformity in personal laws.
• One size fits all: The assumption that
practices of one community are backward
or unjust.
• Uniqueness of diversity: The effectiveness of
uniformity in eradicating societal inequalities.
Mains Value addition:
• Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum
and Ors (1985 ) : The Supreme Court
directed the Government to enact a UCC.
The SC observed that UCC will help the
cause of national integration.
• Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India (1995 ) :
The Supreme Court directed the Government
to reflect the steps taken towards securing a
UCC for the citizens of India.
• Pannalal Bansilal Patil v. State of Andhra
Pradesh (1996) : The Supreme Court
observed that while a uniform law is
desirable, its enactment in one go might be
counter-productive to the unity and integrity
of the nation. Gradual progressive change
should be brought about.
• John Vallamattom and Ors. v. Union of
India (2003) : The Supreme Court of India
held that there is no necessary connection
between religious and personal law in a
civilized society. Matters of secular character
like marriage cannot be brought within the
guarantee enshrined under Article 25 and 26.
Way Forward
• T
 heological education: Religious
intelligentsia should educate their
communities about rights and obligations
based on modern interpretations.
• O
 pen discussion: The government should
create an environment conducive to UCC
by explaining Article 44’s contents and
significance while considering different
perspectives.
• G
 radual introduction: Social reforms should
be gradual, addressing concerns such as fake
news and disinformation.
• P
 rioritizing social harmony: Preserving the
cultural fabric of the nation is essential.
• T he  Law Commission’s
recommendations should be adopted.
Conclusion
• UCC is a complex issue that requires careful
consideration of religious, cultural, and
societal perspectives.
• Balancing the unity and diversity of India
is crucial, as the implementation of a UCC
should aim to provide equal rights and
opportunities while respecting the distinct
identities of different communities.
• Education, dialogue, and a gradual approach
are necessary to achieve consensus and
promote social harmony in the country.

MINORITY ISSUES - SC, ST, DALITS, OBC, RESERVATIONS, ETC.

Functions Inclusions and

80 Castes to be added and Powers exclusions in the lists of

backward communities

to Central OBC List

for job reservations
Providing advice to the
Central Government
Polity | GS2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, Investigating and
significant provisions and basic structure monitoring safeguards
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : for backward classes
Prelims level : OBCs, NCBC Inquiring into
Mains level : Read the attached story specific complaints
related to their rights
Central Idea Purpose Active participation and safeguards
• N
 ational Commission for Backward Classes and advisory role in Participating in socio-
(NCBC) is processing the approval for adding the socio-economic economic development
approximately 80 castes from six states to development of socially and evaluating progress
the Central List ofOther Backward Classes backward classes
Reports Annual reports to
(OBCs).https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/ (OBCs) Evaluating
and the President and
explained-sub-categorizing-obcs/ the progress of their
Recommendations recommendations
• T
 he Ministry of Social Justice and development
for effective
Empowerment (MSJE) also reported the Statutory Outcome of the Indra implementation
addition of 16 communities to the Central Backing Sawhney & Others v. of safeguards
OBC list in Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Union of India case Recommendations for
Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu (16.11.1992) measures to protect,
and Kashmir.
Composition Chairperson, Vice- welfare, and socio-
About National Commission for Backward Chairperson, and economic development
Classes (NCBC) three other members of backward classes
appointed by the Other Discharging functions
Established Constitution Act, 2018
President Conditions Functions specified by the
(also known as 102nd
of service and tenure President and subject
Amendment Act, 2018)
determined by to parliamentary laws
under Article 338B of
the President
the Indian Constitution Constitutional 102nd Constitutional
Jurisdiction Ministry of Social Amendment Amendment Act
Justice and (2018) empowered
Empowerment, NCBC to address
Government of India grievances of Other
Backward Classes

Who are the Other Backward Classes

(OBCs)?
• Other Backward Class is a collective
term used to classify castes which are
educationally or socially disadvantaged.

www.civilsdaily.com 71
• It is one of several official classifications of the
population of India, along with General Class,
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
(SCs and STs).
• T he OBCs were found to comprise 55% of
the country’s population by the Mandal
Commission report of 1980, and were
determined to be 41% in 2006.
Approval Process
• N
 CBC Examination: The NCBC examines
the requests and processes them accordingly,
aiming for most of them to be approved.
J&K - THE ISSUES AROUND THE STATE
Ladakh’s Demand for
Sixth Schedule
Polity | GS2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,
significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Ladakh, Sixth Schedule
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea:
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will
meet civil society leaders from Ladakh amid
persistent demands and protests in the Union
Territory for statehood and constitutional
safeguards under the sixth schedule of the
Constitution.
About Ladakh
• L
 adakh is a region in the northernmost part
of India, bordering China and Pakistan.
• T
 he region is home to several ethnic groups,
including the Ladakhi people, who are
predominantly Buddhist.
Demand for Sixth Schedule in Ladakh
• T
 here has been a demand from the local
tribal communities in Ladakh to extend
the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to
the region.
• T
 he demand has been primarily driven by
concerns over the protection of tribal rights
and the preservation of the unique cultural
identity of the local communities.
72 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• C
 abinet Approval: Once the Commission
decides, it can send its recommendations to
the Cabinet for approval.
• N
 otification by President: The final step
involves legislation and notification by the
President to enact the changes.
How is the process different from SC/ST list
updation?
• U
 nlike the procedure for adding communities
to the SC or ST lists, the addition of
communities to the Central OBC list does
Current administration in Ladakh
• L
 adakh was granted Union Territory status in
2019, following the bifurcation of the state of
Jammu and Kashmir into two separate Union
Territories.
• T
 he administration of Ladakh is currently
governed by the Lieutenant Governor of
Ladakh and an elected Ladakh Autonomous
Hill Development Council (LAHDC).
Benefits of Sixth Schedule in Ladakh
• M
 eeting tribal aspiration: The Parliamentary
standing committee recommended including
of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule because its
tribal communities account for 79.61% of its
total population.
• A
 utonomy and self-governance: The
extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh
could provide greater autonomy and self-
governance to the local tribal communities.
• C
 ultural preservation: It could also help
to protect the unique cultural identity of
the local communities and preserve their
traditional practices and customs.
Challenges to this demand
• N o further fragmentation: The demand to
extend the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh has
faced some opposition from certain quarters,
who argue that it could lead to further
fragmentation of the region and create new
administrative challenges.
• L osing political capital: There are also
concerns over the potential impact of the
demand on the political and administrative
structure of the region.
not require the concurrence of the Office of
the Registrar General of India or any other
authority.
• The Commission follows guidelines
established by the Mandal Commission in
1979 , considering social, educational, and
economic indicators for additions to the
Central OBC list.
Conclusion
• Overall, the demand to extend the provisions
of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh is a complex
issue that requires careful consideration of
the needs and aspirations of the local tribal
communities, as well as the broader political
and administrative context of the region.
Back2Basics: Sixth Schedule of Indian
Constitution
• The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
provides for the administration of tribal areas
in the northeastern states of India.
• These provisions were added to the
Constitution in order to protect the rights and
interests of the tribal communities in these
areas and to promote their social, cultural,
and economic development.
Here a summary of the Sixth Schedule of
the Indian Constitution:
Areas covered
• The Sixth Schedule covers the tribal areas
in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura,
and Mizoram.
• These areas are known as “tribal areas”
and are home to a large number of
indigenous tribal communities.
Autonomous district councils
• The Sixth Schedule provides for the
establishment of autonomous district
councils in the tribal areas.
• These councils have the power to make laws
and regulations for the governance of their
respective areas.
• They are also responsible for the
administration of the local institutions of
self-government, such as village councils and
traditional councils.
Composition of district councils
• The members of the district councils are
elected by the people of the respective
districts.
• The councils are headed by a chairman, who
is also elected by the members of the council.
• T
 he district councils have the power to
appoint their own staff and to manage their
own finances.
Powers of district councils
• T
 he district councils have the power to make
laws on a range of subjects, including land,
forests, water, and fisheries.
• T
 hey also have the power to regulate local
markets and to levy taxes and fees on a range
of activities.
• T
 he district councils can also establish • It ensures that the traditional rights and
and manage schools, hospitals, and other customs of the tribal communities are
institutions for the benefit of the local respected and protected.
communities. • It also provides for the reservation of seats in
the district councils and other local bodies for
Protection of tribal rights members of the tribal communities.
• T
 he Sixth Schedule provides for the
protection of the rights of the tribal
communities in the areas covered by
the schedule.

RIGHT TO PRIVACY
• A pply for Gazette notification through the

HC Observations over Department of Publication.

• Gather supporting documents like identity

Right to Change Name

and address proof.
• File the petition, affidavit, and supporting
documents in the appropriate court.
Polity | GS2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, • Attend the court hearing and provide
significant provisions and basic structure necessary explanations.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : • Obtain a court order approving the
Prelims level : Change of Name under Article 21 name change.
Mains level : Not Much • Update official documents with
the new name.
Central Idea Article 14 Right to equality: Observations by the HCs
• A
 llahabad High Court has allowed a man to All individuals are • Allahabad High Court ruled that the rejection
change his name citing fundamental rights entitled to equal of the name-change applications by the
under Articles 19(1) (a), 21, and 14. protection under the authorities violates fundamental rights
• D
 elhi High Court permitted two brothers law, ensuring fairness guaranteed under Articles 19(1)(a), 21, and 14.
to reflect their father’s changed surname on and prohibiting • It emphasized the need for congruence
their Board certificates, asserting the right to discrimination based in all identity-related documents and the
identity as an intrinsic part of the right to life on religion, race, prevention of confusion and potential misuse.
Article Summary caste, sex, or place • Delhi High Court asserted the right to
of birth. It promotes identity as an intrinsic part of the right to life
Article 19(1)(a) Freedom of speech equality before the
and expression: under Article 21.
law for all citizens.
Citizens have the
Restrictions on the Right to Change Names
right to express Right to Change Name • Although the right to change names is a
their opinions • The right to change one’s name is recognized fundamental right, it is subject to reasonable
and ideas freely, as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the restrictions.
with reasonable Constitution, which guarantees the right to • Restrictions imposed by law must be fair, just,
restrictions to life and personal liberty. and reasonable.
safeguard national • It is often exercised for various reasons, • Principle of proportionality and the value
interests and including personal preferences, religious of human dignity play important roles
public order. conversions, marriage or divorce, or to in determining the reasonableness of
Article 21 Right to life and overcome social or cultural barriers. restrictions (Jeeja Ghosh vs. Union of
personal liberty: • Individuals may choose to change their
names to reflect their gender identity, India, 2016).
Individuals are
protected from religious beliefs, or to align with their
arbitrary deprivation professional or artistic pursuits.
of life or liberty and
Process to change the name
have the right to
• Prepare a petition stating the desire to
live with dignity.
change the name and reasons for the change.
It includes the
• Prepare an affidavit affirming the intention to
right to privacy
change the name and get it notarized.
and encompasses
• Publish a notice in two local newspapers
various aspects of
announcing the name change.
human rights.

www.civilsdaily.com 73
JUDICIAL REFORMS
What is Habeas
Corpus Petition?
Polity | GS2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,
significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Habeas Corpus
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central idea:
The Madras High Court has accepted a request
made on behalf of a Minister wife, for an urgent
hearing of a habeas corpus petition filed by her
accusing the Enforcement Directorate (ED)
of not having followed due procedure while
arresting her husband early.
Habeas Corpus: A Safeguard for Personal
Liberty
Definition: Habeas corpus is a legal recourse
that enables individuals to challenge unlawful
detentions or imprisonments by reporting them
to a court.
• P
 urpose: It allows individuals to request
the court to order the custodian, typically a
prison official, to present the detained person
before the court and determine the legality of
the detention.
PRESIDENT’S RULE
President’s Rule not an
option in Manipur: MHA
Polity | GS2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,
significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : President Rule, Article 356
Mains level : NA
74 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• A
 pplicability in India: In India, the power to
issue a writ of habeas corpus is vested in the
Supreme Court and the High Courts.
• Q
 uick Remedy: Habeas corpus is considered
an effective means of promptly addressing
the loss of personal liberty without legal
justification.
Article 32: Right to Constitutional Remedies
Fundamental Right: Article 32 of the
Constitution of India affirms the right to
constitutional remedies, granting individuals the
right to approach the Supreme Court for the
enforcement of their fundamental rights.
• S cope: It empowers the Supreme Court to
issue directions, orders, or writs to uphold the
rights conferred in Part III of the Constitution.
• S uspension: The right guaranteed by
Article 32 cannot be suspended except
under specific provisions mentioned in
the Constitution, such as during a state of
emergency.
• S ignificance: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described
Article 32 as the soul and heart of the
Constitution, emphasizing its crucial role in
safeguarding rights.
Rights Protected by Article 32
Inclusion in Part III: Article 32 is listed
alongside other fundamental rights in Part III of
the Constitution, including the right to equality,
freedom of speech and expression, life and
personal liberty, and freedom of religion.
• Direct Approach to Supreme Court: Under
Article 32, individuals can directly approach
the Supreme Court only when any of their
fundamental rights are violated.
Types of Writs under Article 32
Habeas Corpus: Pertains to personal liberty in
cases of illegal detention and wrongful arrest.
• Mandamus: Directs public officials,
governments, and courts to perform their
statutory duties.
• Quo Warranto: Requires a person to
demonstrate the authority by which they
hold a public office.
• Prohibition: Orders judicial or quasi-judicial
authorities to halt proceedings beyond their
jurisdiction.
• Certiorari: Allows the re-examination of
orders issued by judicial, quasi-judicial, or
administrative authorities.
Remedy Hierarchy and Fundamental Rights
Violations
• Civil or Criminal Matters: In civil or criminal
cases, individuals first approach trial courts,
followed by appeals to the High Courts and
the Supreme Court.
• Violation of Fundamental Rights: In cases
of fundamental rights violations, individuals
have the option to approach the High Court
under Article 226 or directly approach the
Supreme Court under Article 32 for redress.
Try this PYQ:
Q. Which of the following is included in the
original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
1. Disputes between the Government of India
and one or more States
• A dispute regarding elections to either the
House of the Parliament or the of Legislature
of a State
• A dispute between the Government of India
and the Union Territory
• A dispute between two or more States.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 3 and 4
Central idea:
Union Home Minister has said that imposition
of President’s Rule in Manipur was not an
option and the situation was soon returning
to normal.
What is President Rule?
• Article 356 of the Indian Constitution,
commonly known as President’s Rule,
empowers the President to impose central
rule in a state where the constitutional
machinery has broken down.
• W
 hile initially intended for extraordinary
circumstances, it has often been misused by
central governments for political purposes.
Provisions of Article 356:
• I mposition of President’s Rule: Article
356 allows the President to withdraw the
executive and legislative powers of a state
government when it cannot function in
accordance with the Constitution.
• T riggering factors: The President can invoke
Article 356 based on a report from the
Governor or suo motu if the constitutional
machinery has broken down in the state.
• D uration: It can be imposed for six months
at a time, with a maximum duration of
three years.
• P arliamentary approval: Every six months,
Parliament’s approval is required to continue
the imposition of President’s Rule.
Historical Origins
• I nspiration from the Government of
India Act, 1935: Article 356 was inspired
by Section 93 of this act, which allowed
JUDICIAL PENDENCY
What is a Constitution Bench?
Polity | GS2: Executive & Judiciary
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Constitution Bench
Mains level : Not Much
Central idea:
A new Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice
of India D.Y. Chandrachud is scheduled to start
hearing a list of some cases from July 12.
What is a Constitution Bench?
• T
 he constitution bench is the name given to
the benches of the Supreme Court of India.
• T
 he Chief Justice of India has the power to
constitute a Constitution Bench and refer
cases to it.
the Governor of a province to assume the
powers of the government under certain
circumstances.
• C
 ontrolled democracy: The provision
provided some autonomy to provincial
governments while enabling British
authorities to exercise ultimate power when
necessary.
Political Misuse of Article 356
• E arly instances: During Congress dominance,
Article 356 was used against governments
of the Left and regional parties in states.
Jawaharlal Nehru’s government utilized it six
times until 1959, including to dislodge Kerala’s
elected communist government.
• I ncreasing misuse: In subsequent decades,
Article 356 was used frequently against state
governments by various central governments,
including those led by Indira Gandhi and the
Janata Party.
Landmark Judgment: S R Bommai Case
• L andmark Supreme Court ruling: In the
1994 R. Bommai v. Union of India case, the
Supreme Court provided detailed guidelines
on the use of Article 356.
Constitution benches are set up when theÂ
following circumstances exist:
Interpretation of the Constitution: Article
145(3) provides for the constitution of atleast
five judgesof the court which sit to decide
any case “involving a substantial question
of law as to the interpretation” of the
Constitution of India.
• P resident of India seeking SC’s opinion:
When the President has sought the Supreme
Court’s opinion on a question of fact or law
under Article 143 of the Constitution. Article
143 of the Constitution provides for Advisory
jurisdiction to the SC. As per the provision,
• Specific instances for imposition: The
court stated that President’s Rule can be
invoked in cases of physical breakdown of the
government or a ‘hung assembly.’
• Curbing arbitrary use: The judgment
emphasized the need to give the state
government a chance to prove its majority
or instances of violent breakdown before
imposing President’s Rule.
Try this PYQ:
Which of the following are not necessarily
the consequences of the proclamation of the
President’s rule in a State?
Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly
• Removal of the Council of Ministers
in the State
• Dissolution of the local bodies
Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
the President has the power to address
questions to the apex Court, which he deems
important for public welfare.
• Conflicting Judgments: When two or more
three-judge benches of the Supreme Court
have delivered conflicting judgments on the
same point of law, necessitating a definite
understanding and interpretation of the law
by a larger bench.
• The Constitution benches are set up on ad
hoc basis as and when the above-mentioned
conditions exist.
• Constitution benches have decided many of
India’s best-known and most important
Supreme Court cases, such as:
• K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (Preventive
detention)
• Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (Basic
structure doctrine) and
• Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India
(OBC reservations) etc.
www.civilsdaily.com 75
UNIFORM CIVIL CODE: TRIPLE TALAQ DEBATE, POLYGAMY ISSUE, ETC.
India needs a Uniform
Civil Code: PM
Polity | GS2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,
significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• Immediately after returning from the US,
PM Modi said that India needed aUniform
Civil Code (UCC)https://www.civilsdaily.com/
news/suggestions-invited-on-uniform-civil-
code/as the country could not run with the
dual system of “separate laws for separate
communities”.
• T his has raised the level of speculations
among the left liberal groups in India.
Key statements made by PM
• A
 bolishing Dual System: PM highlighted the
impracticality of maintaining separate laws
for different communities and emphasized
the need for a unified legal framework.
• D
 iscerning Political Manipulation: He urged
the Muslim community to be vigilant about
political parties that exploit their interests for
personal gains.
• C
 onstitutional Provisions: He emphasized
that the Constitution already upholds the
principle of equal rights for all citizens.
• O
 pposition’s Exploitation: He criticized
political opponents for using Muslims,
particularly Pasmanda Muslims, to further
their own interests at the expense of the
community’s well-being.
What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
• T
 he UCC aims to establish a single personal
civil law for the entire country, applicable to
all religious communities in matters such as
marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, etc.
• T
 he idea of a UCC has a long history in
India and has been a topic of debate and
discussion.
• T
 his article explores the basis for a UCC,
its timeline, the conflict with the right to
freedom of religion, minority opinions,
challenges to implementation, and the
way forward.
76 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Basis for UCC: Article 44
• A
 rticle 44 of the Directive Principles
envisions the state’s endeavor to secure a
UCC for all citizens throughout the country.
• W
 hile DPSP of the Constitution are
not enforceable by courts, they provide
fundamental principles for governance.
Personal Laws and UCC: A Timeline
• C olonial Period: Personal laws were first
framed for Hindu and Muslim citizens during
the British Raj.
• 1 940: The idea of a UCC was proposed
by the National Planning Commission,
examining women’s status and
recommending reforms for gender equality.
• 1 947: UCC was considered as a fundamental
right during the framing of the Constitution
by Minoo Masani, Hansa Mehta, Amrit Kaur,
and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
• 1 948: The Constitution Assembly
debated Article 44, which emphasizes the
implementation of uniform civil laws as a
state duty under Part IV.
• 1 950: Reformist bills were passed, granting
Hindu women the right to divorce and inherit
property and outlawing bigamy and child
marriages.
• 1 951: Ambedkar resigned when his draft of
the Hindu Code Bill was stalled in Parliament.
• 1 985: Shah Bano case highlighted the
need for a UCC and the rights of divorced
Muslim women.
• 1 995: Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India
reiterated the urgency of a UCC for national
integration and removing contradictions.
• 2 000: The Supreme Court, in Lily Thomas v.
Union of India, stated it could not direct the
government to introduce a UCC.
• 2
 015: The apex court refused to mandate a
decision on implementing a UCC.
• 2
 016: The Triple Talaq debate gained
attention, leading to the ruling of its
unconstitutionality in 2017.
UCC vs. Right to Freedom of Religion
• A
 rticle 25: Guarantees an individual’s
fundamental right to religion.
• A
 rticle 26(b): Upholds the right of religious
denominations to manage their own affairs.
• A
 rticle 29: Protects the right to conserve
distinctive culture.
• Reasonable restrictions can be imposed on
freedom of religion for public order, health,
morality, and other provisions related to
fundamental rights.
Minority Opinion in the Constituent
Assembly
• Some members sought to exempt Muslim
Personal Law from state regulation, arguing
against interference in personal laws based
on secularism.
• Concerns were raised about uniformity in a
diverse country like India and the potential
for opposition from different communities.
• Gender justice was not a significant focus
during these debates.
Enacting and Enforcing UCC
• Fundamental rights are enforceable in courts,
while Directive Principles have varying
degrees of enforceability.
• The wording of Article 44 suggests a
lesser duty on the state compared to other
Directive Principles.
• Fundamental rights are considered more
important than Directive Principles, and a
balance between both is crucial.
Need for UCC
• Multiple personal laws: Different religions
and denominations follow distinct
property and matrimonial laws, hindering
national unity.
• Absence of exclusive jurisdiction: Such thing
in the Union List implies that the framers did
not intend to have a UCC.
• Customary laws are discriminatory: These
laws also vary among different communities
and regions.
Why is UCC Necessary?
• Harmonizing equality: UCC would provide
equal status to all citizens, promote gender
parity, and align with the aspirations of a
liberal and young population.
• Promote fraternity: Implementation of UCC
would support national integration.
Hurdles to UCC Implementation
• Opposition from religious factions: The
diverse religious and cultural landscape of
India poses practical difficulties.
• Minority resistance: UCC is often perceived
by minorities as an encroachment on
religious freedom and interference in
personal matters.
• Societal preparedness: Experts argue that
Indian society may not be ready to embrace
a UCC at present.
Unaddressed Questions
• Ignoring diversities: Maintaining the essence
of diverse components of society while
achieving uniformity in personal laws.
• O
 ne size fits all: The assumption that
practices of one community are backward
or unjust.
• U
 niqueness of diversity: The effectiveness of
uniformity in eradicating societal inequalities.
PARLIAMENT - SESSIONS, PROCEDURES, MOTIONS, COMMITTEES ETC
Elections to 10 Rajya
Sabha Seats
Polity | GS2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,
significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Elections to the Rajya Sabha
Mains level : NA
Central Idea
• T
 he Election Commission announced
elections for 10 Rajya Sabha seats from
three States that are falling vacant in July
and August.
Rajya Sabha and its Composition
• R ajya Sabha, or the Council of States, is the
upper house of the Parliament of India.
• It plays a vital role in the legislative process,
representing the interests of states and
providing a platform for deliberations on
important national issues.
Composition of Rajya Sabha
• M
 embers: Rajya Sabha consists of a
maximum of 250 members, of which 238
members are representatives of states
and union territories, while the President
of India nominates 12 members having
special knowledge or practical experience in
various fields.
• A
 llocation of Seats: The allocation of seats
in Rajya Sabha is based on the population
of each state, with larger states having
more representatives. The President can
also nominate members to ensure the
representation of expertise and diverse
backgrounds.
• T
 erm: Members of the Rajya Sabha serve
for a term of 6 years, with one-third of the
members retiring every two years. This
rotational system ensures continuity in the
functioning of the house.
Nominated Members
• N
 ominations: In addition to the elected
members, Rajya Sabha includes12 nominated
membershttps://www.civilsdaily.com/news/
Way Forward
• T
 heological education: Religious
intelligentsia should educate their
communities about rights and obligations
based on modern interpretations.
• O
 pen discussion: The government should
create an environment conducive to UCC
by explaining Article 44’s contents and
significance while considering different
perspectives.
nominated-members-in-rajya-sabha/who
are appointed by the President of India.
These nominations are made to ensure the
representation of individuals with special
knowledge or practical experience in various
fields such as literature, science, art, social
service, and more.
• E
 xpertise and Diversity: Nominated
members bring diverse perspectives and
expertise to Rajya Sabha. They contribute
to the legislative process by providing
valuable insights and enriching debates on
critical issues.
• C
 ontribution: Nominated members play an
essential role in shaping legislation and policy
discussions. Their expertise and experience
contribute to a more comprehensive and
informed decision-making process in
Rajya Sabha.
Functions of Rajya Sabha
• L egislative Functions: Rajya Sabha has equal
legislative powers with the Lok Sabha in most
matters, including passing bills related to
constitutional amendments, finance, and non-
financial matters. In certain circumstances,
it enjoys exclusive powers, such as creating
all-India services.
• R
 epresentation of States: Rajya Sabha
represents the interests of states, allowing
them to participate in the decision-making
process at the national level. It ensures
that laws and policies are formulated
with the consideration of diverse regional
perspectives.
• R
 ole in Impeachment: Rajya Sabha, along
with the Lok Sabha, plays a role in the
impeachment of the President of India, Chief
• Gradual introduction: Social reforms should
be gradual, addressing concerns such as fake
news and disinformation.
• Prioritizing social harmony: Preserving the
cultural fabric of the nation is essential.
Justice, and judges of the Supreme Court and
High Courts. It ensures a fair and balanced
process in cases of impeachment.
Election to Rajya Sabha: Procedure
Illustrated with an Example
The Rajya Sabha seat quota for each state is
fixed as per Schedule 4 of the constitution.
Elections to 1/3 of these seats occur every
2 years. Let’s take an example of a state
where there is Rajya Sabha election for 3 seats.
Let there be only two parties in the legislative
assembly. Party A has 100 seats and party
B has 40 seats. Both parties can field three
candidates each for the three Rajya sabha seats.
To win a Rajya Sabha seat, a candidate should
get a required number of votes. That number
(quotient) is found out using the below formula.
Quotient = Total number of votes  divided
by (Number of Rajya Sabha seats + 1 ) + 1.
In the illustrated case, a candidate requires
(140/4)+1, ie. 36 votes to win. NB: Members
don’t vote for each seat. If that had been the
case then only the ruling party representatives
would make it through. Rather, the members
give preferences for each candidate (as 1, 2, 3,
4, 5 and 6). If 36 or more members choose a
candidate as their first choice, he gets elected.
So the Party B (opposition party in Loksabha
assembly) with 40 seats can get one member
elected if the members give preference for a
candidate as first preference. The ruling party
(Party A) on the other hand can get 2 members
elected (72 votes from their 100 members).
Try this PYQ:
Q.Consider the following statements:
The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman
of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of
that House.
• While the nominated members of the two
Houses of Parliament have no voting right in
the presidential election, they have the right
to vote in the election of the Vice President.
Which of the statements given above is/
are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d)
Neither 1 nor 2
www.civilsdaily.com 77
ELECTORAL REFORMS IN INDIA
Exploring Assam’s
Delimitation Draft
Polity | GS2: Representation Of People’s Act
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Delimitation Commission
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• T
 he recent draft proposal on
theDelimitationhttps://www.civilsdaily.com/
news/delimitation-exercise-in-assam/of
Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies in
Assam by the Election Commission (EC) has
stirred significant controversy.
• T
 he proposal suggests reshaping
constituencies, increasing the number of
reserved seats, and potentially affecting the
political fortunes of various organizations
and parties.
What is Delimitation?
• O
 bjective: Delimitation aims to redraw
constituency boundaries to maintain equal
population representation in Assembly and
Lok Sabha seats.
• C
 hanging Constituencies: Delimitation may
result in the alteration of constituency limits
and, in some cases, the number of seats
in a state.
Delimitation Process and Commission
• I ndependent Delimitation Commission:
Delimitation is carried out by an independent
Delimitation Commission (DC) constituted
by the Union government.
78 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• T erms of Reference: The DC determines the
number and boundaries of constituencies,
ensuring population equality and identifying
reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes.
• I mplementation: The draft proposals are
published for public feedback, followed by
public sittings to consider objections and
suggestions. The final order is published in
official gazettes.
Historical Context of Delimitation
• E arly Delimitation Exercises: The first
delimitation exercise in 1950-51 was
conducted by the President. Subsequently,
the responsibility was shifted to independent
Delimitation Commissions.
• F requency of Delimitation: Delimitation has
been carried out four times, in 1952, 1963,
1973, and 2002, based on the Acts enacted in
respective years.
Postponement of Delimitation until 2026
• F rozen Seats: Delimitation was postponed
after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses, freezing
the number of seats in Lok Sabha and
Assemblies.
• J ustification for Postponement: An
amendment further delayed delimitation
until 2026, with the rationale that uniform
population growth would be achieved
throughout the country by that time.
• T
 he Last Delimitation: The most recent
delimitation exercise, based on the 2001
Census, focused on adjusting boundaries of
existing seats and reworking the number of
reserved seats.
Delimitation Exercise in Assam
• Delimitation exercises were carried out
periodically, but in 1976, it was suspended
due to the family planning program.
• The process was deferred for Arunachal
Pradesh, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir,
Manipur, and Nagaland in 2008 due to
“security risks.”
• The Delimitation Commission for Assam and
other states was reconstituted by the Central
Government in 2020.
Overview of the Proposed Changes
• Reshaping of Constituencies: The draft
proposal suggests reshaping and renaming
24 Assembly seats.
• Increased Reserved Seats: The number of
reserved seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and
Scheduled Castes (SC) would be increased
from 16 to 19 and eight to nine, respectively.
• Seat Juggling: The proposal involves
converting six reserved seats each for SCs
and STs into unreserved seats. Additionally,
nine ST and seven SC general seats would
become reserved.
• Impact on Political Figures: Notable political
figures, including MLAs and MPs from
various parties, may lose their seats due to
the proposed changes.
Opposition and Concerns
• Questioning the Legality: Some have raised
concerns regarding the interpretation of
Section 8A of the Representation of the
People Act, 1950, which allows reorientation
of seats without altering their total number.
• Use of Census Data: The use of 2001 Census
data instead of the more recent 2011 Census
data has raised suspicion and allegations of a
hidden agenda.
Future Outlook and Potential Changes
• EC’s Call for Suggestions: The EC has invited
suggestions and omissions regarding the
draft proposal and plans to revisit the State to
engage with stakeholders.
• Chief Minister’s Perspective: Assam CM has
emphasized the need to protect the rights
of indigenous people and hinted at potential
adjustments to ensure their interests are
safeguarded.
International
Relations

www.civilsdaily.com 79
FOREIGN POLICY WATCH: INDIA-UNITED STATES • O ne potential factor could be a desire

UAE withdraws from Combined

to distance themselves from perceived
dependencies or entanglements with the US.

Maritime Forces (CMF)

• This could be part of a broader strategy
by the UAE to assert its own regional
influence, pursue independent foreign
policies, or rebalance its relationships with
International Relations | GS2: India & Its Neighborhood - Relations
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : China and Iran.
Prelims level : Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
Recent incidents and tensions in Gulf
Mains level : Not Much
Waters
Central Idea Operations Counter-terrorism, • In late April and early May, Iran seized
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has counter-piracy, two tankers, one of which was empty and
announced its withdrawal from the U.S.- maritime security, travelling between the UAE ports of Dubai
led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a and cooperation and Fujairah.
maritime coalition responsible for securing Gulf • Iran was also accused of launching a
Collaborations United Nations,
waterways crucial to global oil trade. drone attack on an Israeli-owned tanker in
European Union,
November 2022, escalating tensions with the
NATO, and
What is Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)? United States.
regional partners
Establishment 2002 • As a response to increasing harassment by
Contributions Naval assets Iran, the US announced the deployment
Location Bahrain including warships, of reinforcements to the Gulf, a vital route
Objective Promoting security, aircraft, and maritime for a significant portion of the world’s
stability, and patrol vessels
sea-borne oil.
prosperity across Focus Areas Arabian Sea, Gulf
maritime regions of Oman, Gulf of
Member Nations Over 30 Aden, Red Sea,
member nations Indian Ocean,
Arabian Gulf, and
Primary Task Forces Combined Task
surrounding areas
Force 150 (CTF 150),
Combined Task Reasons for UAE’s withdrawal
Force 151 (CTF 151), • UAE has not provided specific reasons for
Combined Task Force its withdrawal from the Combined Maritime
152 (CTF 152) Forces (CMF) in the official statement.

INDIA-MALDIVES RELATIONS
Significance The project is

India-Maldives Relations among the biggest

Indian grant-in-
aid projects in the
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements Maldives; a major
involving India step in growing
Maldives. The project is a significant milestone defence cooperation
in the growing defence ties between the two between India
countries. and Maldives

What is the UTF Project? Other Developments India gifted an

additional landing
Purpose To strengthen craft to the Maldives
the capability of National Defence
the Maldivian Force (MNDF); India
Coast Guard and had gifted a Dornier
facilitate regional aircraft, patrol
humanitarian vessel, and coastal
assistance and radar system to
disaster relief efforts the Maldives in
Central idea: previous years
 The article discusses the recent
commissioning of the Indian grant-in-aid UTF
(Uthuru Thila Falhu- Island) Harbour Project,
the coastal surveillance radar system, in the

80 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
  n “India Out” campaign https://
• A • Both nations established diplomatic relations
Controversy Allegations that the
www.civilsdaily.com/news/maldives-bans- after the independence of Maldives from
project was a cover
india-out-campaign/Â was launched in the British rule in 1966.
for Indian military
island nation backed by its opposition leader • India was one of the first nations to recognize
presence in Maldives;
Abdulla Yameen. Maldives’ independence.
led to an “India Out”
• M
 aldives President Ibrahim Solih • Since then, India and Maldives have
campaign backed
banned anti-India protests as a threat to developed close strategic, military, economic
by opposition leader
national security. and cultural relations.
Abdulla Yameen
• Maldivians generally regard Indians and India
India-Maldives Relations: A backgrounder as a friend and trusted neighbor in the field
Controversy Surrounding the Project • India and Maldives are neighbors sharing a economic, social and political.
• T
 here were allegations that the project was maritime border.
a cover for Indian military presence  in
the Maldives.

Areas of Cooperation:Â India-Maldives Relations:

Dimension
Historical
Security Partnership
Economic Cooperation
Infrastructure Projects
Grant Assistance
Sports and Education
Rehabilitation Centre
China Factor
Example
The Maldives has a history intertwined with India, including conquest by Rajaraja Chola’s Chola
dynasty (Maldives’ northern atolls). It became a British colony and gained independence in 1965, leading to
political unrest.
Joint Exercises – “Ekuverin”, “Dosti”, “Ekatha” and “Operation Shield” (begun in 2021). India provides the largest
number of training opportunities for the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of
their defence training requirements.
Maldives occupy an important position in India’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the
Region) and ‘Neighbourhood First’.
India is Maldives’ 2nd largest trading partner. Afcons, an Indian company, signed a contract for the Greater
Male Connectivity Project (GMCP)
Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development project under an Indian credit line. National College for
Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) was inaugurated by India’s External Affairs Minister (2022)
Grant assistance of 100 million Rufiyaa (currency of Maldives) for the High Impact Community Development
Project (HICDP) scheme.
Development of a sports complex in Gahdhoo, and academic collaboration between Maldives National
University and Cochin University of Science and Technology.
A drug detoxification and rehabilitation centre in Addu was built with Indian assistance.
China’s strategic footprint in India’s neighbourhood has increased. The Maldives has emerged as an important
‘pearl’ in China’s “String of Pearls” construct in South Asia. Given the uncertain dynamics of Sino-Indian
relations, China’s strategic presence in the Maldives remains a concern.

Causes for the anti-India sentiments
• P
 olitical instability: Â The anti-India
sentiment is nearly a decade old and can
be traced back to when Abdulla Gayoom
became president in 2013. He used anti-
India sentiments for his political mobilization
and started tilting China.
• C
 ontroversy over helicopter gift: Â Two
Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALF)
that were given by India to the Maldives
for ocean search-and-rescue operations.
Opposition tried to portray this as military
presence in the country.
• C
 onfidential agreements: Â Most
agreements being signed between the
Ibrahim Solih government and India are
backdoor and has not been publicly discussed
in the Maldives Parliament.
• A
 lleged interference in domestic politics:
 India being a big neighbour, there are
unsubstantiated perceptions & allegations
on Indian Diplomats stationed in Maldives
interfering in Domestic affairs.
Restoration of ties
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who became
President in 2018 has restored Maldives close
ties with India.
Major irritants in ties
• P olitical Instability:  India’s major
concern has been the impact of political
instability in the neighborhood on its security
and development.
• I ncreasing radicalization: Â In the past
decade or so, the number of Maldivians
drawn towards terrorist groups like the
Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based jihadist
groups has been increasing.
• I nclination towards terror: Â Radicalism in
the island nation has increased the possibility
of Pakistan based terror groups using remote
Maldivian islands as a launch pad for terror
attacks against India and Indian interests.
• Chinese affinity:  China’s strategic
footprint in India’s neighborhood has
increased. The Maldives has emerged as an
important ‘pearl’ in China’s “String of
Pearls” construct in South Asia.
Recent gestures by India
[1] 2014 Male drinking-water crisis
• In the wake of a drinking water crisis in
Malé in December 2014, following collapse
of the island’s only water treatment plant,
Maldives urged India for immediate help.
• India came to rescue by sending its heavy lift
transporters like C-17 Globemaster III, Il-76
carrying bottled water.
[2] 2020 Covid-19 crisis
• During the COVID-19 crisis of 2020, India
extended help to Maldives in the form of
financial, material and logistical support.
• Also, the IAF airlifted 6.2 tonnes of essential
medicines and hospital consumables to
Maldives, as part of ‘Operation Sanjeevani’.

www.civilsdaily.com 81
[3] Greater Male Connectivity Project
• India has recently announced the signing
of a $500-million infrastructure project for
the construction of the Greater Malé
Connectivity Project (GMCP).
• T his infrastructure project, the largest-
ever by India in the Maldives, involves the
construction of a 6.74-km-long bridge and
causeway link.
[4] Defence Cooperation and Other
Projects
• India has gifted a Dornier aircraft and a patrol
vessel to the Maldives in the past.
• India has provided 24 vehicles and a naval
boat and will build police facilities on 61
islands in the country.
• T he joint statement released by India and
Maldives after Defence Minister’s visit
highlighted ongoing defense cooperation
between the two neighbors.
• T he countries have agreed to explore
additional avenues for cooperation, including
in areas of defense trade, capacity building,
and joint exercises.
• B oth countries are working closely to address
challenges, including those on maritime
security, terrorism, radicalization, piracy,
trafficking, organized crime, and natural
disasters.
BRICS SUMMITS
BRICS FM meeting
in South Africa
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : BRICS
Mains level : Read the attached story
82 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Maldives’ significance for India • India must play a key role within the Indo-
• I ncreasing maritime cooperation: Â As Pacific security space to ensure regional
maritime economic activity in the Indian security in South Asia and surrounding
Ocean has risen dramatically in recent maritime boundaries.
decades, the geopolitical competition too in • At present, the ‘India Out’ campaign has
the Indian Ocean has intensified. support from a limited population but this
• T oll Gate in Indian Ocean: Â It is situated at cannot be taken for granted by the Indian
the hub of commercial sea-lanes running government.
through the Indian Ocean. More than 97% of
India’s international trade by volume and Mains Value addition: 
75% by value passes through the region. Important Quotes for Mains Answers
• N aval cooperation: Â Maldives is an
PM Modi
important partner in India’s role as the net
The relations between India and Maldives
security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
are older than history. Our cultures have
• I mportant SAARC member: Â Besides,
flourished with the power of these waves. Our
Maldives is a member of the South Asian
relationships have been blessed by the depths
Association for Regional Cooperation
of the ocean.
(SAARC) and the South Asia Subregional
Economic Cooperation (SASEC).
We are good neighbors. We are strong
• P
 eople To People Contact: Â There is a
partners. We have mutually invested in
significant population of Maldivian students
development and progress. But we also
in India. They are aided by a liberal visa-
together have responsibility for peace and
free regime extended by India. There is also
security in the region.- EAM Jaishankar
medical tourism.
• M
 ajor destination for Tourists: Â Tourism is
Maldives- India relation, goes beyond
the mainstay of the Maldivian economy. The
diplomacy. Our values, our cultures, and our
country is now a major tourist destination for
histories are intertwined, making it a traditional
some Indians and a job destination for others.
relationship. Our centuries-old relationship
Way forward is grown with political trust, economic
• India continues to be an important partner of cooperation and coherent strategic policies
the Maldives. between our two countries.”- Solih on his
• India must not grow complacent over its visit to India in 2021Â
position and must remain attentive to the
developments in the Maldives.
What is BRICS?
About BRICS is a grouping
of the world’s leading
emerging economies:
Brazil, Russia,
India, China, and
South Africa.
History The term BRIC was
coined in 2001 by
British Economist Jim
O’Neill to describe
Central Idea the four emerging
• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in economies of Brazil,
Cape Town, South Africa, to participate in a Russia, India, and
meeting of foreign ministers from the BRICS China. The grouping
countries. was formalized in
• The foreign ministers’ meeting 2006, and South
aims to finalize the agenda for the Africa joined in 2010.
upcomingBRICShttps://www.civilsdaily. Composition BRICS comprises
com/sansad-tv-perspective-brics-and- the four emerging
india/summit, scheduled to be held in South economies of Brazil,
Africa in August. Russia, India, and
China, with South
Africa joining later.
 • F riends of BRICS meet: South Africa, as the • Non-Western group: India views BRICS as
Footprints BRICS represents
chair this year, is hosting a Friends of BRICS a non-western group and believes it should
41% of the global
meeting with foreign ministers from Africa remain so, focusing on its role as a platform
population, 24% of
and the Global South. for Global South countries to express
global GDP, and 16%
solidarity.
of global trade. Potential Expansion of BRICS • New challenges for India: Some analysts
Chairmanship Rotates annually • Countries in queue for BRICS membership: argue that as BRICS expands and more
among the members, Around 19 countries are reportedly seeking to members join, it could sidelines India’s
with India holding join BRICS, including Argentina, Nicaragua, influence within the group.
the chair in 2021. Mexico, Uruguay, Venezuela, Nigeria, Algeria,
Initiatives New Development Egypt, Senegal, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, What about BRICS Common Currency?
Bank: NDB funds the UAE, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Kazakhstan, • Proposal for a common currency: Russia
infrastructure Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Indonesia, proposed the idea of a common currency
and sustainable and Thailand. at the BRICS summit in Beijing last year.
development projects. • Inclusion of big oil producers: The list of Leaders established a committee to study its
• C ontingent potential new members includes major oil- feasibility.
Reserve producing countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, • Cautious reception and challenges: The
Arrangement: the UAE, Nigeria, and Venezuela. proposal for a common currency received
CRA provides cautious feedback, with concerns about its
China’s Role in BRICS viability and complexities such as different
mutual support
• China driving expansion: China is leading economic and political systems among
and strengthens
the effort to expand its membership of BRICS member countries.
financial
and is promoting the idea of creating a bigger • Insulation from the dollar: The idea of a
stability among
space for the Global South. common currency presents an opportunity to
BRICS nations.
• Focus on multilateralism: China emphasizes reduce reliance on the US dollar, but not all
• B RICS Payment
multilateralism as it criticizes US hegemony, members are convinced it is the right time.
System: Aims
using the theme of “multilateralism” • Difficulties in currency trade: Negotiations
to create an
rather than “multipolarity” in discussions between India and Russia for trading in their
alternative
about BRICS. respective currencies have encountered
payment
• C hallenging the Western geopolitical view: difficulties, with Moscow preferring dollar
system to SWIFT.
The conflict in Ukraine has strengthened the payments due to limited imports from India.
• S atellite: A
China-Russia partnership and transformed
constellation of
BRICS into an aspiring bloc that challenges China’s stance on the US dollar
remote sensing
the western geopolitical narrative. • Retreating US dollar hegemony: China has
satellites has
expressed discontent with the “hegemony
been launched in India’s Position in BRICS of the US dollar” and aims to promote the
collaboration with • I ndia’s participation in BRICS and the G7: use of the Yuan as a trading currency in
BRICS nations. India’s involvement in both BRICS and the G7 Central Asia.
demonstrates its engagement with multiple • No open voices abandoning the dollar:
groupings and does not indicate alignment Despite its criticisms, there is no evidence
Key agenda of this meet
with an anti-Western coalition. to suggest that China is ready to completely
• Geopolitical consolidation and potential
expansion: Two key items on the agenda abandon the US dollar at present.
attracting attention are the plan to expand
the membership of BRICS and the discussion
of a common currency.

FOREIGN POLICY WATCH: INDIA-AFGHANISTAN

In news: Helmand
Water Conflict
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : Central Idea
Prelims level : Helmand River • Iran and Afghanistan have been engaged in a
Mains level : Taliban-Iran Conflict prolonged disagreement over the sharing of
water from the Helmand River.
• Violent confrontations have occurred in the
border region between the two countries in
the recent past.

www.civilsdaily.com 83
About Helmand River
• T he Helmand River is the longest river in
Afghanistan, spanning approximately 1,150
kilometers (715 miles) in length.
• It originates near Kabul in the western Hindu
Kush mountain range.
• T he river flows in a south-westerly direction
through desert areas before emptying
into Lake Hamun, which straddles the
Afghanistan-Iran border.
• L ake Hamun, fed by the Helmand River, is
the largest freshwater lake in Iran.
• T he Helmand River is a vital water source
for both Afghanistan and Iran, supporting
agriculture, livelihoods, and ecosystems in
the region.
Row over Helmand River and Lake Hamun
• A fghanistan’s longest river: The Helmand
River holds great importance for Afghanistan
as it is the country’s longest river, originating
near Kabul and flowing through desert areas.
• I ran’s largest freshwater lake: Lake Hamun,
located on the Afghanistan-Iran border, is
Iran’s largest freshwater lake and has been
historically sustained by the Helmand River.
OIL AND GAS SECTOR - HELP, OPEN ACREAGE POLICY, ETC.
OPEC+ decision on
Oil Supply cut
International Relations | GS2: International Institutions
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : OPEC+
Mains level : Global crude oil pricing dynamics
Central Idea
• S
 audi Arabia has decided to decrease its oil
supply to the global economy.
• T
 his unilateral action aims to stabilize the
declining crude oil prices.
• P
 revious efforts by major oil-producing
countries within the OPEC+ alliance to cut
supply did not yield desired price increases.
84 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• D
 rying up due to drought: The Lake has
experienced a drastic decline in water levels
and has largely dried up, attributed to factors
such as drought and the construction of
dams and water control infrastructure.
• E
 conomic Importance: Lake Hamun
plays a vital role in the regional ecosystem
and supports agricultural activities,
livelihoods, and economic sectors in the
surrounding areas.
Disagreements between Iran and
Afghanistan (Taliban)
• F ouling of the 1973 Helmand River Treaty:
The agreement signed in 1973 between Iran
and Afghanistan to regulate the allocation
of river water has not been fully ratified or
effectively put into practice.
• I ran accuses Afghanistan of violating
water rights: Iran has consistently accused
Afghanistan of infringing upon its water
rights, claiming that it receives significantly
less water than agreed upon in the
1973 treaty.
• A fghanistan blames climatic factors for
reduced water flow: Afghanistan has refuted
Iran’s allegations, citing climatic factors such
What is OPEC+?
• T
 he non-OPEC countries which export crude
oil along with the 14 OPECs are termed as
OPEC plus countries.
• O
 PEC plus countries include Azerbaijan,
Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia,
Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan,
and Sudan.
• S
 audi and Russia, both have been at the
heart of a three-year alliance of oil producers
known as OPEC Plus — which now includes
11 OPEC members and 10 non-OPEC nations
— that aims to shore up oil prices with
production cuts.
Reasons for OPEC+ Production Cuts
• R
 ussian war: Oil prices rose significantly
following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• P
 revious major cut: The recent production
cut is the largest since 2020 when
OPEC+ members reduced outputs by 10
million barrels per day (bpd) during the
Covid-19 pandemic.
as reduced rainfall and diminished river water
volumes as the primary causes of the current
situation.
• Concerns over Afghanistan’s dam and
irrigation projects: Tehran expresses
concerns over Afghanistan’s construction
of dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems
along the Helmand River, fearing that these
initiatives negatively impact water flow
into Iran.
Why is Taliban furious this time?
• Taliban’s interest in promoting agriculture:
The Taliban seeks to prioritize agricultural
development, which influences their
approach to water management and
distribution.
• Tehran’s sudden attention to Sistan-
Baluchistan after protests: Following
nationwide protests, including Sistan-
Baluchistan, Iran’s government has shown
increased attention to the region due to its
disadvantaged status and reliance on water
resources from Lake Hamun.
• Benefit to Middle Eastern states: The cuts
are expected to boost prices, benefiting
Middle Eastern OPEC+ members who have
become significant oil suppliers to Europe
after sanctions were imposed on Russia.
Concerns for India
• Fuel price hike: Despite importing cheap
Russian oil, India has not seen a decrease in
fuel prices.
• Fiscal challenges: Rising oil prices pose
fiscal challenges for India, where heavily-
taxed retail fuel prices have reached record
highs, threatening the demand-driven
economic recovery.
• Reliance on West Asian supplies: India
imports about 84% of its oil and depends on
West Asian countries for over three-fifths of
its oil demand.
• Potential impact on consumption-led
recovery: India, as one of the largest crude-
consuming countries, is concerned that
production cuts by OPEC+ nations could
undermine the country’s consumption-led
economic recovery and negatively affect
price-sensitive consumers.
Back2Basics: Organization of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC)
Founding September 14, 1960
 Member Countries Algeria, Angola, Market Monitoring Monitor global oil Diminished Influence OPEC’s influence on
Congo, Equatorial market conditions, oil prices has reduced
Guinea, Gabon, supply, demand, due to factors like
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, inventories, the rise of non-
Libya, Nigeria, Saudi and prices OPEC oil production,
Arabia, United Arab OPEC Meetings Regular meetings changes in global
Emirates, Venezuela held every six energy markets,
Goal Coordinate and months for member and geopolitical
unify petroleum countries to discuss developments
policies among and negotiate oil Non-OPEC OPEC cooperates
member countries, production and Cooperation with non-OPEC
ensure stability pricing policies countries, notably
and predictability Pricing Policy Historically used through the
in oil markets, the “OPEC basket” “OPEC+” group,
secure fair returns concept - a which includes
on investment for weighted average Russia, to collectively
member countries’ price of crude oil manage oil supply
petroleum resources blends produced by levels and enhance
Production Quotas Set production member countries market stability
limits for member Influence on Prices OPEC’s decisions
countries to manage and actions can
oil supply and impact global oil
stabilize prices prices by increasing
or decreasing
production levels

WTO AND INDIA

Working Principles Based on the

Duty-Free Quota Free principles of MFN

and national

(DFQF) Scheme
treatment, ensuring
equal and non-
discriminatory
International Relations | GS2: India & Its Neighborhood - Relations treatment.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : Member-Driven Governed by
Prelims level : Duty-Free Quota Free (DFQF) Scheme Organization its member
Mains level : WTO governments,
and decisions are
Central Idea Nature The WTO is the only
made through
• India offers a duty-free quota-free (DFQF) global international
consensus among
scheme to least developed countries (LDCs) organization
these members.
under the World Trade Organisation (WTO). dedicated to
• A report by the LDC Group reveals that regulating trade rules Special and The WTO provides
about 85% of the products offered by India between nations. Differential specific flexibilities
remain unutilised under the DFQF scheme. Treatment for and rights to
Successor to GATT It is the successor
Developing Countries least developed
to the General
World Trade Organisation (WTO) countries (LDCs) and
Agreement on Tariffs
Establishment The WTO was developing nations.
and Trade (GATT),
established on which was in place DFQF Scheme
January 1, 1995, from 1948 to 1994. • The DFQF access for LDCs was initially
following the
Objectives To facilitate the decided at the WTO Hong Kong Ministerial
Uruguay Round
smooth, predictable, Meeting in 2005.
of Negotiations
and unrestricted flow • India became the first developing country to
conducted from
of international trade. extend this facility to LDCs in 2008, providing
1986 to 1994.
preferential market access on 85% of its total
tariff lines.
• The scheme was expanded in 2014, offering
preferential market access on about 98.2% of
India’s tariff lines to LDCs.

www.civilsdaily.com 85
Issues highlighted by WTO
(1) Tariff Line Utilisation Data
• W
 TO data from 2020 indicates that 85%
of the tariff lines offered by India under the
DFQF scheme show zero utilisation rate.
• C
 hina’s utilisation rate for similar tariff lines
is 64%, with only 8% of the lines showing a
utilisation rate above 95%.
• U
 tilisation rates for beneficiary LDCs vary
significantly, with Guinea and Bangladesh
having low rates (8% and 0% respectively),
while Benin reports the highest utilisation
rate of 98%.
RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE: GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS
Places: Kakhovka
Dam in Ukraine
International Relations | GS2:
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Kakhovka Dam
Mains level : NA
Central Idea
• B
 reach of the Dnipro River Dam: A Soviet-
era Kakhovka Dam on the Dnipro River in
southern Ukraine was breached, resulting in
floodwaters spreading across the war zone.
• C
 onflicting Accounts: Ukraine accused
Russiahttps://www.civilsdaily.com/1-year-
russia-ukraine-war/of destroying the dam,
INDIA-NIGERIA RELATIONS
India-Nigeria Relations
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
86 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
(2) Non-Preferential Tariff Route
• S imilar to China, significant amounts of
LDC exports enter India under the non-
preferential (most favoured nation) tariff
route, despite being covered by the Indian
preference scheme.
• T he report highlights the importance of
preference margins, indicating potential
duty savings.
• F or example, fixed vegetable oil exported
from Bangladesh to India has a preference
margin of 77.5 percentage points, implying
a potential $74 million duty savings if the
preference scheme were utilized.
while Russian officials provided differing
explanations, suggesting Ukrainian shelling or
prior damage as potential causes.
The Kakhovka Dam
• C
 onstruction and Purpose: The Kakhovka
Dam was built in 1956 as part of the
Khakhovka hydroelectric power plant, with a
height of 30 meters (98 feet) and a length of
3.2 kilometres (2 miles).
• W
 ater Supply: The dam’s reservoir supplies
water to the Crimean peninsula, claimed
by Russia since 2014, and the Zaporizhzhia
nuclear plant, which is also under
Russian control.
• R
 eservoir Capacity: The reservoir holds
approximately 18 cubic km of water,
comparable in volume to the Great Salt Lake
in Utah, USA.
Challenges and Barriers
• The report suggests that the low utilisation
of the preference scheme by LDCs is not due
to exporter awareness but rather existing
barriers that hinder the effective use of
preferences.
• The specific barriers preventing LDCs from
fully utilizing the scheme are not mentioned
in the article.
Accounts of the Dam Breach
• Ukrainian Accusations: Ukraine attributed
responsibility to Russia, stating that the dam
was destroyed by “Russian terrorists” and
accusing Russian occupying forces of the act.
• Russian Claims: Russian-installed officials
offered conflicting accounts, with some
blaming Ukraine for shelling the dam, while
others asserted that the dam collapsed due
to pre-existing damage and water pressure.
Try this question from CS Prelims 2023
Consider the following pairs:
Regions often mentioned in news: Reason for
being in news
North Kivu and Ituri: War between Armenia
and Azerbaijan
• Nagorno-Karabakh: Insurgency in
Mozambique
• Kherson and Zaporizhzhia: Dispute between
Israel and Lebanon
How many of the above pairs are
correctly matched?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
Central Idea
• O
 n May 29 Bola Ahmed Tinubu sworn in
as Africa’s most populous nation Nigeria’s
16th Executive President, solidifying a
quarter-century of unbroken constitutional
democracy. Despite this achievement,
Nigeria faces persistent challenges hindering
the realization of its socio-economic
potential. Insecurity, high unemployment,
corruption, and inadequate infrastructure
continue to impede progress.
Key aspects of India’s stake in Nigeria
• E
 conomic Partnership: India and Nigeria
have a strong economic partnership. Nigeria
has traditionally been one of India’s largest
trading partners in Africa. Strengthening
economic ties with Nigeria provides India
access to natural resources, including oil and
gas, as well as opportunities for trade and
investment.
• C
 ultural: Indian Diaspora : Nigeria is home
to a large Indian diaspora, with over 50,000
people of Indian origin residing in the
country. The Indian community in Nigeria
contributes to trade, entrepreneurship, and
cultural exchanges, fostering people-to-
people ties between the two nations.
• T
 rade and Investment: India has significant
investments in Nigeria across various
sectors, including telecommunications,
manufacturing, agriculture, and banking.
Strengthening trade relations and diversifying
the bilateral trade basket can benefit both
economies and create new avenues for
economic cooperation.
• T
 echnology and Expertise: Nigeria values
India’s appropriate technology solutions,
which are often seen as well-suited to local
conditions. Indian expertise in sectors such
as information technology, healthcare,
agriculture, and education can contribute
to Nigeria’s development efforts and
capacity building.
• D
 efense Cooperation: Defense cooperation
between India and Nigeria has a rich
history. Nigeria has had several past
presidents who were trained in India’s
defense institutions. Reviving and enhancing
defense ties can promote bilateral defense
industry cooperation, training programs,
and exchange of expertise in areas of
mutual interest.
• G
 eo-political: Nigeria’s influence extends
beyond its borders, particularly within the
West African region. Strengthening relations
with Nigeria allows India to engage more
effectively in regional initiatives, enhance
trade partnerships with neighboring
countries, and contribute to regional stability
and development.
• E
 nergy Security: Nigeria’s role as a major
oil producer and exporter is of significance
to India’s energy security. Cooperation in
the energy sector, including oil exploration,
refining, and renewable energy, can help
diversify India’s energy sources and ensure a
stable supply of energy resources.
• M
 ultilateral Engagement : Nigeria’s active
participation in regional and international
organizations provides an opportunity for
India and Nigeria to collaborate on issues of
mutual concern, including climate change,
counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and global
governance reforms.
Areas of cooperation
1.Economic Cooperation:
• N igeria is India’s largest trading partner
in Africa.
• Nigeria is a major importer of Indian goods in
West Africa such as machinery, automobiles
and accessories, pharmaceuticals,
mechanical equipment and appliances,
mineral fuels and mineral oils, articles of iron,
organic chemicals, apparels and made-up
textile articles.
• T ill date there are 135 Indian companies
currently active in Nigeria including Tata,
Kirloskar, Ashok Leyland, Ranbaxy, Bharti
Airtel and Mahindra group.
• India’s imports from Nigeria have shown
a slight decline in the last few years. The
value has decreased from US$ 10.88 billion
in 2018–2019 to US$ 10.21 billion during
2019–2020. However, India’s exports have
risen by 20 per cent during the same period;
from US$ 3.0 billion in 2018–2019 to US$
3.61 billion in 2019–2020
2. Energy Cooperation
• The 2018 estimates by Central Intelligence
Agency, USA, show Nigeria as the 11th
largest producer of crude oil, with an average
production of 1.989 million barrels per day.
• Nigeria is a leading energy partner of India.
• In recent developments, both sides agreed to
strengthen their cooperation in this sector.14
In 2017, Nigeria became a signatory of the
International Solar Alliance (ISA)15Â and
continues to remain an active member in
achieving eco-friendly and technology-driven
sustainable development.
3. Defence Cooperation
• The military engagement between both the
armed forces of India and Nigeria has been
going on since 1960.
• India supported Nigeria in setting up
various military institutions including
the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)
at Kaduna, the Naval College at Port
Harcourt, and Command and Staff College,
at Abuja. Similarly, a number of Nigerian
defense services officers have received
training in India.
• In October 2007, both countries signed a
memorandum of understanding on defense
cooperation,22 covering areas like defense
training, capacity-building, equipment
support, and sharing expertise in counter-
terrorism and counter-insurgency.
• Given India’s expertise in military tactics
and its age-old experience of participation
in UN peacekeeping missions, a contingent
of the Nigerian army participated in
AFINDEX-19.
Way forward
• Â India and Nigeria should further enhance
their cooperation in fields like healthcare,
food supply and cyber security, countering
terrorism and piracy.
• Greater connectivity, and people-to-people
contact, cooperation between universities
and think tanks will go a long way in further
strengthening the relationship between the
two countries.
Conclusion
• Nigeria’s recent transfer of power showcases
its commitment to democracy amidst a
continent known for political instability.
India, with its historical ties and economic
partnership, has a crucial role to play in
Nigeria’s journey. By fostering enhanced
engagement, India can contribute to Nigeria’s
progress and strengthen bilateral relations for
mutual benefits.
www.civilsdaily.com 87
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS : IMPORTANT UPDATES
Clearance to Politicians
for Foreign Travels
International Relations | GS2: Ministries & Departments Of The Government
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : NA
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• A
 Delhi State Minister has moved the court
seeking directions for the government to
decide on granting her political clearance
before it is too late.
• E
 arlier, Delhi CM’s participation to attend
the World Cities Summit in 2022 was due to
delayed political clearance by the Centre.
Understanding Political Clearance
• P
 olitical clearance is issued by the Ministry
of External Affairs (MEA) and is required for
public servants and government officials
traveling abroad.
• A
 pplications for political clearance can be
made through the epolclearance.gov.in portal
since 2016.
• T
 he decision on political clearance considers
various factors, including the nature of the
event, level of participation, invitation, and
India’s relations with the host country.
(1) Process for CMs and State Ministers to
Travel Abroad
• I nforming the cabinet: The Cabinet
Secretariat’s circular of May 6, 2015,
mandates informing the Cabinet Secretariat
and Ministry of External Affairs about
proposed foreign visits by CMs and State
Ministers.
• M
 andatory nature: Prior political clearance
and FCRA clearance are mandatory for
such visits.
• A
 pplication process: The application for
clearance must be sent to the Secretary,
Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).
88 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
(2) For other Ministers and
Parliamentarians
• U
 nion ministers require clearance from the
Prime Minister’s Office in addition to political
clearance from the MEA for official and
personal trips abroad.
• L
 ok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members need
clearance from the Speaker and Chairperson
respectively, only for official trips.
• G
 overnment employees, depending on their
rank and delegation type, require approval
from the Minister concerned or a screening
committee of secretaries.
(3) Application to Judges
• J udges of the Supreme Court and state
High Courts must send their proposals to
the Department of Justice after obtaining
clearance from the Chief Justice of India.
• A
 pproval from the MEA and, in certain cases,
the Home Ministry is required.
• D
 elhi High Court has struck down guidelines
on judges’ personal travel in the past.
Debates surrounding political clearance
• In his early term, PM Modi held meetings
with Union department secretaries to discuss
the issue.
• C alls have been made to change the “dilatory
system” of MEA clearing travel proposals by
officials.
• T
 he MEA has asserted its prerogative in
deciding the suitability, desirability, and
level of participation of Indian officials in
engagements abroad.
Reasons for Political Clearance Denials
• T
 he inappropriateness of direct
correspondence: The MEA may consider
direct correspondence between a diplomatic
mission and a state government as
inappropriate, leading to denial of clearance
for a visit.
• Substantive and protocol considerations:
Concerns may arise regarding the substantive
and protocol aspects of a CM’s visit, which
could influence the decision to deny political
clearance.
• Unsuitability or undesirability: The nature
of the event or the level of participation from
other countries might be deemed unsuitable
or undesirable for a CM’s visit, resulting in
denial of clearance.
• Special consideration challenges:
Concerned agencies may face challenges in
providing special consideration to a Chief
Minister’s visit, considering substantive and
protocol angles.
• Prevailing circumstances: The prevailing
circumstances, including diplomatic relations
with the host country or other relevant
factors, can play a role in the decision to deny
political clearance.
• National security concerns: In certain cases,
national security considerations may lead
to the denial of political clearance for an
official visit.
• Lack of sufficient justification: If the purpose
or justification provided for the visit is not
deemed sufficient, the political clearance
request may be denied.
Importance of Political Clearance
• Ensures effective representation and
protection of India’s interests abroad.
• Maintains diplomatic relations and adheres
to established protocols.
• Balances security concerns with the need for
international engagements.
Implications for diplomacy
• Denial of political clearance can impact
bilateral and multilateral relationships.
• Strengthens cooperation and dialogue
between countries.
• Builds trust and goodwill through smooth
facilitation of visits and engagements.
US POLICY WISE :VISA, FREE TRADE AND WTO Key terms of the declaration

US-UK forge ‘Atlantic

• Supply Chain Strengthening: The US and
UK will strengthen their supply chains, invest

Declaration’ to boost ties

International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Atlantic Declaration
Mains level : Not Much
What is Atlantic Declaration?
• T
 he “Atlantic Declaration” aims to enhance
industry collaboration in defense and
renewable energy sectors in response to
China’s growing competition.
• T
 he declaration recognizes the challenges
posed by authoritarian states, disruptive
technologies, non-state actors, and
transnational issues like climate change.
• B
 oth leaders affirmed the strength of the
Central Idea transatlantic relationship and emphasized
• T
 he US and Britain have announced a new the need to adapt to the changing world
strategic pact called, reaffirming their “special economy driven by AI and technological
relationship” to address challenges posed by advancements.
Russia, China, and economic instability.
• T
 hey signed Atlantic Declaration to develop
a new green economy through extensive
industrial subsidies instead of pursuing a
post-Brexit free-trade agreement.
in each other’s industries, and develop future
technologies under the Atlantic Declaration.
• Clean Energy Partnership: They agreed to
launch a civil nuclear partnership, aiming
to promote clean energy cooperation and
reduce reliance on Russian fuel.
• Technology and Critical Minerals: The
countries will collaborate on the safe
development of AI technology, negotiate a
critical minerals agreement, and cooperate
on telecoms technology and quantum
technologies.
• UK-US “Data Bridge”: The declaration
includes a commitment in principle to a UK-
US “data bridge” that facilitates the transfer
of data between British and US businesses
without unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Critical Minerals Agreement: Negotiations
on a critical minerals agreement will
allow certain UK firms to access tax
credits available under the US Inflation
Reduction Act.
• Business Collaboration: Cooperation will
extend to telecoms technology, including 5G
and 6G, as well as quantum technologies,
fostering collaboration and innovation
between the US and UK.

NUCLEAR DIPLOMACY AND DISARMAMENT

India and Pakistan’s Nuclear Arsenal

Global Nuclear Arsenal Growth

• India’s nuclear arsenal: SIPRI estimates

Expansion Race
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Read the attached story
Mains level : Global nuclear arms race
• P
 otential ICBM parity: SIPRI suggests that
depending on how China structures its
forces, it could have a comparable number of
intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to
the U.S. or Russia by the end of the decade.
• C
 oncerns over stated aim: SIPRI’s Weapons
of Mass Destruction Programme questions
the alignment between China’s expanding
nuclear arsenal and its declared goal of
maintaining minimum nuclear forces for
national security.
Central Idea
• C
 hina’s nuclear arsenal: China increased
its nuclear arsenal from 350 warheads in
January 2022 to 410 warheads in January
2023, according to SIPRI.
indicate that India’s nuclear arsenal
grew from 160 warheads in 2022 to 164
warheads in 2023.
• Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal: SIPRI estimates
that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal increased
from 165 warheads in 2022 to 170
warheads in 2023.
• Emphasis on longer-range weapons: India
seems to be placing growing importance on
longer-range weapons capable of reaching
targets across China, while Pakistan remains
the primary focus of India’s nuclear deterrent.
Global Nuclear Weapons Inventory
• Total global inventory: As of January
2023, the global inventory of warheads
reached 12,512.
• Warheads in military stockpiles:
Approximately 9,576 warheads were held
in military stockpiles for potential use,
representing an increase of 86 warheads
compared to January 2022.
• Dominance of Russia and the U.S.: Russia
and the U.S. collectively possess nearly 90%
of all nuclear weapons.

www.civilsdaily.com 89
• S
 tability in nuclear arsenals: The size
of Russia’s and the U.S.’ nuclear arsenals
remained relatively stable in 2022, although
transparency regarding nuclear forces
declined due to the Ukraine conflict, as
noted by SIPRI.
Reasons for increased stockpile
• S
 hifting power dynamics: China’s significant
expansion of its nuclear arsenal has
implications for global power dynamics,
potentially challenging the traditional
dominance of the U.S. and Russia in the
nuclear arena.
• R
 egional security concerns: China’s
increased nuclear capabilities raise concerns
among neighboring countries, particularly
those involved in territorial disputes or
security rivalries in the Asia-Pacific region.
• G
 lobal arms race: China’s nuclear arsenal
growth may fuel an arms race in the region,
leading to increased tensions and instability.
Nuclear Dynamics in South Asia
• S trategic rivalry between India and
Pakistan: The nuclear arsenals of India
and Pakistan continue to expand, reflecting
the ongoing strategic competition and
deterrence dynamics between the two
countries.
• E scalation risks: The increase in nuclear
capabilities in South Asia raises the potential
for miscalculation and escalation, heightening
the risk of a nuclear conflict in the region.
• I mplications for regional stability: The
growth of nuclear arsenals in India and
Pakistan has wider implications for regional
stability and the effectiveness of non-
proliferation efforts.
Challenges to the Global Disarmament
ideals
• D
 eclining transparency: The decline in
transparency regarding nuclear forces in
Russia and the U.S., coupled with the overall
FOREIGN POLICY WATCH: UNITED NATIONS
US to rejoin UNESCO
International Relations | GS2: Important International Institutions
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : UNESCO
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he UN cultural and scientific agency
UNESCO announced that the US plans to
rejoin — and pay more than $600 million in
back dues.
90 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
increase in global warhead stockpiles, poses
challenges to nuclear arms control and
disarmament efforts.
• E
 rosion of trust: The lack of transparency
and increased stockpiles undermine trust
between nuclear-armed states, making it
more difficult to achieve meaningful progress
in disarmament negotiations.
• N
 eed for renewed dialogue: The growing
nuclear arsenals underscore the importance
of revitalizing international dialogue on
disarmament and strengthening existing
arms control agreements.
Legacy issues
• N
 otion of Nuclear Haves and Have-Nots:
The proponents of disarmaments are
themselves nuclear armed countries thus
creating a nuclear monopoly.
• C
 oncept of Peaceful Nuclear Explosion
(PNE): conducted for non-military purposes
such as mining.
India commitment for de-nuclearization
• U
 niversal commitment and non-
discriminatory framework: India advocates
for nuclear disarmament based on principles
of equality, non-discrimination, and
global security.
• W
 orking paper on Nuclear Disarmament:
India submitted a working paper on Nuclear
Disarmament to the UN General Assembly
in 2006, presenting its perspectives and
proposals for achieving global disarmament.
• P
 articipation in Nuclear Security Initiatives:
India actively engages in the Nuclear Security
Summit process and supports efforts to
enhance global nuclear security through
participation in international conferences
organized by the IAEA.
• M
 embership in the Nuclear Security
Contact Group: India is a member of the
Nuclear Security Contact Group, contributing
to discussions and initiatives aimed at
strengthening international cooperation on
nuclear security.
• U
 S has retreated after a decade-long dispute
sparked by UNESCO’s move to include
Palestine as a member.
• Support for Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty
(FMCT): India expresses readiness to
support negotiations on a Fissile Material
Cut-off Treaty, considering it an important
step towards disarmament by banning
the production of fissile material for
nuclear weapons.
• Concerns regarding the Comprehensive
Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): India has
not joined the CTBT due to several concerns,
but it remains open to addressing these
concerns and exploring possibilities for future
accession to the treaty.
• Leadership in Preventing Weapons of Mass
Destruction (WMD) Proliferation: India
actively leads efforts to prevent terrorists
from acquiring WMDs, piloting an annual
UNGA Resolution on “Measures to Prevent
Terrorists from Acquiring Weapons of Mass
Destruction” since 2002, which receives
consensus adoption.
Way forward
• Strengthening non-proliferation efforts: The
expansion of nuclear arsenals highlights the
need for robust non-proliferation mechanisms
and adherence to international agreements
such as the Treaty on theNon-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).https://www.
civilsdaily.com/news/illicit-proliferation-of-
networks-of-n-weapons/
• Managing nuclear risks: As the number
of nuclear-armed states increases, effective
risk management and confidence-
building measures become crucial to
prevent accidental or intentional use of
nuclear weapons.
• Balancing deterrence and disarmament:
The international community faces the
challenge of striking a balance between
maintaining credible deterrence and pursuing
disarmament goals to ensure global security.
UNESCO (United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization)
Established November 16, 1945
Headquarters Paris, France
Membership 195 member states and
10 associate members
Mandate Promoting international
cooperation in
education, science,
culture, and
communication
 A quick recap Why is the US now joining back?
Objectives • E nsuring an inclusive
• U
 S and Israel’s withdrawal: Last December, • Counterbalance China’s influence: The US
and equitable quality
the United States and Israel decided to aims to counterbalance China’s growing
education for all
leave UNESCO. influence in shaping global policies on
• Â Safeguarding
• H
 istorical trajectory of engagement: The artificial intelligence and technology
cultural heritage
decisions should be viewed within a longer education.
• Â Advancing
historical context. • Protect and promote US interests: Rejoining
scientific research
allows the US to protect and advance its
and collaboration Reasons for Withdrawal interests in cultural heritage preservation,
Notable  World Heritage • A nti-Semitic resolutions: The US and Israel climate change initiatives, and girls’
Programs and Program: Designates cited several resolutions that they perceived education.
Activities and preserves sites as biased against Israel. • Reforms and diplomatic efforts: UNESCO’s
of outstanding • D isdain for multilateralism and ‘America management reforms and efforts to address
universal value First’ policy: The US demonstrated a lack concerns have contributed to the US decision
• Â Education for All of interest in multilateral organizations and to rejoin.
Program: Ensuring prioritized its own interests. • Bipartisan support for engagement: The
inclusive and • M ounting arrears: The decision was based decision to rejoin UNESCO has received
equitable quality on mounting arrears, the need for reform, bipartisan support within the US, ensuring
education for all and perceived anti-Israel bias. long-term engagement regardless of future
• Â International • L ack of interest in paying UNESCO debts: political changes.
Hydrological The Trump administration had little incentive • Financial considerations and commitment:
Program: Promoting to pay off debts accumulated since the The US plans to fulfill financial obligations to
sustainable water Obama administration froze contributions. UNESCO, including paying dues and arrears,
management and demonstrating a commitment to supporting
cooperation Implications of the withdrawal
key initiatives within the organization.
• Â Man and • I mpact on UNESCO’s daily workings: The
the Biosphere departure of the US and Israel impaired the Conclusion
Program: Promoting organization’s operations. • The decision of the United States to rejoin
sustainable • L imited consequence for Palestinians: UNESCO reflects a strategic effort to
development and The diplomatic victory for the Palestinian counterbalance China’s influence, protect and
Conservation of Authority was of little political or economic promote American interests, and engage in
natural resources significance for Palestinians living under international efforts for cultural preservation,
• Â Intangible Cultural occupation. climate change, and education.
Heritage Program:
Safeguarding and
promoting intangible
cultural heritage

INDIA-NEPAL RELATIONS
Various facets of India-Nepal ties

India-Nepal Relations (1) Cultural ties

International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Central Idea
The four-day visit by Nepal Prime Minister
Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who prefers to be called
‘Prachanda’ (his nom de guerre) was
recently completed.
India Nepal Ties: A Backgrounder
• Ancient ties: Â The relationship between
India and Nepal goes back to the times of the
rule of the Sakya clan and Gautama Buddha.
• Cultural relations: Â From 750 to 1750
AD period saw a shift from Buddhism
to Hinduism in Nepal and witnessed
widespread cultural diffusion.
• Diplomatic ties:  India-Nepal Treaty
of Peace and Friendship of 1950 forms the
bedrock of the special relations that exist
between India and Nepal.
• In recent years, India’s relations with
Nepal have witnessed some ‘lows’.
• While enjoying their own peculiarities, both
India and Nepal share a common culture and
ways of life.
• Religion is perhaps the most important
factor and plays a predominant role in
shaping the cultural relations between
these two countries, marked by a cross
country pilgrimage on Char Dham
Yatra, Pashupatinath Temple and some
Buddhist sites.
(2) Strategic ties
• Nepal is a buffer state between India
and China.
• Several Nepali Citizens are also deployed
in Indian defence forces as well. Ex.
Gorkha Regiment.

www.civilsdaily.com 91
(3) Political ties
• C
 onstitutional turmoil is not new in Nepal.
India has played a vital role in the democratic
transition in Nepal against the monarch King
Gyanendra.
• N
 epali Congress (NC)Â is one of the
country’s oldest parties which supports
relations with India, but the communist
parties show a tilt towards China.
• C
 ommon culture : There are huge Nepali • The discrepancy in locating the source of
communities in Darjeeling and Sikkim. Many the Kali River led to boundary disputes
marital relations across the border exist. between India and Nepal, with each country
• N
 ational Security: Â There is a lot of producing maps supporting their own claims.
interdependence. Gurkha Regiment in Indian
Army is known for its valiance.
• E
 nergy Security: Â Nepal has the potential of
80 GW of hydroelectricity. But only 600 MW
potential is realized so far.

(4) Economic ties Major irritants in bilateral ties

• N
 epal is an important export market
for India. India is Nepal’s largest
trading partner.
• H
 imalayan rivers flowing through Nepal can
be used for hydroelectric power projectsÂ
which will benefit Border States of UP, Bihar
and other adjacent areas.
• A
 lso, Nepal is the largest borrower of
Indian Currency in South Asia. Nepal has
escalating trade deficit with India.
(5) Connectivity
 he 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship Â
• T
was sought by the Nepali authorities in 1949
to provide for an open border and for Nepali
nationals to have the right to work in India.
 he BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement
• T
(MVA) Â in which Nepal is a partner will
permit the member states to ply their
vehicles in each other’s territory for
transportation of cargo and passengers.
(6) Multilateral and Regional Fora
• B
 oth Nepal and India work in tandem in the
United Nations, Non-aligned Movement
and other international fora on most of the
important international issues.
• B
 oth the countries have been deeply
engaged in the regional and sub-regional
frameworks of SAARC, BIMSTEC and
BBIN for enhancing cooperation for greater
economic integration.
China’s role in Nepal – A matter of
concern
• O
 nce considered a buffer state between
India and China, Nepal is now showing an
inclination towards Beijing.
• C
 hina is trying to stimulate and tempt Nepal
with multiple aids, economic growth and
acquisition.
• C
 hina has overtaken India as the largest
source of foreign direct investment with
the annual development assistance being
worth $120 million.
Why Nepal is Important to India?
• B
 uffer to China: Â It acts as a strategic buffer
against the aggression of China.
• P
 akistan factor: Â peddling of FICN, drugs
and terrorism through the Indo-Nepal border.
It makes the cooperation of Nepal important.
• N epali nationalism and Anti-India
sentiments : Anti-India Sentiment in Nepal
is largely politically motivated as it is wrongly
perceived as India’s backing to Monarchy.
• I ndia’s perception of Nepal:  The reality
is that India has ignored the changing
political narrative in Nepal for far too long.
• O
 pen borders: The issue of open
bordershas also been a point of debate in
Nepal in recent years- Nepalese people
argue that India is benefiting more from it
than Nepal.
• M
 adhesis Issue: Madhesis share extensive
cross-border ethnic and linguistic links with
India. India’s involvement in Nepali politics
and the upsurge in Madhesi have deep roots
in history and unless resolved.
Other disputes
1. China’s Role in Nepal – A matter of
concern
• O nce considered a buffer state between
India and China, Nepal is now showing an
inclination towards Beijing.
• C hina is trying to stimulate and tempt Nepal
with multiple aids, economic growth and
acquisition.
• C hina has overtaken India as the largest
source of foreign direct investment with
the annual development assistance being
worth $120 million.
• N epal’s assent for the ‘One Belt One
Region’ (OBOR) initiative of China is
viewed by India with suspicion. It has been
slowly fallen prey to China’s inroad debt
trap policy.
2.India-Nepal Border Disputes: The Real
Spoilsport
India and Nepal share about an 1800 Km
long border. There are 2 major border or
territorial disputes:
(a) Kalapani
 he Kali River  in the  Kalapani region
• T
 demarcates the border between India
and Nepal.
 he Treaty of Sugauli  signed by the
• T
 Kingdom of Nepal and British India Â
(after the Anglo-Nepalese War) in 1816Â
located the Kali River as Nepal’s western
boundary with India.
(b) Susta Region
• It is about 140 sq. km of land in Uttar Pradesh
at the Nepal border in the Terai area. India
has control of the territory. Nepal claims this
territory.
• The change of course by the Gandak
River  is the main reason for disputes in the
Susta area.
3.Issue of Simultaneous floods in Bihar and
Nepal
• Some of Nepal’s biggest river systems
originate in the Himalayan glaciers which
then flow into India through Bihar.
• During the monsoons, these river systems
flood causing many problems for Bihar.
• It is a necessity that there is process-driven
coordination between the Centre and the
Government of Bihar to handle the flooding
in Nepal’s Terai and North Bihar (largely
the Mithilanchal region).
Way Forward
• Dialogues : In the best spirit of friendship,
Nepal and India should restart the water
dialogue and come up with policies to
safeguard the interests of all those who have
been affected on both sides of the border.
• Investments : TheBilateral Investment
Promotion and Protection Agreement
(BIPPA)Â signed between India and Nepal
needs more attention from Nepal’s side.
• Sensitization:Â The onus is on India
to rethink on a long-term basis how to
recalibrate its relationship with Nepal
provided Nepal should not ignore its
relations with India.
• Strengthening Economic Ties : The power
trade agreement needs to be such that India
can build trust in Nepal.

92 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
MAINS VALUE ADDITION: Important
quotes which can be used in your answers

Nepal has roti-beti ka rishta with India:

Nepal Ambassador to India Nepal is not
landlocked by India locked: Madhav Kumar
Nepal (Ex-PM)

AIIB & THE CHANGING WORLD ORDER

Try this PYQ from CSP 2019

Canada to quit China-led AIIB Q.With reference to Asian Infrastructure

Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the
following statements
International Relations | GS2: Important International Institutions AIIB has more than 80 member nations.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : • India is the largest shareholder in AIIB.
Prelims level : AIIB • AIIB does not have any members from
Mains level : Read the attached story outside Asia.
Which of the statements given above
Largest China holds the largest
is/are correct?
Shareholder voting power and
(a) 1 only 
financial contribution.
(b) 2 and 3 only 
India holds the
(c) 1 and 3 only 
second-largest voting
(d) 1, 2 and 3
power within the AIIB,
providing influence Background of Canada’s Involvement in the
in decision-making AIIB
processes. • Canada, a founding member of the AIIB,
Central idea: Focus Areas Provides funding joined the bank in 2016 with the objective
Canada government has announced it will halt for diverse of participating in its development finance
its work at the China-led Asian Infrastructure sectors including activities in the Asian region.
Investment Bank (AIIB). transportation, energy, • The AIIB was seen as an opportunity
telecommunications, for Canada to engage in infrastructure
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) urban development, development projects and gain access to
Established Multilateral and rural infrastructure. funding for its companies operating in Asia.
development bank Collaboration Partners with Rationale behind Canada’s withdrawal
established in 2016. other multilateral • Allegations of Chinese Communist Party
Headquarters Located in development banks Control: Canada’s decision stems from the
Beijing, China. for co-financing serious allegations made by Bob Pickard
projects and enhancing regarding the extent of Chinese Communist
Founding Members 57 countries
development outcomes. Party control within the AIIB.
that initiated the
establishment of Environmental & Adheres to • Concerns about Autocratic Regimes: The
the AIIB. India is a Social Standards environmental and decision also reflects Canada’s growing
founding member. social standards in concerns, shared by other democratic
project selection and countries, regarding the risks associated with
Current Over 100 countries
implementation. reliance on autocratic regimes for economic
Membership have joined the AIIB
Promotes sustainability cooperation and infrastructure financing.
since its inception.
and inclusiveness. • Evaluating Multilateral Institutions:
Capital Total capital of $100 Canada’s move signals a desire to reassess its
Notable Projects Supports significant
billion for financing participation in multilateral institutions like
infrastructure projects
infrastructure projects. the AIIB to ensure transparency, governance,
such as Chennai Metro
Rail and Assam’s and adherence to democratic principles.
road network.

www.civilsdaily.com 93
• S
 hifting Attitudes towards China: Canada’s
decision reflects a broader trend of Western
countries becoming more cautious about
their engagements with China and re-
evaluating their relationships.
AIIB’s Role and Relation to Other Banks
• D
 evelopment finance: The AIIB was created
to address the growing need for development
finance in the region.
• R
 ival of World Bank: It is often referred
to as a rival to the World Bank and the
Asian Development Bank (ADB), but this
description exaggerates its capacities.
FOREIGN POLICY WATCH: INDIA-UNITED STATES
What is the iCET Initiative
between India-US?
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : iCET
Mains level : India-US Technological Partnership
Central Idea
• India and the US have unveiled a roadmap
for enhanced collaboration in critical and
emerging technologies under theInitiative
on Critical and Emerging Technology
(iCET)https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/icet/.
• Its progress was recently reviewed during
the second track 1.5 dialogue on iCET, held
between NSA Ajit Doval and his American
counterpart Jake Sullivan.
Understanding iCET
• T he iCET serves as a framework for India-US
cooperation in critical and emerging areas of
technology.
• It was launched in January 2023 to
strengthen the strategic partnership and
drive technology and defence collaboration
between the two countries.
94 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• L imited interface: Many of the AIIB’s early
projects were co-funded with the World
Bank or the ADB, and its capacity to evaluate
projects was initially limited. The share of co-
funded projects has decreased over time.
India’s Rationale for Joining AIIB
• C
 hina’s renewed focus on Multilateralism:
India was satisfied with the AIIB’s focus
on multilateralism, transparency, and
adherence to laws.
• D
 eveloped countries joining: The UK and
Germany joined the AIIB despite the US
discouraging its partners and allies from
• T
 he initiative emphasizes the shared
democratic values and respect for universal
human rights that should shape the
development, governance, and use of
technology.
Focus Areas of the Initiative
The iCET initiative focuses on several key
areas to foster collaboration and deepen
the partnership between India and the US.
These include:
• R
 esearch Agency Partnership: Establishing
a research agency partnership to drive
collaboration in areas like artificial
intelligence.
• D
 efence Industrial Cooperation: Developing
a new defence industrial cooperation
roadmap to accelerate technological
cooperation for joint development and
production.
• C
 ommon Standards in AI: Developing
common standards in artificial intelligence to
ensure compatibility and interoperability.
• S
 emiconductor Ecosystem: Supporting the
development of a semiconductor ecosystem
to strengthen the supply chain and enhance
production capabilities.
• H
 uman Spaceflight Cooperation:
Strengthening cooperation on
human spaceflight to advance space
exploration efforts.
doing so. The membership includes countries
such as Russia, Germany, South Korea,
Australia, France, and the UK.
• Green initiatives: The bank has largely
tried to avoid politics and has focused on
promoting green projects in the region.
• Symbolic distancing from BRI: India joined
the AIIB but decided not to participate in the
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Conclusion
• Canada’s decision to halt its involvement
in the AIIB highlights the importance of
transparency and adherence to democratic
principles in multilateral institutions.
• Advancing 5G and 6G: Collaborating on the
development and deployment of 5G and 6G
technologies.
• OpenRAN Network Technology: Promoting
the adoption of OpenRAN network
technology in India for a more open and
secure telecommunications infrastructure.
Progress Achieved so far
India and the United States have made
significant progress in various areas of
collaboration under the iCET initiative. Key
developments include:
• Quantum Coordination Mechanism:
Implementation of the Quantum
Coordination Mechanism to facilitate
cooperation in quantum technologies.
• Public-Private Dialogue (PDD) on
Telecommunication: Launch of a PDD
focused on collaboration in OpenRAN, 5G,
and 6G technologies.
• AI and Space Exchanges: Important
exchanges between India and the US on
artificial intelligence and space cooperation.
• Semiconductor Supply Chain: Signing of
an MoU on establishing a semiconductor
supply chain, paving the way for further
collaboration in this critical sector.
• Defence Cooperation: Advancements in
defence cooperation, including the near-
conclusion of a mega jet engine deal and the
launch of the India-US Defence Acceleration
Ecosystem (INDUS-X).
• Strategic Trade Dialogue: Establishment
of a Strategic Trade Dialogue to address
regulatory barriers and review export control
norms for strategic technology and trade
collaborations.
Future Outlook
• The India-US iCET initiative holds great
promise for enhancing collaboration in critical
and emerging technologies.
• B
 y aligning their efforts in areas such as AI,
quantum computing, semiconductors, and
telecommunications, India and the United
FOREIGN POLICY WATCH: THE BCIM CORRIDOR
BIMSTEC to adopt
Bangkok Vision 2030
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : BIMSTEC, Bangkok Vision 2030
Mains level : Revitalizing BIMSTEC
Central Idea
• T
 he upcoming Bay of Bengal Initiative for
Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEChttps://www.
civilsdaily.com/news/multilateralism-in-light-
of-bimstec-2/) summit, scheduled to be held
at the end of this year, is set to adopt the
Bangkok Vision 2030.
• T
 his comprehensive document will provide
direction to the organization and guide the
eminent person group.
• A
 dditionally, the summit is expected to
conclude a marine transport cooperation
agreement.
States aim to build trusted technology
partnerships and deepen their strategic
cooperation.
What is Bangkok Vision 2030?
• T he Bangkok Vision 2030, proposed by
Thailand, aims to propel BIMSTEC towards
a prosperous, resilient, and open region,
fostering sustainable and balanced growth.
• T he vision seeks to advance BIMSTEC as a
prosperous, resilient, and open region.
• It emphasizes sustainable and balanced
growth, adapting to rapid changes in the
regional and global architecture.
Key agenda of the vision document
(1) Synergizing economy and connectivity
• T
 hailand, as the lead country in connectivity,
aims to create a seamless network of
interconnectedness.
• T
 he 10-year master plan covers various
sectors, including roads, railways, civil
aviation, maritime transport, and multi-modal
infrastructure.
• T
 he recent agreement on maritime transport
cooperation marks a significant milestone.
(2) Synergy with ASEAN
• T
 hailand emphasizes the need for synergy
between the master plans of BIMSTEC
and the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN).
• T
 his collaboration aims to promote the
growth and development of the entire region.
Understanding BIMSTEC
• B IMSTEC consists of seven member
countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan,
India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka,
and Thailand.
• Its geographical scope covers the littoral and
adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal, creating
a contiguous regional unity.
• B
 IMSTEC acts as a bridge between South
and Southeast Asia, linking the ecologies of
the Great Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.
• Continued progress in this initiative will pave
the way for innovative solutions, economic
growth, and shared advancements in critical
technology domains for both countries.
• The organization focuses on creating an
enabling environment for rapid economic
development, accelerating social progress,
and fostering collaboration on common
interests.
Evolution and Expansion of BIMSTEC
• BIMSTEC was established in 1997 through
the Bangkok Declaration with four member
states: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and
Thailand (BIST-EC).
• The inclusion of Myanmar in 1997 led to the
renaming of the organization as BIMST-EC.
• Nepal and Bhutan became members in 2004,
resulting in the current name, the Bay of
Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical
and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
Institutional Mechanism
• BIMSTEC Summit: The highest policymaking
body, comprising heads of state/government
of member states.
• Ministerial Meeting: The second apex
policy-making forum attended by External/
Foreign Ministers.
• Senior Officials’ Meeting: Representatives
from foreign ministries of member states.
• BIMSTEC Working Group: Monthly
meetings attended by ambassadors
or representatives at the BIMSTEC
Secretariat in Dhaka.
• Business Forum & Economic Forum: Forums
encouraging private sector participation.
Potential
• Reinforcement of Relations: BIMSTEC
strengthens relationships between countries
in South and Southeast Asia, fostering
increased trade, investment, and cultural
exchanges.
• Strategic: Indo-Pacific Epicenter: The Bay
of Bengal region has the potential to become
the epicentre of the Indo-Pacific idea,
facilitating dialogue and engagement among
major powers from East and South Asia.
• Intra-Regional Cooperation: BIMSTEC acts
as a bridge between SAARC and ASEAN,
providing a platform for member countries to
collaborate, promote economic integration,
and develop shared goals.
• Engine of Economic Growth: BIMSTEC’s
significant population (1.5 billion) and
combined GDP of USD 3.8 trillion make it
a driving force for economic growth and
cooperation.
www.civilsdaily.com 95
• F acilitating Global Trade: The Bay of Bengal
region, facilitated by BIMSTEC, plays a crucial
role in global trade, with approximately one-
fourth of the world’s traded goods passing
through the region.
• K
 ey Connectivity Projects: BIMSTEC actively
participates in projects like the Kaladan
Multimodal Project, Asian Trilateral Highway,
and BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement to
improve connectivity and promote trade
within the region.
Significance for India
• G
 eo-political: BIMSTEC aligns with India’s
policies of prioritizing neighboring countries,
expanding engagement with Southeast Asia
• S
 trategic: Countering China’s Influence:
BIMSTEC provides India with a platform to
counterbalance China’s growing influence in
the Bay of Bengal region, ensuring a more
balanced regional order.
• A
 lternative Engagement Platform: BIMSTEC
serves as an alternative platform for India
to engage with South Asian countries when
progress in SAARC is hindered, fostering
regional cooperation and development.
• E
 conomic: Development of India’s
North-East: The grouping also provides an
opportunity for the economic development
TRADE SECTOR UPDATES - FALLING EXPORTS, TIES, MEIS, FOREIGN TRADE POLICY, ETC.
UK launches Developing
Countries Trading
Scheme (DCTS)
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)
Mains level : Read the attached story
96 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
of India’s northeastern states – by
linking them to the Bay of Bengal region via
Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• S
 howcases Leadership in the region:
 India aspires to be a global power &
“Vishwaguru” and through this platform,
India can prove to the world the inherent
capabilities in its eminent leadership to create
a new world order.
Key challenges with BIMSTEC
• V ery few meetings: Limited progress due to
infrequent summits and ministerial meetings.
• N o key player: Varying levels of commitment
among member states, with some countries
focusing more on ASEAN than BIMSTEC.
• N o specific goal: Balancing cooperation
across 14 areas of collaboration and
maintaining efficiency in specific focus areas.
• I ndividual differences: Addressing conflicts
and crises between member nations, such as
the Rohingya crisis and border conflicts.
• P arallel initiatives: Navigating the presence
of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar
(BCIM) Forum, which raises doubts about
BIMSTEC’s exclusive potential.
• D
 eadlock over geo-economics: Challenges
in achieving a comprehensive Free Trade
Agreement (FTA) and unfinished projects
hinder economic cooperation.
Central Idea
• The launch of the Developing Countries
Trading Scheme (DCTS) by the United
Kingdom presents a significant opportunity
for India and 65 other poor and
developing nations.
Developing Countries Trading Scheme
(DCTS)
• The DCTS is a preferential trading program
introduced by the United Kingdom.
• It replaces similar arrangements that were
in place during the UK’s membership in the
European Union.
Way forward
• Effective Implementation: Ensure the
effective implementation of the Bangkok
Vision 2030, aligning national development
plans and establishing monitoring
mechanisms to track progress and address
challenges.
• Connectivity: Strengthening Connectivity
Initiatives: Prioritize the completion of
ongoing connectivity projects like the
Kaladan Multimodal Project, Asian Trilateral
Highway, and BBIN Motor Vehicles
Agreement to enhance regional connectivity.
• Economic: Promoting Trade and
Economic Cooperation: Foster a conducive
environment for trade, remove barriers, and
promote seamless movement of goods and
services to facilitate trade and economic
cooperation within BIMSTEC.
• Environment: Collaboration on Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs): Align the
Bangkok Vision 2030 with the SDGs, identify
priority areas, and share best practices to
promote sustainable and inclusive growth.
• Economic: Strengthening Institutional
Mechanisms: Enhance the functioning
of BIMSTEC’s institutional mechanisms,
regularize scheduling, and strengthen the role
of the BIMSTEC Secretariat.
• T
 he scheme aims to support trade and
economic growth for 65 poor and developing
countries.
Key Features:
• Tariff Reduction: DCTS removes or reduces
tariffs on imports from eligible countries.
• Simplified Trading Rules: The scheme
simplifies trade procedures to facilitate
smoother transactions.
• Enhanced Market Access: It provides
improved market access for participating
countries’ products.
• Favorable Terms: UK businesses can save
costs through reduced or eliminated tariffs
on imports.
• Product Coverage: The scheme covers
various goods, including clothing, food, and
children’s toys.
Focus on Sustainability and Good
Governance
• Responsible Trade Practices: Participating
countries are expected to adhere to
international conventions related to human
rights, labor standards, anti-corruption
measures, climate change, and environmental
protection.
• M
 utual Benefits: The scheme promotes
sustainable development and creates a
mutually beneficial partnership between the
UK and developing countries.
Benefits for Participating Countries
• T rade Opportunities: DCTS creates
opportunities for businesses and supports
livelihoods.
• J ob Creation: The scheme aims to generate
employment by diversifying local and
international supply chains.
TERRORISM AND CHALLENGES RELATED TO IT
China blocks Indian
proposal to blacklist
Pakistani terrorist at UN
International Relations | GS2: Important International Institutions
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : UNSC 1267 list
Mains level : Global terrorist designations
Central Idea
• C
 hina yet again blockedhttps://www.
civilsdaily.com/news/china-blocks-terrorist-
listing-at-unsc-1267-list/a proposal by
India and the US at the United Nations to
designate Pakistan-national Lashkar-e-Taiba
terrorist Sajid Mir as a global terrorist on the
UN Security Council’s 1267 list..
What is the UNSC 1267 list?
• T he UNSC resolution 1267 was adopted
unanimously on 15 October 1999.
• It came to force in 1999, and strengthened
after the September, 2001 attacks.
• It is now known as the Da’esh and Al
Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
What is UNSC 1267 committee?
• It comprises all permanent and non-
permanent members of the United Nations
Security Council (UNSC).
• E
 conomic Growth: It contributes to
sustained economic growth in participating
countries.
• M
 arket Expansion: DCTS helps countries
access the UK market and expand their
export capacities.
Impact on India
• T rade Opportunities for India: The DCTS
presents significant trade opportunities
for India.
• L abour-Intensive Sectors: Indian exporters
in sectors like textiles, leather goods, and
metals can benefit.
• T he 1267 list of terrorists is a global list, with a
UNSC stamp.
• It is one of the most important and active
UN subsidiary bodies working on efforts to
combat terrorism, particularly in relation to Al
Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
• It discusses UN efforts to limit the movement
of terrorists, especially those related to
travel bans, the freezing of assets and arms
embargoes for terrorism.
Why is India furious this time?
• R
 ecently PM Modi and Xi Jinping attended
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(SCO) summit in Samarkand.
• T
 he grouping had agreed to take strong
and consolidated action against terrorism in
the region.
• D
 espite this, China has exposed its double
standards on the issue of terrorism for
consistently stopping the listing of Pakistan-
based terrorists.
• T
 his is again very surprising movement by
China by putting a ‘Technical Hold’.
Here is a timeline of how China disrupts the
global efforts against terrorism:
• 2
 009: After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, India
moved an independent terror designation
proposal against Masood Azhar but China
blocked the move.
• Market Access: The scheme reduces trade
barriers and expands market access to the
UK for Indian goods.
• Interim Measure: DCTS serves as an
interim measure while negotiations for a
comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
between the UK and India continue.
• Future Potential: The DCTS sets the stage
for deeper economic ties and a future FTA
between the UK and India.
• 2016: After seven years, India proposes listing
of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and
is supported by the US, the UK and France.
China blocks the move again.
• 2017: The trio moves a third proposal only to
be blocked by China again.
• 2019: After the attacks on the CRPF
personnel in J-K’s Pulwama, India calls 25
envoys of different countries to highlight the
role Islamabad plays in funding, promoting
and strengthening global terrorism. India
moves the fourth proposal demanding
Masood Azhar’s listing.China lifted its
technical hold.
• June 2022: China blocked a proposal by
India and the US to list Pakistan-based
terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki as a ‘Global
Terrorist’
• August 2022: China blocks India-US joint
proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)
deputy chief Abdul Rauf Azhar as UNSC
designated terrorist.
Conclusion
• China’s actions expose its double speak
and double standards when it comes to the
international community’s shared battle
against terrorism.
• This clearly depicts its care for its vassal
state Pakistan.
Back2Basics: United Nations Security
Council
• The UNSC is one of the six principal organs
of the United Nations and is charged with
the maintenance of international peace
and security.
• Its powers include the establishment of
peacekeeping operations, the establishment of
international sanctions, and the authorization
of military action through Security Council
resolutions.
• It is the only UN body with the authority to
issue binding resolutions to member states.
www.civilsdaily.com 97
• T
 he Security Council consists of fifteen
members. Russia, the United Kingdom,
France, China, and the United States—serve
as the body’s five permanent
members (P5).
FOREIGN POLICY WATCH: INDIA-UNITED STATES
NATO+5 Status and India
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : NATO+5
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• A
 s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits
Washington, the US Senate is set to
introduce legislation that aims to grant India
‘NATO plus five’ defence status.
• H
 owever, India’s External Affairs Minister has
already rejected this framework for India.
What is NATO Plus?
• N
 ATO Plus is a coalition consisting of
theNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO)https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/
finland-joining-nato-and-its-implications/and
five countries, namely Australia, New
Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
• T
 he primary objective of this group is to
enhance global defense cooperation.
• M
 embership in NATO Plus would offer
several advantages to India, including
seamless intelligence sharing among
member countries, access to cutting-edge
military technology without delays, and a
strengthened defense partnership with the
United States.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
• N
 ATO is an alliance composed of 31 North
American and European countries with
shared values and interests.
• T
 he organization was established through
the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty,
also known as the Washington Treaty, on
April 4, 1949.
98 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• T
 hese permanent members can veto any
substantive Security Council resolution,
including those on the admission of
new member states or candidates for
Secretary-General.
• T
 he main purpose of NATO is to safeguard
peace and ensure the territorial integrity,
political independence, and security of its
member states.
• A
 rticle Five of the treaty stipulates that an
armed attack against one member shall be
considered an attack against all members,
and the alliance will provide assistance,
including the use of armed forces if
necessary.
• N
 ATO’s headquarters is located in
Brussels, Belgium.
Why is the US keen to introduce India to
NATO?
The US is keen to introduce India to NATO for
these reasons:
• Counterbalancing China: India’s inclusion
in NATO would help counterbalance China’s
influence in the Indo-Pacific.
• S trengthening defense ties: It would
deepen defense cooperation between the US
and India.
• E nhancing regional stability: India’s
participation would contribute to regional
stability and improve defense capabilities.
• E xpanding NATO’s reach: Including India
would expand NATO’s global presence
and address security challenges in the
Indo-Pacific.
• The Security Council also has 10 non-
permanent members, elected on a regional
basis to serve two-year terms. The body’s
presidency rotates monthly among
its members.
• P
 romoting a rules-based order: It aligns
with shared values of democracy, human
rights, and freedom of navigation.
Benefits if India’s ever joins
Joining NATO + 5 would offer several
advantages to India, including:
• Enhanced security cooperation: India would
benefit from increased security cooperation
and intelligence sharing with NATO and its
five partner countries, namely Australia, New
Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
• Access to advanced military technology:
India would gain access to the latest military
technologies and equipment through
streamlined transfer processes, allowing for
quicker modernization of its defense forces.
• Strengthened defense partnership:
Becoming a member of NATO + 5 would
further strengthen India’s defense partnership
with the United States and other NATO
allies, leading to closer collaboration on
various defense initiatives.
• Improved regional security: India’s
participation in NATO + 5 would contribute
to regional security, especially in the Indo-
Pacific region, by fostering cooperation
among like-minded countries to address
common security challenges.
• Enhanced deterrence against adversaries:
Being part of this defense framework would
enhance India’s deterrence capabilities
against potential adversaries, particularly
in light of increasing security threats in
the region.
Details of the Bill
• The proposed legislation seeks to upgrade
India-U.S. defence ties by adding India to this
arrangement, enabling the transfer of defence
equipment with minimal bureaucratic
interference.
• The move comes following a
recommendation from a U.S. House of
Representatives committee on China,
suggesting India’s inclusion in the club.
India’s Response
• India’s External Affairs Minister stated
that the proposed template does not
apply to India, appreciating the sentiment
but clarifying that it was not suitable for
the country.
• T
 he distinction between India and the
proposed framework is well understood by
the Biden administration.
Reasons for India’s Denial
India is unlikely to join ‘NATO-Plus’ for the
following reasons:
• N on-aligned policy: India has traditionally
pursued a non-aligned foreign policy, which
prioritizes strategic autonomy and avoids
formal military alliances.
NEW GLOBAL FINANCING PACT
New Global Financing Pact
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Central Idea
• A
 s world leaders and finance moguls gather
in Paris for the Summit for a New Global
Financing Pact, the urgency to take tangible
steps towards sustainable finance becomes
paramount. French President Emmanuel
Macron emphasizes the need to enhance
“financial solidarity with the [Global]South.
” India, as the president of the G20 and
co-chair of the steering committee for the
summit, is expected to be a strong advocate
for the Global South’s interests.
What is Summit for a New Global Financing
Pact?
• T
 he Summit for a New Global Financing
Pact is a high-level international gathering
aimed at addressing the challenges and
finding solutions for sustainable financing on
a global scale.
• T
 he summit serves as a platform for world
leaders, finance moguls, policymakers,
and other stakeholders to come together
and discuss strategies to mobilize financial
resources for sustainable development,
particularly in low- and middle-income
countries.
Significance of the New Global Financing
Pact
• A
 ddressing Sustainable Development
Challenges : The summit provides a
platform to discuss and address the
pressing challenges related to sustainable
development. It focuses on mobilizing
financial resources to tackle issues such as
climate change, poverty eradication, social
inequality, and achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
• B
 ridging the Financing Gap: Â One of the
key objectives of the summit is to bridge
the gap between the promises made and
• R
 egional partnerships: India prefers forging
strategic partnerships with countries in the
Indo-Pacific region based on shared interests,
rather than joining broad-based military
alliances.
• U
 nique security challenges: India faces
specific security challenges in its region and
tailors its defense priorities accordingly,
making a broad military alliance less suitable
for its needs.
the actual funding provided for sustainable
development initiatives. By highlighting the
discrepancy between commitments and
payment, the summit aims to find concrete
strategies and mechanisms to ensure that
financial commitments are fulfilled and
adequate funding is made available.
• E
 nhancing Financial Solidarity: Â The
summit emphasizes the importance of
financial solidarity, particularly with low- and
middle-income countries, often referred to
as the Global South. It recognizes the need
to provide equitable access to financial
resources and support developing countries
in their sustainable development efforts.
• T
 ransforming Financial Architecture: Â The
summit serves as a platform to discuss and
propose reforms in the international financial
and development architecture. It encourages
the exploration of innovative financing
mechanisms, increased transparency, and
reduced conditionalities to ensure more
effective and efficient use of financial
resources.
• M
 obilizing Private Sector Engagement: Â
The summit recognizes the crucial role of
the private sector in financing sustainable
development. It aims to facilitate greater
private sector engagement by exploring
strategies to mobilize private investment in
sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy,
and other key sectors.
Challenges
• I nsufficient Funding: Â Despite global
commitments and pledges to support
sustainable development initiatives, the
actual amount of funding falls short of the
targets. This includes commitments made
in international agreements such as the
Paris Agreement and the United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Diverse foreign policy objectives: India
pursues a multi-faceted foreign policy
approach, focusing on a range of objectives
beyond security alliances, such as economic
cooperation and climate change.
• Avoiding provoking China: India seeks
to manage its relationship with China
pragmatically and avoid actions that could
escalate tensions, making joining a US-led
military alliance potentially provocative.
• Lack of Predictability: Â The availability
of funding for sustainable development
initiatives is often unpredictable, making it
difficult for countries and organizations to
plan and implement long-term projects.
This unpredictability hampers progress in
addressing pressing global challenges.
• Regional Disparities: Â Funding disparities
exist between different regions, with a
significant portion of funds allocated to
wealthier nations or specific regions,
while low- and middle-income countries,
particularly in the Global South, face
challenges in accessing adequate financial
resources.
• Conditionalities and Restrictions : Funding
from international sources often comes
with conditions and restrictions that limit
the flexibility and sovereignty of recipient
countries. These conditions may hinder the
effective utilization of funds for sustainable
development initiatives.
• Inadequate Implementation: Â Even when
funding is available, the actual disbursement
and implementation of funds may be delayed
or ineffective. Administrative bottlenecks,
bureaucratic processes, and inefficient
mechanisms can contribute to delays and
hinder the timely implementation of projects.
• Limited Private Sector Engagement: Â
Mobilizing private sector investment for
sustainable development is challenging due
to perceived risks and inadequate returns on
investment, particularly in low- and middle-
income countries. The gap between promises
and payment extends to attracting private
sector participation.
Way ahead: Steps to ensure progress in
sustainable financing
• Concrete Action Plans: Â The summit
should lead to the formulation of concrete
action plans and commitments from
participating countries and stakeholders.
These action plans should outline specific
measures, timelines, and responsibilities
to bridge the gap between promises and
actual funding.
www.civilsdaily.com 99
• I mplementation and Accountability:
 It is crucial to ensure the effective
implementation of the action plans and
hold stakeholders accountable for their
commitments. Regular monitoring,
reporting, and review mechanisms should
be established to track progress and identify
areas where additional efforts are needed.
• I nnovative Financing Mechanisms:Â The
summit should encourage the exploration
and implementation of innovative financing
mechanisms. This includes exploring sources
of funding beyond traditional development
assistance, such as impact investing, green
bonds, climate funds, and public-private
partnerships.
• S trengthening Global Cooperation: Â The
way ahead involves strengthening global
cooperation and collaboration. This includes
FOREIGN POLICY WATCH: INDIA-UNITED STATES
What is the Samosa Caucus?
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Samosa Caucus
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• D
 efining the Term : In a recent address to
the United States Congress, Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted the
“Samosa Caucus,” a casual descriptor for the
group of U.S. politicians of Indian origin.
100 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
fostering partnerships between governments,
international organizations, civil society, and
the private sector to leverage their respective
expertise, resources, and networks.
• E mpowering Developing Countries:
 A crucial aspect of the way ahead
is empowering developing countries,
particularly those in the Global South. This
can be achieved by providing technical
assistance, capacity building, and knowledge
transfer to enable these countries to
effectively access and utilize financial
resources.
• L ong-term Commitment: Â Sustainable
financing requires long-term commitment
and sustained efforts. The way ahead should
prioritize the establishment of multi-year
• I ndian Roots in America : This reference was
of immense significance to the millions of
U.S. residents with Indian heritage, including
some members of the Congressional
chamber itself.
Etymology and Symbolism: “Samosa
Caucus”
• O
 rigin of the Term : The phrase
“Samosa Caucus” has its roots in 2018,
reportedly coined by Representative Raja
Krishnamoorthi from Illinois.
• S
 trong Cultural Identity : Its usage resonates
with the idea of a strong identification with
Indian culture, symbolized by the samosa,
a quintessential Indian snack. This cultural
symbol extends into the digital realm, with
“Samosapedia” serving as a repository of
Indian slang.
Symbol of Achievement: Vice President
Kamala Harris
• R
 ecognizing a Milestone : The Prime
Minister specifically mentioned Vice
President Kamala Harris, epitomizing the
accomplishments of the Indian American
community.
funding commitments, stability in financial
flows, and a predictable and enabling
environment for investment.
Conclusion
• The Summit for a New Global Financing
Pact presents a crucial opportunity to
take concrete action towards sustainable
finance. As we approach significant
milestones, including the 80th anniversary
of the UN, reformed finance for sustainable
development should serve as the basis for
inclusive and effective multilateralism. It is
imperative to ensure that the dishes served
at the table suit the palate of the Global
South, which will contribute significantly to
global growth.
• Hope for a Growing Influence : He
voiced his hopes for the expansion of the
“Samosa Caucus” and its potential role in
symbolically bringing the rich diversity of
Indian cuisine into the House, indicating
a larger acceptance and appreciation of
Indian culture.
Total Indian American Representatives in
Congress
• Count of Indian Origin Representatives :
Currently, there are five U.S. Representatives
of Indian descent, with a notable sixth,
Vice President Harris, heading the Senate.
All these politicians are members of the
Democratic Party.
• Names and Constituencies : These
representatives are Shamal Thanedar from
Michigan, Dr. Ami Bera and Ro Khanna from
California, Pramila Jayapal from Washington,
and Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois.
Influence beyond Congress: Indian
Americans in the U.S. Administration
• Broad-Based Representation : Indian
Americans occupy various crucial roles within
the Biden Administration, signifying their
influence in American policymaking.
• Assertive Community Voice : This
considerable representation emphasizes
the strong voice of the Indian American
community in shaping America’s future.
RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE: GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS Deterrence and Signalling to Russia

NATO’s Exercise Air

• Preparing for potential threats: Air Defender
2023 was planned long before the conflict

Defender, 2023
International Relations | GS2: Important International Institutions
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Exercise Air Defender 2023
Mains level : NA
• T
 he exercise involved 250 military aircraft,
including 100 from the United States, and
aimed to enhance air defense capabilities and
deterrence.
Exercise Air Defender 2023
• L argest air defense exercise: Air Defender
2023 marked the largest air defense exercise
in the history of NATO, with participation
from multiple member nations.
• E nhanced air defense capabilities: The
Central Idea exercise focused on improving air defense
• N
 ATOhttps://www.civilsdaily.com/news/ strategies, coordination, and interoperability
nato-5-status-and-india/recently concluded among NATO forces.
its largest air defense exercise, Air Defender • S uccessful execution: Despite initial
2023, in Germany. concerns, the exercise performed better than
anticipated, resulting in minimal disruptions
to regular civilian flights.
between Russia and Ukraine escalated.
The exercise aimed to strengthen NATO’s
deterrence posture and send a clear signal
to Moscow.
• German Defense Minister’s perspective:
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius
viewed the exercise as a demonstration
of NATO’s commitment to deterrence,
stating that Russia would take notice of the
significant military activity.
• Addressing past criticisms: The Bundeswehr,
Germany’s armed forces, have faced criticism
for being under-equipped and under-
prepared. Air Defender 2023 showcased
Germany’s efforts to enhance its war-fighting
capabilities.
• Positive outcomes: The successful execution
of the exercise bolstered Germany’s image,
demonstrating its readiness and ability to
defend itself and its allies.
• Human connection: The exercise fostered
camaraderie and collaboration among pilots
from different nations, leaving a positive
impression of Germany’s hospitality and
professionalism.

NUCLEAR DIPLOMACY AND DISARMAMENT

• Largest Reactor: The new plant (C-5) will be

China-Pakistan Nuclear the largest reactor at the Chashma complex

and utilize China’s Hualong One reactor

Deal: Implications for

technology.

China’s Nuclear Projects in Pakistan

Global Nuclear Commerce • Existing Plants: China has constructed four

International Relations | GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : NSG, Chashma Reactor
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• T
 he recent agreement between China and
Pakistan for a 1,200 MW nuclear power plant
in Pakistan’s Chashma nuclear complex has
significant implications.
• T
 his article examines the details of the deal,
China’s involvement in Pakistan’s nuclear
projects, the energy situation in Pakistan,
and the broader implications for the global
nuclear trade.
Chashma Nuclear Complex: The Latest
Deal
• D eal Signed: Pakistan signs agreement for
a 1,200 MW nuclear power plant at the
Chashma nuclear complex.
• F inancial Concessions: China provides
“special concessions” for financing the
construction amid Pakistan’s financial crisis
and ongoing IMF bailout negotiations.
phases of the Chashma nuclear complex,
with four reactors of approximately
325 MW each.
• Operational Plants: Pakistan currently
operates six China-built nuclear plants,
including four at Chashma and two at the
Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP).
• Energy Solution: The KANUPP-3 reactor,
powered by a Chinese Hualong One reactor,
recently went fully online, providing relief to
Pakistan’s energy crisis.
• BRI and CPEC: The KANUPP-3 project
is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI) and the China Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC).
Pakistan’s Energy Situation
• Energy Deficit: Pakistan faces a persistent
energy deficit, financial crisis, and rising
import bills.
• Need for Renewables and Nuclear: The
country urgently needs to increase the share
of renewables and nuclear energy to reduce
dependence on imported fuel.

www.civilsdaily.com 101
• C
 urrent Energy Mix: Thermal sources
account for 61%, hydropower 24%, nuclear
12%, and wind and solar only 3% of Pakistan’s
energy mix.
• C
 apacity Increase: Pakistan aims to boost
nuclear capacity, which has increased by 39%
annually to reach 3,530 MW.
Broader Implications
• N SG Prohibitions and Exemptions: China’s
nuclear commerce with Pakistan raises
concerns regarding the Nuclear Suppliers
Group’s prohibition on technology transfer to
non-NPT signatory countries. China argues
that earlier deals with Pakistan exempt the
Chashma 3 and Chashma 4 reactors from
NSG restrictions.
• C omparison with India-U.S. Nuclear Deal:
Unlike the India-U.S. nuclear deal, China has
not sought NSG waivers, and Pakistan has
not made similar commitments, which raises
questions about the fairness and consistency
of global nuclear governance.
• E rosion of Global Rules: The China-Pakistan
nuclear deals contribute to the erosion of
global rules governing nuclear commerce and
highlight the need for a robust international
framework to ensure non-proliferation and
safety standards.
• F uture of the NSG: The actions of China
and Pakistan challenge the relevance and
effectiveness of the Nuclear Suppliers
Group, which needs to address emerging
complexities in the global nuclear trade.
MAKE IN INDIA: CHALLENGES & PROSPECTS
Why are US tech firms sceptical
about Digital Trade with India?
International Relations | GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements
involving India
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : NA
Mains level : India-US Tech Trade
Central Idea
• D
 uring PM’s state visit to the United States,
cooperation on technology emerged as a
significant topic of discussion.
• W
 hile the visit yielded positive outcomes,
US tech companies have raised concerns
about policy hurdles affecting digital trade
with India.
102 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Back2Basics: Nuclear Suppliers Group
(NSG)
• N SG is a multinational body consisting of 48
member countries.
• Established in 1974, its primary objective is to
prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons
and related technology.
Purpose of the NSG:
• Non-Proliferation Focus: The NSG aims to
contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear
weapons through the implementation of
guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-
related exports.
• R esponse to Nuclear Tests: The group was
formed in response to India’s nuclear test in
1974 and seeks to prevent the misuse and
spread of nuclear technology.
NSG Guidelines:
• E
 xport Criteria: The NSG sets guidelines
for its member countries to regulate their
nuclear trade activities.
Current Status of India-US Technology
Trade
• B
 ilateral Trade: In FY2023, the US became
India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral
trade reaching $128.55 billion. However,
digital or technology services have not played
a prominent role in this trade.
• N PT Requirement: Recipient countries
must be parties to the Treaty on the Non-
Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT),
reinforcing the commitment to non-
proliferation.
• IAEA Safeguards: Full-scope International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards
implementation is mandatory for countries
receiving nuclear exports.
Prohibition and Control:
• Non-NPT Countries: The NSG guidelines
prohibit the transfer of nuclear technology
and materials to countries that have not
signed the NPT.
• Peaceful Use: The restrictions aim to ensure
that nuclear technology and materials are
used solely for peaceful purposes, preventing
their diversion for military use.
• Export Control Collaboration: Member
countries cooperate to maintain strict control
over nuclear-related transfers, preventing
proliferation risks.
Role in Non-Proliferation:
• Global Non-Proliferation Efforts: The NSG
strengthens international non-proliferation
efforts through consensus-based decision-
making and the establishment of robust
export controls.
• Nuclear Commerce Regulation: By
regulating nuclear trade, the NSG promotes
transparency, accountability, and adherence
to high standards of nuclear non-proliferation.
• Nuclear Safety and Security: The NSG
collaborates with other international
organizations and non-member countries
to enhance nuclear safety and security
worldwide.
• Deficit in Digital Services: The US has a
significant trade deficit of $27 billion in digital
services with India, despite the potential
for growth in the US digital services export
sector and the expanding online services
market in India.
Concerns of US Tech Firms
• Imbalance and Misalignment: US tech
companies have raised concerns about the
“significant imbalance” and “misalignment”
in the US-India economic relationship. They
argue that India’s policies favor domestic
players, creating a tilted playing field.
• Discriminatory Regulations: US tech
firms criticize India’s regulations, such as
geospatial data sharing guidelines, for
providing preferential treatment to Indian
companies. They also express discontent over
 India’s departure from democratic norms,
leading to challenges for US companies
operating in India.
Policy Barriers Raised by US Tech Firms
• E qualisation Levy: US tech firms object to
India’s expanded version of the equalisation
levy, which imposes taxes on digital services.
They argue that it leads to double taxation,
complicates the tax framework, and raises
questions of constitutional validity and
compliance with international obligations.
• I nformation Technology Rules: US tech
firms are concerned about India’s Information
Technology Rules, which impose compliance
burdens and tight deadlines for content
takedown, appointment of local compliance
officers, and the establishment of Grievance
Appellate Committees.
• D ata Protection Law: Ambiguities
surrounding cross-border data flows,
compliance timelines, and data localization in
India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection
Bill raise concerns among US tech firms. They
argue that data localization requirements
increase operating costs and can be seen as
discriminatory.
Other Policy Barriers to Digital Trade
• D
 igital Competition Act: The proposed
adoption of a Digital Competition Act,
including estimated taxes for big tech
companies, has raised concerns about anti-
competitive practices and potential targeting
of US tech firms.
• C
 ompetition Commission Fines: The fines
imposed by the Competition Commission
of India on Google for anti-competitive
practices have been seen by US tech firms as
part of India’s protectionist industrial policy.
Way Forward Â
To promote digital trade between India and the
United States and overcome policy barriers, the
following steps can be taken:
• T ransparent and Consistent Policies:
Ensure transparency, consistency, and
clear guidelines in policy formulation,
implementation, and enforcement to create a
level playing field.
• R eview and Refinement of Regulations:
Periodically review regulations, such as the
equalisation levy, Information Technology
Rules, and data protection laws, to address
concerns and strike a balance.
• M utual Recognition Agreements: Explore
the possibility of mutual recognition
agreements that facilitate the acceptance
of each other’s certification standards and
regulatory frameworks, reducing duplicative
compliance requirements.
• Data Sharing Frameworks: Develop
comprehensive and secure frameworks
for cross-border data sharing that protect
privacy and enable data flows for digital
trade, benefiting both economies.
• Collaborative Research and Development:
Encourage joint research and development
initiatives between Indian and US companies
and institutions to foster technological
advancements and drive innovation in
emerging areas such as artificial intelligence,
blockchain, and quantum computing.
• Cybersecurity Cooperation: Strengthen
bilateral cooperation on cybersecurity,
sharing best practices, and collaborating
on threat intelligence to safeguard digital
infrastructure and build trust in cross-border
digital transactions.
Conclusion
• By implementing these measures, India and
the United States can foster a conducive
environment for digital trade, innovation, and
investment, strengthening bilateral ties and
driving economic growth.
www.civilsdaily.com 103
 Security Issues

104 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
INDIAN MISSILE PROGRAM UPDATES
Agni Prime Missile
Successfully Tested
Security Issues | GS3: Indigenization Of Technology
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Agni Prime, Other Agni variants
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central idea:
India successfully tested the new-generation
Agni-Prime ballistic missile with a strike range
of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometres.
About Agni Prime Missile
• S
 tages: Agni-P is a two-stage, surface-to-
surface, road-mobile, and solid-fueled missile.
• C
 anister-Launch System: Agni-P is launched
via a canister, providing operational flexibility
and ease of transport.
INDIAN AIR FORCE UPDATES
Project Akashteer: Indian’s
Air Defence Upgrade
Security Issues | GS3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Project Akashteer
Mains level : Advanced Air Defence Technologies
• A
 dvanced Systems: Agni-P incorporates
new propulsion systems, composite rocket
motor casings, and advanced navigation and
guidance systems.
History and Development
• D evelopment Timeline: Beginning in 2016,
DRDO has been developing Agni-P as a
successor to enhance accuracy and reliability.
• I ndo-Pacific Strategy : Agni-P is part of
India’s strategy to counter China’s naval
capabilities and achieve parity in anti-access/
area denial.
• I nternational Implications: Agni-P’s
development positions India in the regional
power dynamics and could impact arms
control treaties.
Missile Capabilities
• M
 anoeuvrability and Accuracy: Agni-P
features a manoeuvrable reentry vehicle
(MaRV) for precise delivery of warheads to
multiple locations.
• T
 ransportability: The missile is stored in a
hermetically sealed tandem twin canister
launcher, allowing for swift transportation
through road and rail.
Central Idea
• Reorientation of focus: Indian Army shifts
focus from western to northern borders
following 2020 standoff with China.
• Lessons from Ukraine conflict: Insights
from ongoing war in Ukraine are influencing
transformation of Army Air Defence (AAD).
• Induction of new systems: New systems
are being inducted to enhance air defence
capabilities.
• Weight Reduction: Composite materials are
utilized in both stages of Agni-P to reduce
weight and enhance performance.
Strategic Importance
• Counterforce Capability: Agni-P aims to
deter neighbourhood enemy forces, given its
limited range.
• Enhanced Deterrence: The missile
strengthens India’s deterrence capabilities
and contributes to national security.
• Regional Power Dynamics: Agni-P’s
development is part of India’s Indo-Pacific
strategy, impacting regional power dynamics.
Back2Basics: Agni Missile Series
• Agni I: It is a Medium Range Ballistic Missile
with a Range of 700-800 km.
• Agni II: It is also a Medium Range Ballistic
Missile with a Range more than 2000 km.
• Agni III: It is also an Inter-Medium Range
Ballistic Missile with Range of more
than 2,500 Km
• Agni IV: It is also an Inter-Medium Range
Ballistic Missile with Range is more
than 3,500 km and can fire from a road
mobile launcher.
• Agni-V: Currently it is the longest of Agni
series, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile
(ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km.
• Agni- VI: The longest of the Agni series, an
Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
with a range of ICBM 11,000–12,000 km.
What is Project Akashteer?
• Networking and automation: Project
Akashteer aims to establish networking and
automation capabilities similar to Indian Air
Force’s system.
• Comprehensive air defence picture:
Project Akashteer focuses on building a
comprehensive air defence picture for
monitoring, tracking, and engaging air
defence assets.
• Implementation target: The project aims to
complete implementation by March 2024
for integration of radars, control centres,
and weapons.
Shifting Focus and New Technology
• Shift in focus: Indian Army shifts focus from
western border to northern borders.
• Mountainous air defence requirements:
The need for lightweight radars and mobile
weapon systems to cater to requirements in
mountainous regions.
www.civilsdaily.com 105
• C
 onsideration of new threats: Insights from
Ukraine conflict prompt consideration of new
threats such as UAVs, loitering munitions,
swarm drones, and cruise missiles.
Induction of New Systems
• I mproved Akash surface-to-air missile
systems: Contract signed for two regiments
of improved Akash systems to enhance air
defence capabilities.
• C ollaboration with Israel: Collaboration with
Israel for the induction of medium-range
surface-to-air missile project.
• D evelopment of quick reaction systems:
Indigenously developing quick reaction
surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) to meet
critical air defence needs.
• E xploration of air defence guns: Ongoing
efforts to procure air defence guns to
strengthen air defence capabilities.
Challenges and Indigenization
• C
 omponent shortage: Global shortage
of components and hardware due to the
Ukraine conflict affecting the pace of
inductions.
• E
 mphasis on indigenization: Focus
on promoting indigenization and
reducing dependence on imports for air
defence systems.
• R
 evitalization of modernization: Revival
of Army Air Defence modernization with
emphasis on indigenous development and
procurement.
Significance of the project
• S trengthened air defence capabilities: Focus
on enhancing air defence capabilities for
robust border security.
• I mproved monitoring and coordination:
Integration and automation initiatives
enhance monitoring, coordination, and
situational awareness.
• Enhanced border preparedness:
Contribution to enhanced border
preparedness and response capabilities.
Way forward
• Continued research and development:
Focus on continuous research and
development to stay ahead of evolving
threats and challenges.
• International collaboration: Collaboration
with international partners to incorporate
advanced air defence systems and
technologies.
• Integration of advanced technologies:
Integration of technologies like AI and
machine learning to enhance air defence
operations and effectiveness.
• Innovation and efficiency: Focus on
innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness in
future air defence strategies.

RIGHT TO PRIVACY
About CoWIN

CoWIN Vaccination • Development: CoWIN was developed and

is owned and managed by the Ministry

Data Breached
of Health.
• Policy decisions: The Empowered Group
on Vaccine Administration (EGVAC), chaired
Security Issues | GS3: Cyber Security by the former CEO of the National Health
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : Authority, oversees this. It includes members
Prelims level : CoWIN from the Health Ministry and MeitY (Ministry
Mains level : Personal Data Security in India
of Electronics and Information Technology).
Central Idea
• Data breach reports: The Health Ministry, on
Monday, refuted claims of a data breach of
COVID vaccination beneficiaries, stating that
such reports were baseless and mischievous
in nature.
• Investigation by CERT-In: The Indian
Computer Emergency Response Team
(CERT-In) has been asked to investigate the
alleged data breach issue and submit a report
to ascertain the facts.
• A ssurance of data safety: The Ministry
maintains that the CoWIN (Covid Vaccine
Intelligence Network) portal is completely
safe, equipped with adequate safeguards to
protect data privacy.

106 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
INDIAN AIR FORCE UPDATES Benefits and Capabilities of the MQ-9 UAV

India to procure MQ-9

• The MQ-9 UAV has a higher payload
capacity and horsepower compared to its

Predator Drones
predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator.
• It provides long endurance, persistent
surveillance, and strike capability for the
warfighter.
Security Issues | GS3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : • The maritime variant of the MQ-9 UAV,
Prelims level : Predator Drones known as Sea Guardian, has an endurance of
Mains level : Not Much over 30 hours.

Predator Drones: An Overview Enhancing Indian Armed Forces’

Capabilities
• The procurement of MQ-9 UAVs will
enhance the Indian Armed Forces’
Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance
(ISR) capabilities.
• These high-altitude, long-endurance
drones will be able to carry out intelligence
collection, strike strategic targets in
mountains and maritime domains, and
support various military operations.
Central Idea • Indian Armed Forces are expected to receive
• T
 he Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has a total of 31 MQ-9s, with 15 for the Navy and
approved the procurement of armed Predator eight each for the Army and the Indian Air
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at the cost Force (IAF).
of over $3 billion.
• T
 he UAVs will be procured from General Previous Use of MQ-9 UAVs by India
Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), a • In the aftermath of the Galwan Valley
United States-based aeronautics company. clashes in 2020, the Indian Navy had leased
two MQ-9 UAVs, and the lease has since
• T he Predator UAV, manufactured by GA-ASI, been extended.
is known as the MQ-9. • The leased UAVs have completed 10,000
• It has an endurance of over 27 hours, flight hours and have significantly contributed
speeds of 240 KTAS, and can operate up to to the Indian Navy’s operations.
50,000 feet.
• It has a payload capacity of 3,850 pounds International Usage of MQ-9 UAVs
(1,746 kilograms) and can carry external • The MQ-9 UAV has been acquired by
stores of up to 3,000 pounds (1,361 various countries, including the United States
kilograms). Air Force, Department of Homeland Security,
NASA, Royal Air Force, Italian Air Force,
French Air Force, and Spanish Air Force.

POLICE REFORMS - SC DIRECTIVES, NPC, OTHER COMMITTEES REPORTS

NIA to probe Khalistani

Attacks on Indian Missions
Security Issues | GS3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : NIA
Mains level : Not Much
Central idea:
The National Investigating Agency (NIA) has
assumed control of the investigation into the
attacks carried out by Khalistan supporters on
Indian Missions in the US and Canada.

www.civilsdaily.com 107
About National Investigating Agency (NIA)
(1) Establishment and Mandate
• T he NIA was established in December
2008 in response to the 26/11 Mumbai
terror attacks.
• It operates under the National Investigation
Agency Act.
• It is responsible for investigating offenses
related to terrorism, smuggling of arms,
drugs, counterfeit currency, and cross-border
infiltration.
(2) Jurisdiction and Powers
• T he NIA has jurisdiction over the whole of
India and extends to Indian citizens abroad,
government personnel, and individuals on
Indian-registered ships and aircraft.
• It possesses extensive powers to search,
seize, arrest, and prosecute those involved
in scheduled offenses under various acts,
including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention)
Act and the Indian Penal Code.
(3) Scheduled Offenses
• T
 he NIA investigates offenses listed under
the schedule of the NIA Act, which includes
acts related to explosives, hijacking, unlawful
activities, terrorism, maritime navigation
safety, and more.
TERRORISM AND CHALLENGES RELATED TO IT
Senior IPS officer Ravi Sinha
appointed Chief of R&AW
Security Issues | GS3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Research and Analysis Wing (RandAW)
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea: The Appointments Committee
of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed senior IPS
officer Ravi Sinha as Secretary, Research and
Analysis Wing (RAW), the country’s external
intelligence agency.
108 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• In 2020, the NIA was empowered to probe
offences under the Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Act connected to
terrorism cases.
Operational Procedures of the NIA
• R
 eferral and Direction : State governments
can refer cases involving scheduled offences
to the Union Home Ministry, which can then
direct the NIA to take over the investigation.
The Central government can also initiate
investigations suo motu if it believes a
scheduled offence has been committed.
• A
 ssistance and Cooperation : State
governments are required to provide full
assistance to the NIA during investigations.
This includes sharing information, providing
logistical support, and cooperating in the
arrest and prosecution of suspects. The NIA
relies on the collective efforts of state and
central agencies to ensure a comprehensive
and effective investigation.
• P
 roactive Investigations : The NIA has the
authority to proactively investigate cases
involving scheduled offenses, taking the
initiative to prevent and preempt acts of
terrorism and other serious crimes. This
proactive approach enables the agency to
identify and neutralize threats in a timely
manner, safeguarding national security.
About Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW)
• F oreign Intelligence: R&AW’s primary
function is to gather foreign intelligence,
focusing on counter-terrorism, counter-
proliferation, and advancing India’s foreign
strategic interests.
• N ational Security: It also plays a role in
safeguarding India’s nuclear program and
advising policymakers on matters related to
national security.
• S
 ocial and Political Events: R&AW has
been involved in major events, such as
the accession of the state of Sikkim to
India in 1975.
History and Establishment
• B
 ackground: Prior to R&AW, intelligence
collection was the responsibility of the
Intelligence Bureau (IB) during the British Raj.
Investigating the recent Attacks
• Attacks on Indian Missions in the US and
Canada : Khalistan supporters targeted
Indian Missions in the U.S. and Canada in
March. A group of protesters attacked the
Indian Consulate in San Francisco, breaking
makeshift security barriers and placing
Khalistani flags inside the premises.
• Violent Protests at Indian High Commission
in London : Pro-Khalistani protestors
attempted to vandalize the Indian High
Commission in London and removed the
national flag during their demonstrations.
• Need for a Dedicated Agency: The failure
of intelligence during the 1962 Sino-Indian
War and the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 led
to the establishment of a separate foreign
intelligence agency.
• Formation: R&AW was officially formed in
1968, with Rameshwar Nath Kao appointed
as its first chief.
• Organizational Structure: R&AW’s structure
is modeled after the CIA, and it reports to
the Prime Minister without parliamentary
oversight.
• Additional Child Agencies: Over the years,
R&AW added agencies like the Radio
Research Center, Electronics & Tech. Services,
Aviation Research Centre, and Special
Frontier Force to enhance its capabilities.
Operations and Activities:
• Global Operations: R&AW carries out
operations and intelligence activities in
various countries, focusing on political,
military, economic, and scientific
developments that affect India’s
national security.
• Liaison with Foreign Agencies: R&AW
maintains active relationships and
coordination with intelligence agencies
of other countries, including Russia’s
SVR, Afghanistan’s NDS, Israel’s Mossad,
Germany’s BND, the CIA, and MI6.
• F ield Formations: R&AW has ten field • I nternational Cooperation: R&AW
Operation Kahuta R&AW gathered
formations, known as Special Bureaus, collaborates with intelligence agencies from
intelligence on
strategically located along India’s borders. various countries, sharing intelligence and
Pakistan’s nuclear
• R ecruitment and Training: R&AW recruits coordinating efforts to address common
program by
personnel from various civil services, armed challenges.
infiltrating the Kahuta
forces, and universities. Training involves both
Major Operations Research Labs.
basic and advanced levels, covering areas
such as intelligence techniques, espionage, Operation Chanakya R&AW provided
Operation R&AW assisted
and self-defence. support to the Tamil
Smiling Buddha in monitoring and
militant group LTTE
managing India’s first
Challenges and Controversies during the Sri Lankan
nuclear test in 1974.
• S taff Shortage: R&AW faces a significant Civil War.
shortage of employees, with a deficit of 40% Operation Topaz R&AW supported
Operation Leech R&AW targeted
below the sanctioned strength. the merger of Sikkim
Burmese rebel
• C riticisms and Controversies: R&AW has with India in 1975,
groups, particularly
faced criticism over bureaucratic issues, ensuring a smooth
the Kachin
favoritism in promotions, corruption transition.
Independence Army.
allegations, inter-departmental rivalries, and Liberation of R&AW played a
Counterintelligence R&AW actively count
ethnic imbalances in the officer level. Bangladesh (1971) significant role in
Operations
• L egal Status and Accountability: R&AW is supporting the
not answerable to the Parliament of India liberation movement
and is exempt from the Right to Information in Bangladesh. It
Act, which has raised concerns about provided training,
transparency and accountability. intelligence, and
ammunition to the
Impact and Significance Bangladeshi guerrilla
• N
 ational Security and Foreign Policy: organization Mukti
R&AW plays a crucial role in safeguarding Bahini. R&AW’s
India’s national security, shaping foreign assistance was
policy, and countering threats to the country. instrumental in the
• C
 ounter-Terrorism Operations: R&AW is successful creation
actively involved in anti-terror operations, of Bangladesh as an
neutralizing elements posing a threat to independent nation.
India’s security.

INDIAN ARMY UPDATES

Agenda of the exercise

[pib] Ex Khaan Quest 2023 Fostering Interoperability: This Exercise

focuses on strengthening interoperability
among participating nations, facilitating better
Security Issues | GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc. coordination during joint operations.
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : • Sharing Experience: The exercise provides
Prelims level : Ex Khaan Quest 2023 a platform for sharing experiences and best
Mains level : Not Much practices among military personnel involved
in UNPKO, enabling them to learn from each
Ex Khaan Quest 2023
other’s expertise.
• T
 his 14-day exercise aims to enhance
• Training for UN Peacekeeping: Participants
interoperability, share experiences, and
will be trained for future UN Peacekeeping
provide training forUnited Nations
missions, ensuring they possess the necessary
Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO)https://
skills and capabilities to carry out peace
www.civilsdaily.com/news/initiative-asean-
operations effectively.
women-un-peacekeeping/.
• Diverse Training Components: The exercise
• T
 he exercise is co-sponsored by the
encompasses various training elements
Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and the
such as Command Post Exercise (CPX), Field
United States Army Pacific Command
Training Exercises (FTX), combat discussions,
(USARPAC).
Central idea: lectures, and demonstrations.
• T
 he Indian Army, represented by a
The multinational peacekeeping joint exercise, contingent from the GARHWAL RIFLES, is Back2Basics: UN Peacekeeping
Ex Khaan Quest 2023, has commenced in actively involved in this endeavor. • UN Peacekeeping was established in 1948 to
Mongolia, with the participation of military
maintain international peace and security.
contingents and observers from over 20
• The first mission was deployed in 1948 for
countries.
the Arab-Israeli conflict ceasefire.

www.civilsdaily.com 109
• Its missions involve soldiers, police officers,
and civilian personnel known as Blue Berets
or Blue Helmets.
• G uided by principles of consent, impartiality,
and limited use of force, UN Peacekeeping
deploys approximately 81,820 personnel from
119 countries in 13 missions worldwide.
DEFENCE SECTOR - DPP, MISSIONS, SCHEMES, SECURITY FORCES, ETC.
Critical Jet Engine GE-
414 Deal Signed
Security Issues | GS3: Indigenization Of Technology
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : GE-414 Engine Deal
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• D
 uring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
official State visit to the United States,
a significant agreement is likely to be
announced.
NORTH-EAST INDIA - SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES
Manipur Crisis: What is
Suspension of Operations
(SoO) Agreement?
Security Issues | GS3: Organized Crime & Terrorism
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : SoO Agreement
Mains level : Not Much
110 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• W
 ith their assistance, UN Peacekeeping
promotes peace, stability, and humanitarian
aid globally.
Major Contributors to UN Peacekeeping:
• I ndia: Largest troop contributor, with over
253,000 personnel in 49 missions.
• T
 he deal is expected to facilitate the transfer
of at least 11 critical jet engine technologies.
• Bangladesh: Second-largest contributor, with
over 150,000 personnel deployed since 1988.
GE-414 Engine Deal
• An agreement is expected between General
Electric (GE), an American multinational
corporation, and Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) of India.
• The agreement aims to enable the licensed
manufacture of GE’s F414 engine in India for
the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
Tejas Mk2.
• The F414 engine is part of GE’s suite of
military aircraft engines and has been utilized
by the US Navy for over 30 years.
• It boasts a track record of over 1,600 engines
delivered, accumulating more than 5 million
engine flight hours across various missions.
Significance of the Deal
• Only a few countries, including the US,
Russia, the UK, and France, possess the
necessary technology and metallurgy
for manufacturing engines that power
combat aircraft.
• Despite India’s pursuit of self-reliance in
critical technologies, the country has not
yet achieved mastery in manufacturing
such engines.
Central Idea
• Union Home Minister had assured that the
Centre would ensure the implementation
of the Suspension of Operations (SoO)
agreement with Kuki insurgent groupshttps://
www.civilsdaily.com/news/kuki-insurgency-
in-manipur/in the hill areas.
What is the SoO Agreement?
• The Suspension of Operations (SoO)
agreement signed on August 22, 2008, aimed
to initiate political dialogue in Manipur’s Kuki
insurgency.
• T
 he Kuki outfits, initially demanding a
separate Kuki state, have now proposed a
‘Kukiland territorial council’ with independent
financial and administrative powers.
Terms of the SoO Pact
• D
 uration and Extension: The SoO
agreement has a one-year duration, subject
to extension based on the progress of
implementation.
• O
 perational Restraints: Both security forces
(state and central) and underground groups
are prohibited from launching operations
during the SoO period.
• H
 olding national integrity: The signatories,
United People’s Front (UPF) and Kuki
National Organisation (KNO), must adhere
to the Constitution of India, state laws, and
maintain the territorial integrity of Manipur.
• C
 amps and Arms Management:
Underground militant cadres are confined
to designated camps identified by the
Government. Arms are deposited in a secure
room using a double-locking system, and
they are only permitted for camp security and
protection of leaders.
• R
 ehabilitation: Monthly stipends of Rs
5000 and financial assistance are provided
for the rehabilitation and maintenance of
designated camps.
Understanding the Kuki Insurgency
[A] Historical Background:
• T
 he Kuki insurgency emerged alongside the
Naga movement, both seeking autonomy
and asserting their distinct identities.
• Ethnic clashes between the Kukis and Nagas
in Manipur during the early 1990s escalated
the Kuki insurgency as a response to
perceived Naga aggression.
• A history of hostile relations between the
two tribes, dating back to colonial times,
intensified during the Naga-Kuki clashes.
[B] Overlapping Claims:
• The Kukis claim land in the Manipur hills
as their “homeland,” which coincides with
the envisioned Naga homeland known as
Greater Nagaland or Nagalim.
• In 1993, the NSCN-IM allegedly killed
approximately 115 Kuki men, women,
and children in Tengnoupal, an event
commemorated by the Kuki community as
the ‘black day.’
www.civilsdaily.com 111
 Enviro & Biodiversity

112 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON INDIA AND WORLD - INTERNATIONAL REPORTS, KEY
OBSERVATIONS, ETC.
Role of Evapotranspiration in
Earth’s Dynamic Processes
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS1: Climatic Change
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Evapotranspiration, Water Cycle
Mains level : NA
Central Idea:
Evapotranspiration is a key process in Earth’s
dynamic systems, impacting the movement
of water and nutrients, influencing the water
cycle, and providing crucial information for
farmers to manage irrigation and water
resources effectively.
Understanding Evapotranspiration
• D
 efinition: Evapotranspiration refers to the
movement of water from terrestrial surfaces
into the atmosphere and is a crucial part of
the planet-wide water cycle.
• W
 ater cycle and its connection to
evapotranspiration: Evapotranspiration is
an amalgamation of evaporation (water
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON INDIA AND WORLD - INTERNATIONAL REPORTS, KEY
OBSERVATIONS, ETC.
50th anniversary of World
Environment Day
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS1: Climatic Change
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : World Environment Day
Mains level : Read the attached story
loss from soil) and transpiration (water
movement and loss by plants), both of which
contribute to the overall movement of water
in the water cycle.
• B
 reakdown of the term: Evapotranspiration
encompasses the movement of water
upward through plants and its subsequent
loss into the air from exposed plant parts.
Factors affecting Evapotranspiration
• R ate of evapotranspiration: Several factors
impact the rate of evapotranspiration,
including solar radiation, day length, soil
moisture levels, ambient temperature, wind
conditions, and the amount of water vapour
already present in the air.
• I nsolation and its effect: The intensity
of solar radiation directly affects the rate
of evapotranspiration, as it provides the
energy needed to evaporate water from
terrestrial surfaces.
• R ole of day length: The length of the day,
soil moisture content, ambient temperature,
wind patterns, and the moisture content of
the air all contribute to the rate at which
evapotranspiration occurs.
Historical significance of evapotranspiration
• Origin and age of the term: The term
“evapotranspiration” has been in use for at
least 86 years and was initially published with
a hyphenated form.
• Contribution of Charles Warren
Thornthwaite in 1944: Thornthwaite,
an American climatologist,
defined and popularized the term
“evapotranspiration” in 1944.
• Relevance for farmers in estimating
water needs for crops: Even today,
evapotranspiration remains significant for
farmers who utilize it to estimate the amount
of water required to irrigate their crops
effectively.
Back2Basics: Water Cycle
• The water cycle, also known as the
hydrological cycle, is the continuous
movement and circulation of water on,
above, and below the Earth’s surface.
• Stages of the Water Cycle include:
• Evaporation: The process by which water
changes from a liquid state to a gaseous
state, rising into the atmosphere.
• Condensation: The cooling of water vapor
in the atmosphere, causing it to change
from a gaseous state back to a liquid state,
forming clouds.
• Precipitation: When condensed water
droplets combine and fall from the
atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
• Runoff: The movement of water on the
Earth’s surface, flowing into streams, rivers,
lakes, and eventually into the oceans.
• Infiltration: The process by which water
seeps into the ground and becomes
groundwater.
• Transpiration: The release of water vapor
from plant surfaces into the atmosphere.
www.civilsdaily.com 113
Central Idea
• P
 lastics have become an integral part
of human life, despite their adverse
environmental impact.
• W
 orld Environment Day (5thJune) serves as
a reminder of our responsibility to address
plastic pollution.
Why in news?
• 5
 0th Anniversary of World Environment
Day: The day, led by UNEP since 1973, marks
its 50th anniversary this year.
• G
 lobal Platform for Environmental
Outreach: World Environment Day has
grown into the largest global platform for
environmental outreach.
• T
 heme- #BeatPlasticPollution: This year’s
World Environment Day focuses on the
urgent need to combatplastic pollution
GLOBAL GEOLOGICAL AND CLIMATIC EVENTS
Cyclone Biparjoy
and its Naming
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS1: Climatic Change
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Cyclone Biparjoy
Mains level : Naming of cyclone
• T
How it was named?
• O rigin of Cyclone Biparjoy’s Name:
• R otational Basis for Naming: The naming of
• R esponsibilities of RSMCs and TCWCs:
Central idea:
Acyclonicstorm, named Biparjoy, has developed
in the Arabian Sea.
Cyclone Biparjoy
• It was stationed about 850 km west of Goa
• I MD’s Role: IMD is one of the six RSMCs
and 900 km southwest of Mumbai.
• T he cyclone is predicted to gain in strength
over the next three days and develop into a
very severe cyclonic storm by June 13.
• It would result in squally weather with wind
speeds reaching 35-45 kmph along the
coastline of Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra
114 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
World Environment Day 2023
Importance Platform for global
Date June 5th environmental
Theme (2023) Ecosystem campaigns and
Restoration initiatives
Host Country (2023) Pakistan Activities Various activities are
organized worldwide,
Established World Environment
such as tree planting,
Day was established
clean-up drives, and
in 1972 by the
educational programs
United Nations
Previous Themes Previous themes
at the Stockholm
have focused
Conference on the
on topics like
Human Environment
biodiversity, air
Purpose To raise awareness
pollution, plastic
and promote action
pollution, and more
for environmental
protection Organized by United Nations
Environment
Programme (UNEP)
• Naming Authority of IMD: RSMC, New
Delhi, is also mandated to name the tropical
cyclones developing over the north Indian
Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the
Arabian Sea.
• Guidelines for Naming: Some rules are to
be followed while naming cyclones, such
as being neutral to politics, religious beliefs,
cultures, and gender, avoiding offensive or
cruel names, and keeping the name short and
easy to pronounce.
 he IMD has not yet predicted any • Next Cyclone Name: After Bangladesh, the
major impact on countries adjoining the next cyclone will be named ‘Tej’ based on
Arabian Sea, including India, Oman, Iran, India’s suggestion.
and Pakistan.
Cyclones in the Arabian Sea: A quick recap
• Frequency of Cyclones: It is not rare for
cyclones to develop in the Arabian Sea. There
‘Biparjoy’ was suggested by Bangladesh and are fewer cyclones compared to the Bay of
the word means ‘disaster’ or ‘calamity’ in Bengal, but it is not uncommon.
Bengali. The next cyclone after Biparjoy will • Favorable Months: June is one of the
be named ‘Tej’ based on India’s suggestion. favorable months for the formation of
cyclones in the Arabian Sea.
cyclones is done by countries on a rotational • Factors Influencing Cyclone Formation:
basis, following certain existing guidelines. Cyclones form due to low-pressure systems
over warm waters. The Bay of Bengal is
Worldwide, there are six regional specialized slightly warmer, but the Arabian Sea is also
meteorological centers (RSMCs) and five getting warmer due to climate change,
regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centers leading to an increase in cyclones.
(TCWCs) mandated for issuing advisories • Coriolis Effect and Weather Systems: In
and naming of tropical cyclones. a depression or low-pressure situation, the
air blows in an anticlockwise direction in
providing tropical cyclone and storm surge the northern hemisphere, influenced by the
advisories to 13 member countries under the Coriolis Effect.
WMO/Economic and Social Commission for
Asia-Pacific (ESCAP) Panel.
Role of Climate Change
• H
 istorical data indicates that the frequency
of extremely severe cyclonic storms has
increased over the Arabian Sea since 1990,
while it has remained the same over the Bay
of Bengal.
• A
 2021 study highlighted the increasing
intensity, frequency, and duration of cyclonic
storms in the Arabian Sea.
• T
 he warming is indicated by the nearly
tripled accumulated cyclone energy, reflecting
the extent of warming in recent years.

Back2Basics:
Tropical Cyclones
Definition Intense circular storm over warm oceans with low pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.
Formation Conditions Warm sea surface temperatures, anticlockwise rotation of low-level air, favorable atmospheric conditions.
Conducive Periods April-May and October-December.
Movement Cyclones move northwest, gather moist air, and intensify.
and Moisture
Requirements for Warm sea temperatures, atmospheric instability, high humidity, Coriolis force, low-level disturbance, low vertical wind shear.
Cyclogenesis
Sea temperatures Temperature of at least 28°C.
Atmospheric Allows vertical air movement.
instability
Role of Coriolis Force Required for low-pressure center formation.
Low vertical Maintains cyclone structure.
wind shear

MONSOON UPDATES
Understanding El Nino and La Nina

What is El Nino and How • El Nino and La Nina are two opposite
phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation

it impacts the Monsoon?

(ENSO) cycle.
• ENSO is a naturally occurring phenomenon
that involves the interaction between
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS1: Arts & Culture the ocean and atmosphere in the
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : equatorial Pacific.
Prelims level : ENSO, El Nino, La Nina, Monsoon
Mains level : Read the attached story

Central Idea
• Delay in Monsoon: Any discussion onIndian
monsoon delayhttps://www.civilsdaily.com/
news/imd-predicts-normal-monsoon-
despite-el-nino-effect/these days invariably
has references to the El Nino phenomenon.
• S udden rise of El Nino: This year’s
monsoon is also progressing under the cloud
of an El Nino in the Pacific Ocean.

Here is a detailed comparison of El Nino and La Nina

El Nino La Nina
Definition Warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures Cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures
Frequency Every two to seven years Every two to seven years
Duration Several months to a year or more Several months to a year or more
Impact on winds Weakens trade winds, leading to changes in patterns Strengthens trade winds, leading to changes
in patterns
Impact on rains Reduces rainfall and can cause droughts Increases rainfall and can cause flooding
Impact on temp. Warmer-than-average temperatures Colder-than-average temperatures
Global effects Droughts in Asia and Africa, floods in Americas Floods in Asia and Africa, droughts in
South America

www.civilsdaily.com 115
El Nino and Indian Monsoon
• E
 l Nino and its impact on Indian monsoon:
El Nino refers to abnormal warming of
surface waters in the equatorial Pacific
Ocean, which tends to suppress monsoon
rainfall in India.
• P
 hases of El Nino Southern Oscillation
(ENSO): ENSO consists of three phases
in the Pacific Ocean: El Nino, La Nina
(abnormal cooling), and a neutral phase with
sea surface temperatures close to long-
term averages.
• O
 cean and atmospheric conditions: ENSO
involves not only temperature abnormalities
of sea surface waters but also atmospheric
conditions, including differences in sea-level
air pressure and wind strength and direction.
• S
 outhern oscillation and the role of winds:
Southern Oscillation Index measures the
difference in sea-level air pressure over the
western and eastern sides of the Pacific
Ocean, while wind patterns play a crucial
role in ENSO.
Factors triggering El Nino
• W eakening trade winds: When the trade
winds in the tropical Pacific weaken, it
contributes to the occurrence of El Nino
by reducing the movement of warm
surface waters.
• C hanges in ocean currents: Alterations in
the normal patterns of ocean currents can
trigger El Nino events as they affect the
distribution and accumulation of warm water
in the central and eastern Pacific.
• V ariations in atmospheric pressure:
Fluctuations in atmospheric pressure patterns
disrupt the typical circulation associated with
trade winds, which can initiate the onset of El
Nino conditions.
• I nfluence of oceanic Kelvin waves: The
presence and behavior of oceanic Kelvin
waves, large-scale waves that transport
warm water eastward, play a role in the
development and intensification of El
Nino events.
HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN NEWS
Places in news: Brahmani
Natural Arch
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS1: Geographical Features & Their Location
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Brahmani Natural Arch
Mains level : Not Much
116 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• I nteractions with other climate modes: El
Nino can be influenced by the interactions
and connections with other climate
phenomena such as the Indian Ocean Dipole
and the Madden-Julian Oscillation, which
can impact the oceanic and atmospheric
conditions in the Pacific region.
Measuring the Cycle 
(1) Oceanic Nino Index (ONI)
 easures the oceanic component of El Nino
• M
Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
• T
 racks the departure from average sea
surface temperatures in the tropical
Pacific Ocean.
• H
 elps quantify the intensity and duration of El
Nino or La Nina events.
• T
 ypically based on a rolling three-month
average of sea surface temperature
anomalies in specific regions.
(2) Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)
 easures the atmospheric
• M
component of ENSO.
• Q
 uantifies the difference in air pressure
between two locations: Tahiti and Darwin.
• P
 ositive SOI values indicate higher pressure
in the eastern Pacific and lower pressure in
the western Pacific.
• N
 egative SOI values indicate lower pressure
in the eastern Pacific and higher pressure in
the western Pacific.
• R
 eflects the strength and changes in the
atmospheric circulation patterns associated
with ENSO.
• U
 sed to assess the phase and strength of
ENSO and its impact on global weather and
climate patterns.
Economic impact of El Nino on Indian
Agriculture
• D
 rought and reduced rainfall: El Nino events
often lead to below-average monsoon rainfall
in India, resulting in drought conditions in
various regions.
• Crop failure and lower yields: Lack of
adequate water availability can lead to crop
failure or lower yields for major crops such as
rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds.
• Increased input costs: During El Nino-
induced droughts, farmers may need to invest
in additional irrigation, water management,
and supplementary feeding for livestock,
leading to increased input costs.
• Price fluctuations: Reduced crop production
due to El Nino can affect market supply,
leading to price fluctuations and potential
inflation in food prices.
• Livestock and fisheries: Water scarcity and
changes in marine ecosystems can negatively
affect animal husbandry and fishing activities,
disrupting the livelihoods of those dependent
on these sectors.
• Rural livelihoods and migration: The
economic stress created can impact rural
livelihoods, leading to increased migration
from rural to urban areas in search of
alternative employment opportunities.
Try this PYQ:
La Nina is suspected to have caused recent
floods in Australia. How is La Nina different
from El Nino?
La Nina is characterized by unusually cold
ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean
whereas El Nino is characterized by unusually
warm ocean temperature in the equatorial
Pacific Ocean.
• El Nino has an adverse effect on south-west
monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect
on monsoon climate.
Which of the statements given above is/
are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d)
Neither 1 nor 2
Central Idea
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) plans to
declare the ‘Brahmani Natural Arch’ in Kanika
range of Sundargarh forest division of Odisha
as a Geo Heritage Site.
• T
 his natural arch is believed to date back
Andhra Pradesh Mangampeta Volcanogenic Gujarat Sedimentary Structures –
to the Jurassic period and would be the
bedded Barytes (Cuddapah Eddy Markings in Kadan
largest natural arch in India with the Geo
Dist.), Eparchaean Dam (Panch Mahals Dist.)
Heritage tag.
Unconformity (Chittor Himachal Siwalik Fossil Park (Saketi,
Brahmani Natural Arch Dist.), Natural Geological Pradesh Sirmur dt.)
• T he oval-shaped arch has a base length of Arch in Tirumala Hills
Rajasthan Sendra Granite (Pali Dist.),
30 meters and a height of 12 meters. (Chittor Dist.), Erra Matti
Barr Conglomerate (Pali
• T he alcove of the arch has a maximum Dibbalu located between
Dist.), Stromatolite Fossil
height of 7 meters and a width of 15 meters. Vishakhapatnam and
Park near Jharmarkotra
• India currently has two other natural arches, Bhimunipatnam.
Rock Phosphate deposit
located at Tirumala hills in Tirupati and Maharashtra Lonar Lake (Buldana Dist.) (Udaipur Dist.), Gossan in
Andaman and Nicobar, but both are smaller Kerala Laterite near Angadipuram Rajpura-Dariba Mineralised
than the one in Sundargarh. PWD rest house premises belt (Udaipur Dist.),
(Malapuram Dist.), Akal Fossil Wood Park
Its formation
Varkala Cliff Section (Jaisalmer Dist.)
• T he natural arch is composed of ferruginous
(Thiruvanatapuram Dist.) Odisha Pillow Lava in iron ore belt
sandstone from the Upper Kamthi
formation. Chattisgarh Lower Permian Marine at Nomira (Keonjhar dist.)
• It dates back to the lower to middle Jurassic bed at Manendragarh Jharkhand Plant Fossil bearing Inter-
age , approximately 184 to 160 million (Surguja Dist.) trappean beds of Rajmahal
years old. Tamil Nadu Fossil wood near Formation around Mandro
• Research on the geological significance of the Tiruvakkarai (South (Sahibganj dist.)
site began in 2017 after its discovery during Arcot Dist.), National Nagaland Nagahill Ophiolite Site
coal exploration in the district. fossil wood park in near Pungro
Sattanur (Tiruchirapalli
Awareness and Preservation Efforts Sikkim Stromatolite bearing
Dist.), Charnockite in St.
• The GSI state unit and Sundargarh forest Dolomite/Limestone of
Thomas Mount (Madras),
division conducted an awareness drive in Buxa Formation at Mamley,
Badlands of Karai
the district to promote the protection of the near Namchi (South
Formation with Cretaceous
natural arch. district), Stromatolite
fossils along Karai –
• Steps are being taken to promote the bearing Dolomite /
Kulakkalnattam Section
proposed geo-heritage site as a cultural Limestone of Buxa
(Perambalur District)
pride and potentially name it ‘Brahmani Formation, Sikkim
natural arch.’ Karnataka Columnar Lava in St.
• T
 he site could be promoted and preserved as Mary Island (Udupi
an eco-tourism destination. Dist.), Pillow lavas near
Mardihalli (Chitradurga
Back2Basics: Dist.), Peninsular Gneiss
in Lalbagh (Bangalore),
Geological Heritage Sites in India
Pyroclastics & Pillow
lavas in Kolar Gold fields
(Kolar Dist.)

FOREST CONSERVATION EFFORTS - NFP, WESTERN GHATS, ETC.

Miyawaki Method

Miyawaki Technique of • Miyawaki method is a method of urban

afforestation by turning backyards into

Urban Afforestation
mini-forests.
• It includes planting trees as close as possible
in the same area which not only saves space,
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia but the planted saplings also support each
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : other in growth and block sunlight from
Prelims level : Miyawaki Forests reaching the ground, thereby preventing the
Mains level : Urban forestry growth of weed.
• Thus the saplings become maintenance-free
Central idea:  (self-sustainable) after the first three years.
Prime Minister during his latest ‘Mann Try this question: • It helps to create a forest in just 20 to 30
ki baat’ episode spoke about Miyawaki Q.The Miyawaki Forests technique has to years while through conventional methods it
plantation, the Japanese method of creating potential to revolutionize the concept of urban takes anywhere between 200 to 300 years.
dense urban forests in a small area. afforestation in India. Discuss.

www.civilsdaily.com 117
The technique
• T
 he native trees of the region are identified
and divided into four layers — shrub, sub-
tree, tree, and canopy.
• T
 he quality of soil is analysed and biomass
which would help enhance the perforation
capacity, water retention capacity, and
nutrients in it, is mixed with it.
• A
 mound is built with the soil and the seeds
are planted at a very high density — three to
five sapling per square meter.
• T
 he ground is covered with a thick
layer of mulch.
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON INDIA AND WORLD - INTERNATIONAL REPORTS, KEY
OBSERVATIONS, ETC.
Groundwater Extraction
Shifts Earth’s Tilt Axis
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS1: Climatic Change
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Earth’s Axis and Rotation
Mains level : Not Much
118 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Benefits of Miyawaki Method:
• F aster Process and Dense Forest: Â This
method creates mini forests. They grow 10
times faster and become 30 times denser and
100 times more biodiverse than those planted
through conventional methods.
• F aster Regeneration of Land: Â Miyawaki
forests are designed to regenerate land in far
less time. It takes over 70 years for a forest to
recover on its own.
• S
 elf-Sustainable:Â The saplings become self-
sustainable after the first three years.
• E
 nvironmental Benefits : These mini forests
help lower temperatures in concrete heat
islands, reduce air and noise pollution,
attract local birds and insects, and create
carbon sinks.
 iyawaki method helps to create a forest
• M
in just 20 to 30 years , while through
conventional methods it takes anywhere
between 200 to 300 years.
Concerns
• S
 uch forests lack some qualities of natural
forests, such as medicinal  properties Â
and the ability to bring rain.
• S
 uch fast-growing plantations are actuallyÂ
wood lots  (a parcel of a woodland or
forest capable of small-scale production of
forest products (such as wood  fuel, sap
Central Ideas
• A recent study conducted by scientists at
Seoul National University has revealed that
the extraction of groundwater from the earth
has caused a shift in the planet’s axis, tilting it
nearly 80 cm to the east.
• This phenomenon, along with the movement
of water through melting ice caps and
glaciers, has implications for both the earth’s
rotation, sea-level rise, and the distribution of
water resources.
Earth’s Axis and Rotation
• The Earth’s axis and rotation play significant
roles in shaping our planet’s climate, seasons,
and day-night cycles.
• Here are some key points about Earth’s axis
and rotation:
for maple syrup, sawlogs, and pulpwood) as
well as recreational uses like bird watching,
bushwalking, and wildflower appreciation)
and cannot be termed as forests.
• Several environmentalists have questioned
the efficacy of the method that accelerates
the growth of trees and claims to match
a forest’s complex ecosystem (as it
is not a good idea to force plants toÂ
photosynthesize fast ).
MAINS VALUE ADDITION: Case study/
Best Practice
Fazilka village:
• a village in the Fazilka district of Punjab ,
has become a trendsetter in expanding forest
cover. As of 2021, according to data from the
Forest Research Institute, the district hadÂ
just 1.34 per cent forest cover , one of the
lowest in the state.
• The district administration knew it had to do
something to drastically change the picture.Â
So, they launched a pilot project called “
MY VILLAGE, MY FOREST’ by applying
‘MIYAWAKI METHOD’  as a result the
forest is now self-sustainable as plants have
gained enough strength.
• A xis: The axis is an imaginary line that
extends between the North Pole and the
South Pole and is tilted at an angle of
approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its
orbital plane around the Sun. This tilt is
responsible for Earth’s seasons.
• Rotation: Earth rotates on its axis from
west to east, completing one full rotation
in approximately 24 hours. This rotation is
what gives us the cycle of day and night. The
side of the Earth facing the Sun experiences
daylight, while the opposite side experiences
darkness, resulting in day and night.
• Polar Regions: The axis of the Earth is
inclined with respect to its orbital plane.
This inclination causes the Polar Regions to
experience variations in daylight throughout
the year. During the summer solstice (around
June 21), the North Pole is tilted towards
the Sun, resulting in 24 hours of continuous
daylight in the Arctic Circle and 24 hours of
darkness in the Antarctic Circle. The opposite
occurs during the winter solstice (around
December 21).
• Equator: The equator is an imaginary line
equidistant from the poles and divides the
Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and
the Southern Hemisphere. The equator
experiences relatively consistent day and
night lengths throughout the year, with two
 equinoxes occurring when the Sun is directly
above the equator. During the equinoxes
(around March 21 and September 21), day
and night are approximately equal in length
worldwide.
• P
 recession (Cyclic Wobble): In addition to
its axial tilt, Earth experiences a slow, cyclic
wobble called precession. This wobble causes
the orientation of Earth’s axis to change
slightly over a period of approximately 26,000
years. Precession does not affect the tilt or
the length of the seasons but does influence
the positions of the celestial poles and the
timing of Earth’s closest approach to the Sun
(perihelion) and farthest point (aphelion).
Why in news?
• U
 nlike a stable rotating globe, the earth’s
axis experiences a wobble due to various
factors such as weather, seasonal changes,
the molten core, and natural events like
hurricanes.
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON INDIA AND WORLD - INTERNATIONAL REPORTS, KEY
OBSERVATIONS, ETC.
Bonn Climate Conference:
Key Takeaways
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS1: Arts & Culture
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Global Stocktake (GST)
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• T he Bonn Climate Change Conference was
held from 5 to 15 June 2023.
• B uilding on the mandates that emerged
fromCOP 27 in Egypthttps://www.civilsdaily.
com/burning-issue-outcomes-of-the-cop-
27/last year, the conference hosted a large
number of mandated events and continue
discussions on issues of critical importance.
• It is expected to make progress on these and
other important issues and prepare draft
decisions for adoption at COP 28 / CMP 18 /
CMA 5 in the UAE in December 2023.
• S
 cientists track this motion relative to
astronomical phenomena, but the role of
water movement, including groundwater
extraction, had not been fully considered
until now.
• T
 he earth’s axis wobbles in a circular pattern
several meters wide every year.
Study Findings
• R esearchers at Seoul National University built
a climate model linking the earth’s axis shift
with water movement, including the melting
of ice caps and glaciers.
• Initially, the model did not match the
observed drift of the axis until groundwater
extraction was added to the equation.
• G roundwater pumping accounted for the
unexplained cause of the rotation pole drift.
• T
 he shift in the earth’s axis due to
groundwater extraction was measured at
nearly 80 cm tilt to the east.
Key ideas discussed
• S
 ome progress was made on the global
stocktake (GST) discussions.
• H
 owever, the issues of historical responsibility
and finance remained contentious, hindering
the strengthening of climate actions.
What is Global Stocktake (GST)?
• GST is a process established under the2015
Paris Agreementhttps://www.civilsdaily.
com/burning-issue-five-years-of-paris-
agreement/on climate change.
• It serves as a mechanism to assess global
progress in addressing climate change and to
enhance collective climate action.
• The GST aims to review the implementation
of the Paris Agreement’s goals and targets
and identify areas where additional efforts are
needed to meet those objectives.
Implications for Sea-Level Rise
• The study revealed that approximately 2,150
billion tonnes of groundwater were pumped
and drained into the oceans between 1993
and 2010, contributing to a sea-level rise
of 6.24 mm.
• Groundwater depletion plays a significant
role in the location and magnitude of the
axis drift.
• Mid-latitude regions, particularly northwest
India and western North America,
showed the most significant groundwater
redistribution effects.
Impact on Water Resources
• Groundwater extraction for human
activities, including irrigation, is affecting
the distribution and availability of water
resources.
• Excessive groundwater pumping has led to
a significant redistribution of water, altering
the balance between surface water and
groundwater reserves.
Key aspects of the Global Stocktake
include:
• Timing: The Paris Agreement mandates
that the GST be conducted every five years,
starting in 2023. This regular assessment
allows for tracking progress and adjusting
strategies accordingly.
• Assessment of Collective Efforts: GST
evaluates the collective efforts of all countries
in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
adapting to the impacts of climate change,
and providing support to developing nations.
• Review of Goals and Targets: It assesses the
effectiveness of countries’ actions in meeting
the long-term temperature goals outlined
in the Paris Agreement, primarily the goal
to limit global warming to well below 2
degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels,
and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature
increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• Transparency and Accountability: The GST
promotes transparency and accountability
by encouraging countries to report on
their progress and actions taken toward
achieving their climate goals. This allows for
a comprehensive and objective assessment of
global climate action.
• Identification of Gaps and Opportunities:
The stocktake identifies gaps in collective
efforts, including finance, technology transfer,
and capacity-building support, and explores
opportunities for enhanced actions to bridge
those gaps.
• Decision-Making: The findings and
recommendations from the GST inform
future decision-making, including the
www.civilsdaily.com 119
 setting of new targets and the adjustment of
national climate plans, known as Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Challenges in Climate Negotiations
• D
 isputes and Delayed Agendas: Developed
and developing countries engaged in
disagreements, leading to delays in agreeing
on meeting agendas.
• H
 istorical Responsibility Debate:
Australia’s attempt to diminish the historical
responsibility of developed nations in causing
global warming sparked controversy.
• D
 eveloping Countries’ Perspective:
Developing nations emphasized the
importance of acknowledging historical
responsibility in addressing climate change.
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON INDIA AND WORLD - INTERNATIONAL REPORTS, KEY
OBSERVATIONS, ETC.
Blue Ocean Event: Arctic
Ocean to be Ice-Free by 2030s
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS1: Climatic Change
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Blue Ocean Event
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• A
 new study published in Nature
Communications warns that the Arctic
Ocean could be ice-free in summer by
the 2030s, even with significant emission
reduction efforts.
• T
 his alarming conclusion challenges previous
predictions and highlights the global,
damaging, and dangerous consequences of
such a scenario.
Accelerated Climate Heating in the Arctic
• F astest Heating: The Arctic region has been
experiencing climate heating at a faster rate
than any other part of the planet, making it a
frontline area for climate change.
120 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• P
 otential Conflict at COP28: The issue
of historical responsibility is expected to
resurface at COP28, posing challenges to
reaching consensus.
Finance and Technology Transfer
• T
 he disparity in Support: Developing
countries expressed concerns about
inadequate financial and technological
support from developed nations.
• T
 he burden of Implementation: Insufficient
funds hinder the ability of developing
countries to implement robust climate
action plans.
Future Outlook
(1) Bridging Adequacy Gap:
• D
 eveloped Nations’ Perspective: Australia
and the United States questioned the sole
responsibility of developed countries in
bridging the adequacy gap.
• F ocus on Sea Ice: Scientists and local
indigenous communities closely monitor the
sea ice that covers much of the Arctic Ocean
during winter, as it is a critical indicator of
climate change.
• D iminishing Sea Ice: Over the past 40 years,
multiyear sea ice, which remains at the end
of summer, has reduced from approximately
7 million sq. km to 4 million sq. km,
representing a significant loss.
Predicting an Ice-Free Arctic: Blue Ocean
Event
• W
 hat is it: Scientists have been studying
when the Arctic Ocean might become
ice-free in summer, known as a “blue ocean
event,” defined by the sea ice area dropping
below 1 million sq. km.
• O
 bservationally Constrained Projections:
The latest study takes a calibrated approach,
using observational data to refine the models
and project sea ice decline. It suggests the
Arctic could become ice-free in summer
as early as the 2030s, even with emission
reductions.
Why is the Arctic Ice melting?
• H
 igh albedo of ice and counter loop
• Developing Nations’ Concerns: Developing
countries emphasized the need for financial
support and technology transfers to enhance
their climate actions.
• Value Addition: Bridging the adequacy
gap requires global cooperation, equitable
burden-sharing, and increased financial
assistance for developing countries.
(2) Financing Climate Action:
• Insufficient Funds: Current financial
commitments fall short of the required
resources for implementing climate
action plans.
• Summit for a New Global Financial Pact: A
Paris summit aims to redirect global financial
flows and raise new funds for climate change
initiatives.
• Ice is  more reflective (has a higher
albedo) Â than land or water surfaces
• Therefore, as global ice cover decreases, the
reflectivity of Earth’s surface decreases and
the  surface warms as it will reflect less
radiation.
• The albedo feedback loop is the reason the
Arctic’s warming about three times faster
than the planet as a whole.
• Counterclockwise Ice Circulation
• Cyclones entering the Arctic from Siberia
generated counterclockwise winds and
ice drifts.
• This pattern generally reduces the amount
of sea ice moving out of the Arctic through
the Fram Strait, east of Greenland.
• Darker Ocean Surface
• The Arctic’s bright ice is replaced by a
darker open ocean surface, Â less of the
sun’s radiation is reflected back to space,
driving additional heating and ice loss.
• Low Pressure System:
• Due to low pressure system  cloudiness
over the Arctic increases.
• Clouds generally block incoming solar
radiation, reducing sea ice melt
• But they can also trap heat lost from
the surface.
Implications of an Ice-Free Arctic:
A.Environmental Implications
• Environmental Shifts: The ice-free Arctic
would lead to changes in atmospheric
circulation, storm tracks, and ocean biological
activity, with far-reaching and undesirable
consequences.
• Rising Sea Level:Â
• T
 he Greenland ice sheet holds the second
largest amount of ice, after Antarctica, and
therefore it is crucial for maintaining the
sea level.
 ccording to the World Meteorological
• A
Organization’s report , ‘ State of Global
Climate in 2021’ , sea level along the
Indian coast is rising faster than the global
average rate.
• O
 ne of the primary reasons for this rise is
the melting of sea ice in the polar regions,
especially the Arctic.
• G
 lobal warming: The permafrost in the
Arctic is thawing  and in turn releasing Â
carbon and methane which are among
the major greenhouse gases responsible
for global warming.
• B
 iodiversity:Â The warming of the
Arctic Ocean and the seas in the region,
the acidification of water, changes in the
salinity levels, are impacting biodiversity,
including the marine species and the
dependent species.
B.Geographical Implications
• C
 limate Feedback: The loss of Arctic sea ice
amplifies warming through positive feedback,
as it reduces sunlight absorption by the
ocean, potentially accelerating the melting of
the Greenland ice sheet and contributing to
sea-level rise.
• M
 onsoons:Â The link between the impact of
the changing Arctic and monsoons in India is
growing in importance due to the extreme
CLIMATE CHANGE NEGOTIATIONS - UNFCCC, COP, OTHER CONVENTIONS AND PROTOCOLS
New Collective Quantified Goal
(NCQG) in Climate Financing
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS1: Climatic Change
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)
Mains level : Not Much
weather events  the country faces, and
the heavy reliance on rainfall for water and
food security.
C.Geopolitical
• T he melting Arctic ice is also raising the
geopolitical temperatures.
• In 2018, China’s White Paper on Arctic
policy  called itself a ‘Near-Arctic
State ’.
• T
 he opening of the shipping routes and
possibilities of increased resource extraction
is leading to the big three—US, China and
Russia—and NATO, jockeying for position
and influence in the region.
D.Economic
• C
 onnectivity:Â
• T
 he Arctic’s ice meltdown and its
geographical location will ensure the shortest
sea distance between America, Europe and
North East Asia.
 his will likely transform the global
• T
maritime commerce , presently conducted
through the traditional East–West
route  through the Malacca Strait and
Suez Canal.
Relevance of Arctic for India
 he Arctic region is significant due to the Â
• T
shipping routes  that run through it.
• A
 ccording to an analysis published by the
MP-IDSA, the adverse effects of the Arctic
are not just impacting the availability of
mineral and hydrocarbon resources, but also
transforming global shipping routes.
Central Idea
• The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)
has emerged as a significant commitment
in global climate financing at the recently-
concludedBonn climate conference in
Germanyhttps://www.civilsdaily.com/news/
bonn-climate-conference-key-takeaways/.
• The conference, which sets the stage for the
upcoming Conference of Parties-28 (COP28) in
Dubai, has exposed significant gaps in funding
for climate action.
• India can play a constructive role in securing
a stable Arctic.
• The region holds  immense geopolitical
importance as the Arctic is projected to be
ice-free by 2050
Way forward
• India has observer status in the Arctic
Council which is an intergovernmental
forum for cooperation on the Arctic
environment and development aspects.
• India’s presence on the Arctic Council
should be underpinned by a strategic
policy  that encompassed economic,
environmental, scientific and political aspects.
• India must also officially appoint an
‘Arctic ambassador/representative’
 who will represent and voice India’s
perspectives on Arctic affairs.
• India’s Arctic Policy is also likely to Â
raise awareness about the Arctic within
India and vice-versa through conduct of
programmes, seminars and events in India
and in the Arctic.
Conclusion
• The potential ice-free Arctic Ocean by the
2030s, as indicated by the study, underscores
the urgent need for climate action.
• The consequences of such a scenario extend
far beyond.
• The study highlights the imperative of
mitigating climate change to avoid further
damage to the Arctic and the planet
as a whole.
Conference of Parties (COP)
• The Conference of Parties (COP) is a key
international event where countries come
together to address the urgent challenges
posed by climate change.
• It is the supreme decision-making body of
the United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• The COP brings together representatives
from various countries to assess progress,
negotiate agreements, and establish
international climate policies and
commitments.
• The first COP took place in 1995 in Berlin,
Germany, following the adoption of the
UNFCCC in 1992.
• Since then, the COP has been held annually,
with each event designated by a specific
number (e.g., COP21, COP22) indicating the
sequential order.
www.civilsdaily.com 121
What is New Collective Quantified Goal
(NCQG)?
• T he commitment of $100 billion per year till
2020 to developing nations by developed
countries was set at the 2009 COP.
• T he cost estimates for addressing climate
change indicate that billions, and possibly
trillions, of dollars are required.
• T he 2015 Paris Climate Agreement
emphasized the need for a NCQG for climate
financing before 2025.
• T he NCGQ aims to account for the needs
and priorities of developing nations and
has been termed the “most important
climate goal.”
• It should reflect scientific evidence, respond
to increased funding requirements for
Loss and Damage, and involve developed
countries increasing their commitments.
Need for NCQG
• D
 eveloped countries provided $83.3
billion in 2020 out of the promised $100
billion per year.
GLOBAL GEOLOGICAL AND CLIMATIC EVENTS
Understanding Summer
Solstice: Longest
Day of the Year
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS1: Geographical Features & Their Location
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Summer Solstice
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he summer solstice, also known as the
longest day of the year, occurs on June 21st
for those living north of the Equator.
• T
 his article explores the significance of the
summer solstice, the reasons behind its
occurrence, and the effects it has on different
parts of the world.
122 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• H
 owever, an analysis by Oxfam suggests
that these figures may be inflated by as much
as 225% due to misleading and dishonest
reporting.
• T
 he $100 billion target set in 2009 lacked
clarity in terms of the definition and source of
‘climate finance.’
Challenges and Concerns
(A) Accessibility and Sustainability of
Climate Finance
• W
 hile the funds for climate finance have
increased, they remain largely inaccessible to
developing countries.
• T
 he majority of climate finance comes in
the form of loans and equity, burdening
developing nations with a debilitating
debt crisis.
• O
 nly around 5% of climate finance is
provided as grants, which severely limits the
capacity of countries in need.
(B) Developed Countries’ Perspective
• D
 eveloped countries argue that the NCQG
should be seen as a collective goal for all
countries.
What is Summer Solstice?
• T he summer solstice is the moment
when the Earth’s axial tilt is most inclined
towards the Sun.
• It occurs annually on or around June 21st in
the Northern Hemisphere.
• D
 uring the summer solstice, the Sun follows
its highest and longest path across the sky.
• T
 his results in an extended duration of
daylight hours, making it the longest day
of the year.
Factors Influencing the Summer Solstice
• E
 arth’s Axial Tilt: The Earth’s axis is tilted
relative to its orbit around the Sun, at an
angle of approximately 23.5 degrees.
• T
 ropic of Cancer: The summer solstice
takes place when the Sun is directly over
the Tropic of Cancer, located at 23.5 degrees
north latitude.
• This perspective places the burden of
mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage
on developing countries.
• Experts raise concerns that developing
nations may struggle to bear the costs while
also ensuring sustainable infrastructure
development.
• Developed countries advocate for mobilizing
private-sector investments and loans as a
critical component of climate finance.
Future roadmap
• A deadline looms for countries to agree on
the NCQG before 2024.
• While there is no official figure yet, estimates
suggest that transitioning to a low-carbon
economy requires annual investments of $4
trillion to $6 trillion.
• Some propose setting separate targets or
sub-goals for focus areas like mitigation,
adaptation, and loss and damage instead of a
single aggregate figure.
• The focus should be on scaling up
concessional financing, halting debt creation,
and transforming the NCQG into an
equitable and people-led transition process.
• Seasonal Variations: The tilt of the
Earth’s axis causes different latitudes
to receive varying amounts of sunlight
throughout the year.
Sunlight Distribution in the Hemispheres
• The Northern Hemisphere receives the
maximum amount of sunlight during the
summer solstice, typically on June 20,
21, or 22.
• In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere
experiences its peak sunlight during the
winter solstice, which occurs on December
21, 22, or 23.
Cultural Significance and Celebrations
• The summer solstice holds cultural and
religious significance in various civilizations
throughout history.
• Festivals and rituals often commemorate this
astronomical event, symbolizing the triumph
of light and fertility.
• People around the world celebrate the
summer solstice through festivals, bonfires,
music, dancing, and outdoor activities.
• Notable celebrations include the Summer
Solstice Stonehenge Festival in England and
the Midnight Sun Festival in Norway.
Back2Basics: Solstices and Equinoxes
Summer Solstice Winter Solstice Equinoxes
Date Around June 21st Around December 21st Around March 20th and
September 22nd
Hemisphere Northern Northern Global (Equal duration of day
and night)
Day Length Longest day and shortest night Shortest day and longest night Equal day and night duration
Sun’s Path Highest arc in the sky Lowest arc in the sky Intermediate arc in the sky
Season Summer Winter Spring and Autumn
Axial Tilt North Pole tilted towards the Sun South Pole tilted towards the Sun No tilt, relative to the Sun
Daylight Hours Maximum Minimum Approximately equal
Cultural Significance Celebrated as the triumph of light, Celebrated as the return of light, Symbolizes balance and transition,
festivals, and rituals festivals, and rituals celebrated by various cultures

FOREST CONSERVATION EFFORTS - NFP, WESTERN GHATS, ETC.

Sectors for Green Credit Generation

Green Credit Scheme The notification outlines following sectors

or activities that qualify for generating

to Incentivize
green credits:
• Tree plantation-based green credit:

Environmental Actions
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Green Credit Scheme
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he Ministry of Environment has released a
draft notification outlining a proposed ‘Green
Credit Scheme’ to provide incentives for
various environmental activities.
• T
 he scheme aims to encourage actions such
as afforestation, water conservation, waste
management, and addressing air pollution
by allowing individuals and organizations to
generate tradable ‘green credits.’
What is Green Credit Programme (GCP)?
• G
 CP will be launched at the national
level, utilizing a competitive market-
based approach to encourage voluntary
environmental actions.
• T
 he scheme will incentivize individual and
community behaviors, as well as motivate
private sector industries, companies,
and other entities to fulfill their existing
obligations.
• B
 y participating in activities that generate
or allow the purchase of green credits,
stakeholders can align with the objectives of
the scheme.
Creating Supply and Demand for Green
Credits
• T
 he government’s immediate focus is to
create a supply of green credits through
voluntary actions.
• T
 he subsequent step involves introducing
laws or regulations to incentivize companies
and organizations to purchase credits,
thereby creating demand.
• U
 nlike carbon markets that primarily trade
greenhouse gas emissions, the Green Credit
Scheme accounts for a broader range of
actions, making it more complex.
Promotes activities to increase green cover
through tree plantation and related initiatives.
• Water-based green credit: Encourages water
conservation, water harvesting, efficient
water use, and wastewater treatment
and reuse.
• Sustainable agriculture-based green
credit: Promotes natural and regenerative
agricultural practices, land restoration, and
improvement of productivity, soil health, and
nutritional value.
• Waste management-based green credit:
Fosters sustainable waste management
practices and improvements in
waste handling.
Uniqueness and Complexity of the Scheme
• The proposed Green Credit Scheme covers
a wider range of actions compared to similar
initiatives worldwide.
• Unlike existing schemes, this program
accounts for diverse activities, making its
implementation and accounting mechanisms
more intricate.

www.civilsdaily.com 123
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Places in news: Debrigarh
Wildlife Sanctuary
Enviro & Biodiversity | GS3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• D
 ebrigarh, a wildlife sanctuary in Odisha’s
Bargarh district, has achieved a significant
milestone by becoming completely free of
any human settlement.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
• G
 eographic Position: The Debrigarh Wildlife
Sanctuary is located in the Bargarh district
of Odisha, near the city of Sambalpur and
adjacent to the Hirakud Dam.
• T
 otal Area: The sanctuary spans a total
area of 346.91 km2, providing ample space
for the preservation of wildlife and their
natural habitats.
124 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• F lora and Fauna: The sanctuary boasts a
diverse range of flora and fauna, including
over 40 species of mammals, 200 species
of birds, 40 species of reptiles, 12 species of
amphibians, 42 species of fishes, 39 species
of odonates, 85 species of butterflies, and 38
species of spiders.
• A
 quatic Biodiversity: The sanctuary’s unique
feature is its support for both terrestrial
and aquatic biodiversity. The presence of
the Hirakud reservoir contributes to the
sanctuary’s appeal, attracting numerous
migratory waterfowl during winter.
• M
 edicinal flora: The sanctuary is home
to over 250 plant species, many of which
hold significant ethnobotanical and
medicinal value.
Why in news?
• P
 eaceful rehabilitation: Debrigarh stands
out as one of the few wildlife sanctuaries in
Odisha where human settlements have been
completely removed.
• Voluntary Relocation: The relocation of 400
families was carried out through a series of
consultations, without the use of force.
• Exceptional Cases: Debrigarh joins Nalabana
Bird Sanctuary in Chilika Lake as an
exceptional example of wildlife sanctuaries
without permanent human settlements.
Positive Impact on Wildlife Conservation
• Reduction in Conflict: The relocation has
immediately resulted in a tangible drop in
man-wildlife conflicts within the 353.81 sq.
km Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary.
• Tiger Incursion Example: The sanctuary’s
inviolability was recently demonstrated
when a tiger from neighboring Chhattisgarh
crossed over into Debrigarh.
• Preservation of Habitat: Removing human
settlements from critical wildlife sanctuaries
ensures the preservation and protection of
biodiversity.
Benefits to Villagers and Sanctuary
• Improved Living Conditions: The relocation
was necessary as the villagers lacked
access to basic facilities such as electricity,
healthcare, and education.
• Compensation: Each eligible family received
₹15 lahks as compensation for their
voluntary relocation, ensuring their well-
being in new settlements.
• Win-Win Situation: The relocation serves
the interests of both the villagers, who gain
access to better facilities, and the sanctuary,
which is now free from human settlements.
Science Tech

www.civilsdaily.com 125
CORONAVIRUS - DISEASE, MEDICAL SCIENCES INVOLVED & PREVENTIVE MEASURES • Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) from

India joins Centralised

Uganda is also a new member.

Objectives of the CEPI-funded network

Laboratory Network (CLN) • The CEPI-funded network aims to identify

promising vaccine candidates rapidly and
accurately.
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields • The network focuses on emerging
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
infectious diseases.
Prelims level : Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN)
• The goal is to support sustainable regional
Mains level : Not Much
outbreak preparedness infrastructure.
• It is part of the Coalition for Epidemic
CEPI-Funded Network Objectives
Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
Central Idea • The CEPI-funded network, which includes
• T he network aims to standardize testing
• India has recently become a member of CLN, has the primary objective of identifying
methods and materials.
the Centralized Laboratory Network (CLN), the most promising vaccine candidates
which is a part of the Coalition for Epidemic New members of the CLN rapidly and accurately against emerging
Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). • Indian Council of Medical Research-National infectious diseases.
Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) joins CLN. • In addition to vaccine testing, the
Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN) • Institute Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) from expanded network also aims to support the
• C LN consists of 15 partner facilities in 13 Senegal is a new member. development of sustainable regional outbreak
countries and aims to test vaccines for use • K AVI Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI ICR) preparedness infrastructure.
during pandemics and epidemic disease and University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical • By working collaboratively and sharing
outbreaks. and Infectious Diseases (UNITID) from standardized methods and materials, the
• It focuses on testing vaccines for pandemic Kenya join CLN. network enhances global preparedness for
and epidemic disease outbreaks. • S
 ynexa Life Sciences from South Africa potential disease outbreaks.
becomes a member.

INNOVATIONS IN SCIENCES, IT, COMPUTERS, ROBOTICS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY

Particle Collisions - Collisions of high-

Researchers observed rare energy protons lead to

the creation of various

Higgs Boson Decay

Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Higgs Boson Decay
Mains level : Read the attached story
Large Hadron Collider (LHC)
What is it? - The LHC is the
world’s largest science
experiment constructed
by CERN. - It collides
beams of hadrons, such
as protons, for high-
energy physics research.
- Upgrades have
enhanced the LHC’s
Central Idea
sensitivity and accuracy
• P
 hysicists at CERN’sLarge Hadron Collider
for its third season of
(LHC)https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/
operations.
what-is-large-hadron-collider-lhc/reported
Functioning - Protons are accelerated
detecting a rare decay of the Higgs boson
through a 27 km circular
into a Z boson and a photon.
pipe using powerful
• T
 he decay process provides valuable insights
magnets. - Magnetic
into the Higgs boson and the nature of
fields guide the protons,
our universe.
reaching speeds close to
the speed of light.
subatomic particles. -
The LHC has achieved
collision energies of up
to 13.6 TeV.
Scientific - LHC’s detectors,
Discoveries including ATLAS and
at the LHC CMS, discovered
the Higgs boson in
2012. - Scientists have
tested predictions of
the Standard Model,
observed exotic particles,
and gained insights into
extreme conditions.
Future - Upgrades are planned
of the LHC to increase the LHC’s
luminosity by ten times
by 2027, aiming to
discover new physics. -
There is a debate about
investing in a larger LHC
or smaller experiments
to explore new realms
of physics.
Understanding the Higgs Boson
• The Higgs boson is a type of subatomic
particle that carries the force of particle
movement through the Higgs field, present
throughout the universe.

126 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• Interaction with Higgs bosons determines
a particle’s mass, with stronger interaction
leading to greater mass.
Importance of Higgs Boson Decay
• S
 tudying how different particles interact
with Higgs bosons and understanding the
properties of Higgs bosons helps reveal
information about the universe.
• T
 he recent detection of Higgs boson
decay to a Z boson and a photon provides
noteworthy insights.
Role of Virtual Particles
• Q
 uantum field theory suggests that space
at the subatomic level is filled with virtual
particles that constantly appear and
disappear.
• H
 iggs bosons interact fleetingly with virtual
particles during their creation, resulting in the
production of a Z boson and a photon.
New Result and Probability
• T
 he Standard Model predicts that the Higgs
boson will decay into a Z boson and a photon
0.1% of the time.
• T
 he LHC needed to produce a significant
number of Higgs bosons to observe this
decay pathway.
Confirmation and Statistical Precision
• T
 he ATLAS and CMS detectors, which
previously observed the decay independently,
combined their data for increased statistical
precision.
• A
 lthough the significance is not yet 100%, the
combined data enhanced the confirmation of
the Higgs boson decay.
INDIAN NAVY UPDATES
Varunastra: Indigenous
Heavy Weight Torpedo
Science Tech | GS3: Indigenization Of Technology
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Varunastra
Mains level : Not Much
Significance for the Standard Model
• P
 hysicists seek to detect and validate the
predicted decay pathways of the Higgs boson
according to the Standard Model.
• P
 recise testing of the model’s predictions
helps identify potential deviations and
explore new theories in physics.
Implications for New Theories
• H
 igher decay rates through the observed
pathway could support new theories beyond
the Standard Model.
• E
 xperimental evidence from the LHC could
contribute to advancements in scientific
understanding.
Back2Basics: Standard Model
• T he Standard Model is a theoretical
framework in physics that describes the
fundamental particles and their interactions,
except for gravity.
• It provides a comprehensive understanding
of three of the four fundamental forces:
electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak
nuclear forces.
• D eveloped in the mid-20th century, the
Standard Model has been highly successful
in explaining and predicting the behaviour of
elementary particles.
Key points about the Standard Model:
Particle Classification: The Standard Model
classifies particles into two main categories:
fermions and bosons.
• F ermions: Fermions are particles that make
up matter. They are further categorized into
quarks and leptons. Quarks are the building
blocks of protons and neutrons, while leptons
include electrons and neutrinos.
• B osons: Bosons are force-carrying particles
responsible for transmitting the fundamental
forces. Examples include photons
Central Idea
• Test-firing achievement: The indigenously
designed and developed heavy weight
torpedo (HWT) Varunastra was successfully
test-fired by the Indian Navy, targeting an
undersea target with a live warhead.
(electromagnetic force), gluons (strong
nuclear force), and W and Z bosons (weak
nuclear force).
• Fundamental Forces: The Standard Model
explains the interactions between particles
through the following fundamental forces:
• Electromagnetic Force: Mediated by
photons, this force governs the interactions
between charged particles.
• Strong Nuclear Force: Mediated by gluons,
it binds quarks together to form protons,
neutrons, and other particles.
• Weak Nuclear Force: Mediated by W and Z
bosons, it is responsible for certain types of
radioactive decay.
• Higgs Field and Higgs Boson: The Standard
Model introduces the concept of the Higgs
field, an energy field that permeates the
universe. Particles acquire mass through their
interaction with this field. The existence of
the Higgs boson, a particle associated with
the Higgs field, was confirmed in experiments
at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in 2012.
Limitations and Open Questions:
While the Standard Model has been highly
successful in describing particle interactions, it
has some limitations:
• Gravity: The theory does not include a
description of gravity, which is described by
general relativity. Combining gravity with the
other forces remains a challenge.
• Dark Matter and Dark Energy: The Standard
Model does not account for dark matter and
dark energy, which are believed to constitute
a significant portion of the universe.
• Unification: The theory does not provide
a unified description of all forces, including
electromagnetism, weak nuclear force, and
strong nuclear force.
Varunastra: Feature Details
• Advanced features: Varunastra is a ship-
launched anti-submarine torpedo equipped
with low drift navigational systems, acoustic
homing, advanced acoustic countermeasures,
autonomous guidance algorithms, an
insensitive munitions warhead, and a GPS-
based recovery aid for practice torpedoes.
• Designed and developed by NSTL:
Varunastra was designed and developed
by the Naval Science and Technological
Laboratory (NSTL) based in Vizag under
the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO).
• Manufacturing by BDL: Bharat
Dynamics Ltd (BDL) is responsible for the
manufacturing of Varunastra.
www.civilsdaily.com 127
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
• S
 peed, depth, and range: Varunastra
boasts a maximum speed of 40 knots and a
maximum operating depth of 600 meters.
It has long-range and multi-manoeuvering
capabilities.
• A
 coustic homing and tracking: The torpedo
features acoustic homing with a wide look
angle, allowing it to track silent targets
effectively.
INNOVATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
Fruit Flies: Unveiling
their Contributions to
Science and Medicine
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Fruit Flies
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• F lies’ negative perception: Fruit flies
often considered annoying pests, but their
significance in biological and medical science
is immense.
• E conomic and environmental importance:
Flies, including fruit flies, play crucial roles
as pollinators for plants and contribute to
decomposition processes.
Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster)
• O
 verview: Fruit or vinegar fly species known
for its nuisance during summer.
128 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• A
 dvanced guidance and navigational
systems: Varunastra incorporates
autonomous advanced guidance algorithms
and drift navigational systems, enabling
precise targeting and long-endurance
operations.
Significance of the test fire
• M
 ainstay of anti-submarine warfare:
Varunastra is set to become the primary anti-
submarine torpedo for all naval warships,
replacing older torpedoes capable of
firing HWT.
• S
 cientific significance: Drosophila
melanogaster is a well-understood animal
organism globally and has contributed to
numerous Nobel Prize-winning discoveries in
physiology and medicine.
Partnership between Science and Flies
• E
 arly collaborations with flies: Biologist
Thomas Hunt Morgan’s experiments with
fruit flies revolutionized evolutionary and
genetic research.
• D
 iscoveries in genetics: Fruit flies provided
insights into genetic mutations, inheritance
patterns, and the mapping of genes on
chromosomes.
• U
 nderstanding biological processes: Studies
in fruit flies helped unravel mechanisms of
development, gene regulation, and protein
synthesis.
Versatility and Applications of Drosophila
Research
• E
 fficient and cost-effective research: Fruit
flies offer a fast and versatile model organism
for studying various aspects of human
biology and disease.
• Enhanced anti-submarine warfare: The
induction of Varunastra as the mainstay
anti-submarine torpedo strengthens the
Indian Navy’s capabilities in countering
underwater threats.
• Self-reliance and indigenous development:
The successful development and deployment
of Varunastra highlight India’s progress in
indigenous defence technologies and reduce
dependence on imports.
• Neuroscience and behavioral research: Fruit
flies provide insights into learning, memory,
sleep, aggression, addiction, and neural
disorders.
• Broad range of applications: Fruit flies are
used to study cancer, aging, development,
gut microbiome, stem cells, muscles, and
the heart.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps
• Complementary to human studies: Fruit flies
serve as a bridge to understanding complex
human diseases and physiological processes.
• Insights into neurodegenerative diseases:
Although flies cannot fully mimic personality
loss in Alzheimer’s disease, they contribute
to studying neuronal death and related
mechanisms.
Paradigm for Scientific Discoveries
• Accelerating research in complex
organisms: Knowledge gained from fruit flies
can be applied to more complex organisms,
expediting scientific progress.
• Global research community: Over 10,000
researchers worldwide utilize fruit flies
for diverse areas of study, enriching our
understanding of human biology and disease.
Shifting Perspectives
• Appreciating the significance: Fruit flies,
despite their annoyance, play a vital role in
advancing scientific knowledge and medical
breakthroughs.
• Rethinking flies’ presence: Viewing fruit
flies in a different light, recognizing their
value in research and their contributions to
understanding the world around us.
INNOVATIONS IN SCIENCES, IT, COMPUTERS, ROBOTICS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
JATAN: Virtual
Museum Software
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Jatan Software
Mains level : NA
Central Idea
• The Union government plans to complete
the 3D digitisation of all museums under its
administrative control by the end of 2023.
• The digitisation initiative using JATAN
software aims to enhance the conservation
and preservation of artefacts.
What is JATAN Software?
• JATAN is a virtual museum builder software
used in Indian museums.
• It enables the creation of a digital collection
management system and is deployed in
several national museums across India.
• The objective of JATAN is to digitally
preserve and document museum objects for
the benefit of researchers, curators, and other
interested individuals.
INNOVATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
IIT-M generates Hydrogen
from Seawater
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Green Hydrogen
Mains level : Read the attached story
• T he software was designed and developed by
the Human Centres Design and Computing
Group at the Centre for Development of
Smart Computing (C-DAC) in Pune.
• JATAN facilitates the creation of digital
imprints of preserved objects and
monuments.
• These digital imprints are integrated into the
national digital repository and portal, making
them accessible to the public.
Benefits of 3D Digitisation
• 3D digitisation offers improved conservation
and preservation of artefacts, ensuring their
long-term protection.
• It enhances accessibility and exploration for
museum visitors, providing new ways to
engage with the collection.
• The 3D models generated through
digitisation can be used in augmented
reality, virtual reality, and interactive learning
experiences, creating immersive educational
opportunities.
• Furthermore, the digitisation process enables
the potential for 3D printing, allowing for
replication and detailed study of artefacts.
Central Idea
• Researchers from IIT-Madras have developed
components for a cost-effective method
of electrolyzing seawater to produce
green hydrogen.
• The current alkaline water electrolyzer
technology is energy-intensive, requires an
expensive oxide-polymer separator, and uses
fresh water.
Generating Green Hydrogen
• Instead of using fresh water, the researchers
developed an electrolyzer that utilizes
alkaline seawater.
• Carbon-based support material was used for
the electrodes to minimize corrosion.
• Transition metal-based catalysts were
designed to catalyze both oxygen and
hydrogen evolution reactions, improving the
production of hydrogen and oxygen.
• A cellulose-based separator was developed
to allow hydroxide ions to pass through
while preventing crossover of oxygen
and hydrogen.
How does Electrolysis take place?
• The alkaline water electrolyzer involves two
half-reactions at the anode and cathode.
• At the cathode, water dissociates into H+
and hydroxide ions, with H+ ions converting
into hydrogen.
www.civilsdaily.com 129
• H
 ydroxide ions produced at the cathode
pass through the separator, and oxygen is
generated at the anode.
• W
 hen seawater is used, hypochlorite
formation occurs at the anode, causing
corrosion and reducing oxygen production.
Impurities also affect the hydrogen evolution
reaction at the cathode.

Back2Basics: Hydrogen Categories

Production Method Carbon Emissions
Gray Hydrogen Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) from High emissions
fossil fuels
Blue Hydrogen Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) from fossil Reduced emissions compared to gray hydrogen
fuels with carbon capture and storage (CCS) or
carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS)
Green Hydrogen Electrolysis using renewable energy sources No carbon emissions
(solar, wind, hydro)
Turquoise Hydrogen Methane pyrolysis from fossil fuels with carbon Reduced emissions compared to gray hydrogen
capture and storage (CCS) or carbon capture
utilization and storage (CCUS)

INTERNATIONAL SPACE AGENCIES - MISSIONS AND DISCOVERIES

• E
 ventually, the helium is depleted, leading

Betelgeuse: The Red Giant Star to the star’s progression through various
burning stages, including carbon and

on the Brink of Supernova

silicon burning.

Pulsation and Betelgeuse’s Death Throes

Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Betelgeuse
Mains level : NA
Central idea:
Recent research has shed light on the
Betelgeuse’s current stage and its potential
fate as it approaches the end of its lifecycle.
Betelgeuse: The Bright Red Star in Orion
• E
 asily visible in the constellation Orion,
Betelgeuse is a bright red star known as
“ Thiruvathirai “ or “ Ardra “ in Indian
astronomy.
• It is a massive star that undergoes the
carbon-burning stage, leading to its eventual
collapse into a supernova.
How is it dying?
• M
 assive stars like Betelgeuse exhaust their
hydrogen fuel and transition to using helium
to create carbon.
• T
 he energy released during helium fusion
is lower than that of hydrogen, requiring
the star to burn more helium to maintain
stability.
• Researchers studying Betelgeuse have
observed its pulsation, indicating its stage of
evolution.
• The observed pulsation aligns with
theoretical estimates of the late carbon-
burning stage, suggesting that Betelgeuse is
in its death throes.
• Astronomers detect the expansion and
contraction of Betelgeuse by analyzing its
pulsation and corresponding brightness
variations.
• Previous studies disagreed on which
pulsation period is fundamental, with one
team considering 417 days and another team
proposing 2,190 days.
• Researchers conclude that it is in the final
stage of burning carbon, considering the
2,190-day pulse as fundamental.

130 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
INNOVATIONS IN SCIENCES, IT, COMPUTERS, ROBOTICS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
Hiroshima Process for
AI Governance
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : HAP
Mains level : Global AI regulation
• C
 ommunique initiated Hiroshima AI
Process (HAP): Official statement from the
G7 leaders that established the Hiroshima
AI Process (HAP) to regulate artificial
intelligence (AI).
What is the Hiroshima AI Process (HAP)?
• I nclusive AI governance: The HAP’s
objective is to promote inclusive governance
of artificial intelligence.
• U pholding democratic values: The HAP
seeks to achieve the development and
implementation of AI systems that align
Central Idea
with democratic values and are considered
• G
 7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan: Annual
trustworthy.
meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) countries
• F ocuses Areas: The HAP prioritizes
was held in Hiroshima, Japan in May 2023.
discussions and actions related to generative
AI, governance frameworks, intellectual
property rights, transparency measures, and
responsible utilization of AI technologies.
NEW SPECIES OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS DISCOVERED
Controversial Species
Names in Taxonomy
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Read the attached story
Mains level : NA
• T
 hese names often stem from problematic
individuals associated with slavery, racism,
derogatory terms, and racial slurs.
• T
 he debate has gained prominence in recent
years, particularly in the wake of movements
like Black Lives Matter, which seeks to
address systemic racism and dismantle
symbols of oppression.
Controversial Naming Practices
(1) Species Named after Controversial
Figures:
• A
 nophthalmus hitleri: The blind beetle
Central Idea named after Adolf Hitler by an entomologist
• T
 he field of taxonomy, which involves naming who admired him gained popularity among
and classifying living beings, is currently Neo-Nazis, leading to its near-extinction.
engaged in a heated discussion regarding
the renaming of species with objectionable
scientific names.
• Commencement: The HAP is anticipated to
conclude its activities and produce outcomes
by December 2023. The process officially
commenced with its first meeting on May 30.
Notable Aspects of the Process
• Liberal Process in AI development: The
HAP places significant emphasis on ensuring
that AI development upholds principles of
freedom, democracy, and human rights.
• High principles for responsible AI: The HAP
acknowledges the importance of fairness,
accountability, transparency, and safety as
fundamental principles that should guide
the responsible development and use of AI
technologies.
• Ambiguity with keywords: The specific
interpretation and application of terms such
as “openness” and “fair processes” in the
context of AI development are not clearly
defined within the HAP.
Conclusion
• The establishment of the HAP signifies that
AI governance is a global issue that involves
various stakeholders and may encounter
differing viewpoints and debates.
• Uta stansburiana: The lizard named
after Howard Stansbury, known for his
involvement in the massacre of Timpanogos
Native Americans.
• Hibbertia scandens: The plant named after
George Hibbert, a prominent member of the
pro-slavery and anti-abolition lobby.
(2) Species Named with Derogatory Terms:
• Hottentotta tamulus scorpion: The use
of “Hottentot” as a derogatory term for
Indigenous Black people in Africa.
• Rauvolfia caffra: The quinine tree named
with an offensive term considered hate
speech against Black communities in
South Africa.
Rules and International Bodies
• Nomenclature Codes : International bodies
such as ICZN, ICNafp, ICNB, and ICTV
govern the naming of animals, plants,
bacteria, and viruses, respectively.
• Validity and Publication: New names must
be published in openly distributed publications
and accompanied by detailed descriptions of
typical specimens.
ICZN:
International Commission of Zoological
Nomenclature
www.civilsdaily.com 131
ICNafp:
International Code of Nomenclature for algae,
fungi, and plants
ICNB:
International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria
ICTV:
International Committee on Taxonomy
of Viruses
INNOVATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
Evolutionary Journey of
the Y Chromosome
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Chromosomes
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he Y chromosome, often known as the
“master of maleness,” has fascinated scientists
and historians for its role in determining sex
and its unique genetic characteristics.
• T
 his article explores the intriguing journey
of the Y chromosome, its significance, and
recent discoveries that challenge previous
assumptions.
What are Chromosomes?
• C
 hromosomes are fundamental components
of cells that play a vital role in storing and
transmitting genetic information.
• T
 hese structures contain genes, which carry
instructions for the development, functioning,
and inheritance of traits.
• C
 hromosomes consist of tightly coiled DNA
molecules wrapped around proteins called
histones, forming chromatin.
• B
 efore cell division, chromosomes replicate
into identical sister chromatids held together
at the centromere.
Types of Chromosomes:
• A
 utosomes: Non-sex chromosomes (22 pairs
in humans) determine most traits.
• S
 ex Chromosomes: Determine biological sex
(XX for females, XY for males).
132 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Scientific Naming Process
• T
 wo-part Scientific Names: Each species has
two scientific names, with the first denoting
the genus and the second identifying the
species within the genus. Both names are
italicized.
• N
 aming Conventions : Names are often
derived from Latin or Greek, reflecting
distinctive features or characteristics of
the species.
Functions of Chromosomes
• G enetic Information Storage: Genes on
chromosomes encode instructions for protein
production and cellular processes.
• I nheritance: Chromosomes transmit genetic
information during sexual reproduction
through meiosis, ensuring genetic diversity in
offspring.
• G
 ene Expression Regulation: Chromosomes
control gene activation or silencing, crucial
for development and cell functioning.
Significance of Chromosomes
• U
 nderstanding Genetic Disorders:
Abnormalities in chromosomes cause
conditions like Down syndrome, aiding
diagnosis and comprehension.
• E
 volutionary Insights: Comparative analysis
of chromosomes reveals evolutionary
relationships and genetic material changes
over time.
• A
 dvancements in Genetic Research:
Chromosomes are crucial for genome
sequencing, mapping, and studying
gene expression, leading to improved
understanding of human health, diseases, and
targeted therapies.
Our focus: Y Chromosome
• G
 enetic Origins : The Y chromosome is
believed to have emerged approximately
200-300 million years ago in a common
ancestor of mammals. Its genetic sequence,
published in 2003, revealed that it accounts
for only 2% of the genetic material inside a
cell, encoding around 55 genes.
• Q
 uirks and Challenges : Referred to as the
“juvenile delinquent” among chromosomes,
the Y chromosome has repetitive sequences,
a limited number of genes, and a reluctance
Challenges in Changing Offensive Names
• Limited Appetite for Change: International
committees show little inclination to engage
in debates on potentially offensive names,
prioritizing stability and universality.
• Criteria for Name Change: The rules state
that name changes should only occur with
profound taxonomic knowledge or to rectify
names conflicting with established rules.
to recombine with other chromosomes.
These characteristics have led to debates
about its functional utility and evolutionary
trajectory.
Significance of the Y Chromosome
• Historical Insights : Researchers have
extensively studied the Y chromosome
to understand human migration and
evolution. It has provided valuable insights
into paternity, genetic diversity, and our
shared past.
• Beyond Sex Determination : Contrary to
earlier assumptions, recent studies have
revealed that the Y chromosome plays
a role in biological functions beyond sex
determination. It contains genes associated
with aging, lifespan regulation, and other vital
processes.
Influence of the Y chromosome on Health
• Sex Differences in Lifespan : In the animal
kingdom, including mammals, females tend
to live longer than males. The absence of
a second Y chromosome in males exposes
detrimental mutations in the X chromosome,
potentially contributing to shorter lifespans.
• Age-Related Loss of the Y Chromosome :
Studies have shown that men experience a
loss of the Y chromosome (LoY) with age,
which has been associated with a higher risk
of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Research on mice models supports these
findings, indicating a correlation between
LoY and shorter lifespans and memory
deficiencies.
• Phenotypic Sex and Longevity : Recent
research on fruit flies challenges the notion
that the presence of a Y chromosome directly
influences longevity. Instead, the phenotypic
sex of an individual, determined by external
genitalia, may play a more significant role.
Future of the Y Chromosome
• Species-Specific Evolution : Some species,
like rodents, have naturally lost their Y
chromosome, offering insights into sex-
chromosome turnover. These species serve
as models for understanding the process
and the potential repurposing of other
chromosomes as sex chromosomes.
• S
 igns of Replacement : Genomic analysis
of Neanderthal DNA indicates that the Y
chromosome has undergone replacement
in the lineage leading to modern humans.
HISTORY- IMPORTANT PLACES, PERSONS IN NEWS
Kamala Sohonie: First Indian
Woman to earn PhD
Science Tech | GS3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Kamala Sohoni
Mains level : NA
Central Idea
• O
 n June 18, the Google Doodle
commemorated Kamala Sohonie on her
112th birth anniversary.
• K
 amala Sohonie, the first Indian woman to
earn a PhD in a scientific discipline, made
significant contributions in the field of
nutrition and fought against malnutrition
among tribal children.
• D
 espite facing gender bias, including from
Nobel laureateCV Ramanhttps://www.
civilsdaily.com/news/national-science-day-
and-cv-raman/, Sohonie left a lasting impact
on Indian science.
This suggests that the Y chromosome’s role
as the “master of maleness” may eventually
be overtaken by another chromosome in
the future.
Who was Kamala Sohonie?
• K
 amala Sohonie (nee Bhagvat) was born on
June 18, 1911, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• H
 er father and uncle were chemists who had
studied at the Tata Institute of Sciences (now
IISc, Bengaluru).
• S
 ohonie graduated in 1933 with a BSc degree
in Chemistry and Physics from Bombay
University, topping the merit list.
Encounter with CV Raman
• S
 ohonie faced rejection from CV Raman
when she applied for an MSc degree at IISc.
• D
 etermined, she confronted Raman and
challenged him to allow her admission.
• R
 aman reluctantly agreed but imposed
several conditions, including probation and
restrictions on her status as a student.
Academic Achievements and Work
• S
 ohonie completed her course with
distinction and secured admission to
Cambridge University, where she completed
her PhD in just 14 months.
• H
 er research focused on potatoes, leading to
the discovery of the enzyme ‘Cytochrome C’
and its role in cellular respiration.
• Returning to India, Sohonie served as the
head of the Department of Biochemistry at
Lady Hardinge College, New Delhi.
• She worked at the Nutrition Research Lab,
Coonoor, and the Royal Institute of Science
in Mumbai, studying various food items to
identify their nutrients.
Contribution to Nutrition and Social Impact
• Sohonie’s notable work revolved around
‘neera,’ a palm extract drink recommended by
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President.
• She demonstrated that ‘neera’ was
a rich source of Vitamin C and other
nutrients, making it beneficial for the
health of malnourished tribal children and
pregnant women.
• Sohonie also collaborated with the Aarey
Milk project to improve milk quality.
• Beyond her scientific endeavors, she played
a vital role as a founding member of the
Consumer Guidance Society.
Personal Life and Legacy
• In 1947, Sohonie married MV Sohonie, an
actuary, and the couple resided in Mumbai.
• Kamala Sohonie’s accomplishments broke
barriers and inspired future generations of
women in science.
• Her resilience against gender bias and
remarkable contributions to nutrition
and consumer protection remain an
enduring legacy.
www.civilsdaily.com 133
PROMOTING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - MISSIONS,POLICIES & SCHEMES
Exploring Phonons as
Information Units for
Quantum Computing
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Phonons
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• Q uantum computinghttps://www.civilsdaily.
com/news/quantum/and artificial intelligence
are emerging fields in computing.
• IBM recently published a paper
demonstrating the potential of quantum
computers to solve complex problems.
• Q ubits are the fundamental units of
information in quantum computers.
Qubits - Basic Units of Information in
Quantum Computing
• Q
 ubits are the building blocks of quantum
computers.
• U
 nlike classical computers, qubits can exist in
superposition, representing both ‘on’ and ‘off’
states simultaneously.
• Q
 uantum physics allows particles, such as
electrons, to exhibit unique properties for
qubit representation.
PROMOTING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - MISSIONS,POLICIES & SCHEMES
What is MATSYA-6000?
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : MATSYA 6000
Mains level : Samudryaan Mission
134 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• T
 he encoding of information in a quantum
system enables complex calculations beyond
the reach of classical computers.
• D
 ifferent types of quantum computing
employ various units of information, such
as photons in linear optical quantum
computing (LOQC).
Exploring Phonons as Qubits
• R esearchers explore the possibility of using
phonons as qubits.
• P honons are packets of vibrational energy,
analogous to sound.
• A recent study published in Science suggests
that phonons can serve as information units
in a quantum computer.
• M anipulating phonons requires new tools,
leading to the development of an acoustic
beam-splitter.
• Beam-splitters, widely used in optics research,
split a stream of photons into two beams.
Behavior of Phonons and Interference
Patterns
• B eam-splitters operate on the principles of
quantum physics.
• T he interaction of photons with beam-
splitters creates interference patterns.
• Interference patterns also emerge when
shining photons one by one, highlighting
wave-particle duality.
• Phonons, like photons, exhibit wave-like
behavior and exist in a superposition
of states.
• When a phonon interacts with the acoustic
beam-splitter, it undergoes superposition and
produces interference patterns.
Experimental Study on Phonons
• Researchers developed an acoustic beam-
splitter device with metal bars.
• The experiment involved a two-mm-
long channel of lithium niobate with
superconducting qubits at each end.
• Phonons were emitted and detected by the
qubits, representing the collective vibrations
of numerous atoms.
• The interaction between phonons and the
beam-splitter showed similar behavior to
photon interactions.
• Phonons emitted from one side were
reflected or transmitted, depending on the
experiment.
Implications and Future Prospects
• The study confirms that phonons behave
according to quantum mechanics.
• Building a functional phonon-based quantum
computer is a significant challenge.
• Researchers view this as an extension of the
quantum computing toolbox.
• Future advancements and research will
continue to explore the potential of phonons
in quantum computing.
Conclusion
• Phonons have shown promise as potential
information units for quantum computing.
• The study highlights the need for further
research and development in this area.
• While a functional phonon-based quantum
computer is still a distant goal, the
exploration of new possibilities in quantum
computing continues.
Central idea:
The article discusses the plans of the National
Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in
Chennai to explore the Indian Ocean using a
submersible called MATSYA-6000 under the
Samudrayaan Mission.
About MATSYA 6000
• D eveloped indigenously, MATSYA 6000 is a
manned submersible vehicle.
• It will facilitate the Ministry of Earth
Sciences (MoES) in conducting deep ocean
exploration.
• It has an endurance of 12 hours of operational
period and 96 hours in case of emergency,
according to the ANI news agency.
• T he manned submersible will allow scientific
personnel to observe and understand
unexplored deep-sea areas by direct
intervention.
What is Samudrayaan Mission?
• T he mission is aimed at sending three
personnel to 6000-metre depth in a
vehicle called ‘MATSYA 6000’  for
the exploration of deep-sea resources
like minerals.
• â €˜MATSYA 6000’ vehicle is beingÂ
designed and developed by National
Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Â
Chennai under Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• It has an endurance of 12 hours under normal
operation and 96 hours in case of emergency
for human safety.
• It is  India’s first unique manned
ocean mission  and is a part of the Rs
6000-crores Deep Ocean Mission.
MOTHER AND CHILD HEALTH - IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, ETC.
In news: Hematopoietic Stem
Cell Transplantations (HSCT)
Science Tech | GS3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Umbilical Cord Blood, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantations (HSCT)
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea:
A celebrity couple publicly announced that they
had chosen to preserve her baby’s cord blood
just a few days before her baby girl was born.
• S ignificance:
• T he manned submersible will allow
scientific personnel to observe and
understand unexplored deep-sea areas  by
direct intervention.
• It will also boost the Central government’s
vision of ‘New India ‘ that highlights theÂ
Blue Economy  as one of the ten core
dimensions of growth.
• India has a unique maritime position, a
7517 km long coastline, Â which is home to
nine coastal states and 1,382 islands.
• F or India, with its three sides surrounded
by the oceans and around 30% of the
nation’s population living in coastal
areas  and coastal regions play a major
economic factor.
• It supports fisheries and aquaculture,
tourism, livelihoods, and blue trade.
What is the Deep Ocean Mission?
• It was approved in June 2021 by the Ministry
of Earth Sciences. It aims to  explore
the deep ocean for resources, develop
deep-sea technologies for sustainable use
of ocean resources, Â and support theÂ
Blue Economy Initiatives  of the Indian
Government.
About Umbilical Cord Blood
• R
 ich Source of Stem Cells: Umbilical cord
blood is a valuable source of stem cells,
which are undifferentiated cells capable
of developing into various types of cells
in the body.
• C
 ollection Process: Cord blood is collected
from the umbilical cord and placenta after
the birth of a baby. It is a non-invasive and
painless procedure that does not pose any
risks to the mother or the baby.
• S
 tem Cell Potential: Umbilical cord blood
contains hematopoietic stem cells, which
have the ability to form blood cells, including
red blood cells, white blood cells, and
platelets. These stem cells can be used in
medical treatments and research.
• The cost of the Mission has been estimated
at Rs. 4,077 crores over a five-year period Â
and will be implemented in phases.
What are the Other Related Initiatives?
• India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy
for Sustainable Development: Â It was
inaugurated jointly by both the countries in
2020 to develop and follow up joint initiatives
between the two countries.
• Sagarmala Project:  The Sagarmala
project  is the strategic initiative for port-led
development through the extensive use of IT
enabled services for modernization of ports.
• O-SMART: Â India has an umbrella scheme
by the name of O-SMART  which aims at
regulated use of oceans, marine resources for
sustainable development.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management: Â
It focuses on conservation of coastal and
marine resources, and improving livelihood
opportunities for coastal communities etc.
• National Fisheries Policy: Â India has a
National Fisheries policy for promoting
‘Blue Growth Initiative’ which focuses on
sustainable utilization of fisheries wealth from
marine and other aquatic resources.
What is Hematopoietic Stem Cell
Transplantation (HSCT)?
• What is it? : HSCT is a medical procedure
used to treat various disorders affecting the
blood, immune system, and metabolism.
• Source of Hematopoietic Stem Cells:
Hematopoietic stem cells, which have the
ability to develop into different blood cell
types, can be obtained from sources such as
bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical
cord blood.
• Autologous, Allogeneic, and Haploidentical
Transplantation: HSCT can involve the
use of the patient’s own stored cord blood
(autologous), stem cells from a compatible
donor (allogeneic), or partially matched stem
cells from a family member (haploidentical).
• Procedure Steps: HSCT involves the
destruction or suppression of the patient’s
abnormal or deficient hematopoietic cells,
followed by the infusion of healthy stem cells.
• Commonly Treated Conditions: HSCT is
commonly used to treat conditions such as
leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, inherited
immune system disorders, and metabolic
disorders.
www.civilsdaily.com 135
Major considerations: Compatibility
• M
 atching specific markers, such as human
leukocyte antigens (HLAs), between the
donor or cord blood and the patient is crucial
for a successful HSCT.
• C
 ompatibility reduces the risk of
complications, such as graft-versus-host
disease (GVHD).
• T
 he success of HSCT depends on factors
such as the stage and type of the disease
being treated, the compatibility between the
donor and recipient, and the overall health of
the patient.
Risks and Complications
• H
 SCT is a complex procedure associated
with risks and potential complications,
including GVHD and infections.
• C
 areful evaluation by medical professionals is
essential to assess the suitability and potential
benefits for each patient.
Motivations for Cord Blood Banking
• F amily Medical History: Some individuals
opt for cord blood banking due to a family
history of illnesses such as cancer, heart
disease, and diabetes.
• F uture Considerations: Some chose to
preserve her child’s cord blood primarily to
avoid potential regrets in the future.
• C ommunity or Social Banks: Stem cell
banking companies offer community or social
banking options where stored cord blood
from multiple donors is accessible to those
who register for the service.
INNOVATIONS IN SCIENCES, IT, COMPUTERS, ROBOTICS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
What are Lab-Grown
Diamonds (LGDs)?
Science Tech | GS3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Lab-Grown Diamond (LGD)
Mains level : NA
Central Idea
• D
 uring PM Modi’s state visit to the US, he
presented First Lady Jill Biden with a 7.5-carat
lab-grown diamond as a gift.
136 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• L ifeCell International’s Presence: LifeCell
International, a prominent stem cell banking
company, has a wide presence in over 200
cities and offers community blood banking
through their system.
Case Study: Community Banking for
Aplastic Anemia
Batul Bohari, a four-year-old girl diagnosed
with aplastic anemia, underwent treatment
using cord blood from the community banking
option after her family stored her baby sister’s
cord blood. Despite community banking, Batul’s
condition worsened as her baby sister’s cord
blood was only a 50% match. Another unit
from the community pool was obtained to
complete the transplant.
Chances of Cord Blood Utilization:
• L ikelihood of Use: The Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR) states that the
probability of using stored cord blood for
HSCT is very small, potentially as low as
0.005 to 0.04% in the first 20 years of life.
• G
 enetic Abnormalities: There is a consensus
that stored cord blood should not be used
to treat one’s own genetic condition in the
future because the stem cells could carry the
same genetic abnormality that caused the
primary disease.
• L
 ab-grown diamonds, also known as LGDs,
have gained popularity in recent years due to
their ethical and environmental advantages
over mined diamonds.
The diamond, a gift for First Lady Jill Biden, was
gifted in a papier mache box. “Known as
kar-e-kalamdani
, Kashmir’s exquisite papier mache involves
sakthsazi or meticulous preparation of paper
pulp and naqqashi, where skilled artisans
paint elaborate designs,” a statement from
the MEA said.
Recommendations and Perspectives
• Limited Recommendation: Professional
obstetric-gynaecological associations do not
actively recommend cord blood banking as a
routine procedure for pregnant women. It is
only discussed when patients inquire about it.
• Addressing Patient Inquiries: Medical
professionals, such as gynaecologists, discuss
cord blood banking with patients who
express interest or have insurance coverage
for banking.
• Specific Cases: The Indian Academy of
Pediatrics recommends private cord blood
banking if there is an existing family member
(siblings or biological parents) currently
suffering from diseases that can benefit from
allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Ethical Considerations and Debates
• Ethical Concerns: Cord blood banking
raises ethical concerns, including issues
of commercialization, equitable access
to banking services, and the implications
of storing biological materials for
extended periods.
• Societal Implications: Debates exist
surrounding the societal implications and
long-term effects of cord blood banking,
particularly regarding its influence on
healthcare systems, resource allocation, and
the potential for personalized medicine.
What is Lab-Grown Diamond (LGD)?
• Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds created
using technology that simulates the natural
geological processes of diamond formation.
• Unlike diamond simulants, such as
Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia , LGDs possess
the same chemical, physical, and optical
properties as natural diamonds.
Methods of LGD Production
(A) High Pressure, High Temperature
(HPHT) Method:
• This common method involves subjecting
a diamond seed, typically made of graphite,
to extreme pressures and temperatures to
transform it into a diamond.
• HPHT requires heavy presses capable of
generating immense pressure (up to 730,000
psi) and temperatures exceeding 1500
degrees Celsius.
(B) Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and
Explosive Formation:
• CVD involves the deposition of carbon atoms
onto a diamond seed using a gas mixture,
resulting in the growth of a diamond layer.
• E
 xplosive formation, known as detonation
nano-diamonds, utilizes explosive reactions
to create tiny diamond particles.
Properties and Applications of LGDs
• O
 ptical Properties and Durability: LGDs
possess similar optical dispersion to natural
diamonds, giving them the characteristic
sparkle. Their durability makes them suitable
for industrial applications, such as cutters
and tools.
• E
 nhanced Properties and Industrial Uses:
LGDs can have their properties enhanced
for specific purposes, such as high thermal
conductivity and negligible electrical
conductivity. These properties make LGDs
valuable for electronics, acting as heat
spreaders for high-power laser diodes and
transistors.
 he environmental footprint of a diamond
• T
grown in a laboratory is  much lesser than
that of a naturally-occurring diamond.A
TOURISM SECTOR
Titanic Submersible Expedition
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Titan Submersible
Mains level : Submersible Tourism
Central idea:
All five crew onboard the Titan submersible are
dead after a catastrophic implosion.
report by Diamond Foundry states that it
takes  ten times more energy to extract
a natural diamond  from the earth than it
takes in creating one above the ground
Impact on the Diamond Industry
(A) Sustainable Growth in the Jewellery
Industry
• A
 s natural diamond reserves decline, LGDs
are gradually replacing mined diamonds in
the jewelry sector.
• T
 he production processes for LGDs, including
cutting and polishing, align with established
practices in the diamond industry.
(B) India’s Diamond Industry
• T he rise of LGDs is unlikely to significantly
impact India’s diamond industry, which
specializes in polishing and cutting diamonds.
• India’s established diamond industry can
continue to thrive while incorporating LGDs
as part of its offerings.
What is Submersible?
• S ubmersibles are vessels designed for
underwater travel, often used for research,
exploration, and tourism purposes.
• T hey are white tubes of about 6.7 meters
long and 2.8 meters wide, and have a top
speed of three knots or 5.5 kilometers (3.5
miles) an hour.
• In the context of tourism, submersibles
provide passengers with the opportunity to
experience the wonders of the underwater
world and explore marine ecosystems.
• S ubmersible tourism has gained popularity
among adventurous travellers, offering
unique opportunities to explore the
underwater world.
Commercial LGD Production in India:
InCent-LGD
• In the Union Budget 23-24, a 5-year
research grant was announced for an Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT) with the aim
of encouraging the development of LGD
machinery, seeds, and recipes.
• It would establish the India Centre for
Lab Grown Diamond (InCent-LGD) at
IIT Madras.
• The primary aim of InCent-LGD is to provide
technical assistance to domestic industries
and entrepreneurs, fostering indigenous
manufacturing of Chemical Vapour
Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure and
High Temperature (HPHT) systems.
• The project seeks to expand the Lab-Grown
Diamond (LGD) business by offering
affordable technology to start-ups, creating
employment opportunities, and boosting
LGD exports.
Submersible Tourism and the Titanic SiteÂ
• The wreckage of the RMS Titanic, discovered
in 1985, has been a popular destination for
tourists over the years.
• OceanGate Expeditions began offering
Titanic expeditions, taking crews of “citizen
scientists” and “crew members” to the site
since 2010.
Differentiating Submersibles and
Submarines Â
• Submersibles, such as the Titan, are not fully
autonomous and require support ships for
launch and recovery.
• They descend using weights and do not
possess the power to launch independently.
• Submarines, on the other hand, are self-
propelled and capable of launching and
returning without external support.
www.civilsdaily.com 137
ISRO MISSIONS AND DISCOVERIES
Nearing the launch of
Chandrayaan-3 Mission
Science Tech | GS3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Chandrayaan 3
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• India’s upcoming moon exploration
mission,Chandrayaan-3https://www.
civilsdaily.com/news/test-for-chandrayaan-3-
mission/, is set to launch in mid-July.
• In a significant decision, the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to retain
the names of the lander and rover from the
previous mission, Chandrayaan-2.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission
• C handrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to
Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end
capability in safe landing and roving on the
lunar surface.
• It consists of Lander and Rover configuration.
It will be launched by LVM3 from SDSC
SHAR, Sriharikota.
• T he propulsion module will carry the
lander and rover configuration till 100 km
lunar orbit.
• T he propulsion module has Spectro-
polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth
(SHAPE) payload to study the spectral and
Polari metric measurements of Earth from
the lunar orbit.
138 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Retaining the Names: A Tribute to
Chandrayaan-2
• ISRO Chairman confirmed that the names
Vikram and Pragyan will be carried over to
the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
• T his decision pays homage to the 2019
Chandrayaan-2 lunar adventure while
symbolizing India’s commitment to its space
exploration legacy.
Mission Details: Exploring the Moon’s
Surface and Atmosphere
• C
 handrayaan-3 will be launched aboard
the LVM3 rocket from Sriharikota using a
propulsion module.
• T
 he lander-rover configuration will be
transported to a 100-km lunar orbit by the
propulsion module.
• T
 he Vikram lander module will deploy
Pragyan, which will conduct in-situ chemical
analysis of the lunar surface.
[A] Scientific Payloads: Unravelling Lunar
Mysteries
• R
 adio Anatomy of Moon Bound
Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere
(RAMBHA): Studying the moon’s ionosphere
and atmosphere.
• C
 handra’s Surface Thermo physical
Experiment (ChaSTE): Analyzing the thermal
characteristics of the lunar surface.
• Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity
(ILSA): Investigating seismic activities
on the moon.
• LASER Retroreflector Array (LRA): Enabling
precise measurements of the lunar distance.
[B] Rover Payloads
Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS):
Analyzing the elemental composition of the
lunar surface.
• LASER Induced Breakdown Spectroscope
(LIBS): Studying the elemental abundance
and characteristics of lunar rocks.
[C] Propulsion Module Payload:
• Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet
Earth (SHAPE): Collecting data related to
Earth’s habitability.
Advantages of Lunar missions
• Scientific Exploration : Lunar missions
like Chandrayaan-3 provide opportunities
for scientific exploration of the Moon. By
studying the lunar surface, composition,
geology, and atmosphere, scientists can gain
valuable insights into the Moon’s formation,
evolution, and its relationship to Earth. This
knowledge can enhance our understanding
of the solar system and planetary science.
• Resource Mapping: Lunar missions can help
in mapping and characterizing the available
resources on the Moon, such as water ice
deposits in permanently shadowed regions.
Water on the Moon could potentially be
used for various purposes, including life
support systems for future human missions,
generating propellant for spacecraft, or as a
resource for sustaining a lunar outpost.
• Technological Development: Lunar missions
provide a platform for developing and
testing advanced technologies. By designing
and deploying innovative instruments,
rovers, landers, and communication
systems, engineers and scientists can push
the boundaries of technology, leading
to advancements that have practical
applications both in space exploration
and on Earth.
• Inspiring the Next Generation: Lunar
missions have the potential to inspire
young minds and ignite an interest in
science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) fields. They capture
the public’s imagination, sparking curiosity
and encouraging the pursuit of scientific
research and innovation among the younger
generation.
• Economic Opportunities: Successful
lunar missions can open up economic
opportunities in terms of space exploration,
resource utilization, and even potential
commercial ventures. The Moon’s resources,
such as water ice and minerals, could be
 utilized for future space missions or even for
supporting industries like space tourism and
extraterrestrial mining.
INNOVATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
Cell-Cultivated Chicken
gets US FDA Approval
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Cell-Cultivated Chicken
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 wo US-based companies have received
approval from the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) to produce and sell
cell-cultivated chicken, a type of lab-
grown meat.
• T
 his development is seen as a significant
step towards reducing carbon emissions
associated with the food industry.
Cell-Cultivated Chicken: How is it made?
• C
 ell Isolation: The companies isolate cells
from live animals that are likely to taste good
and reproduce consistently.
INNOVATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
Endosymbiotic Relationships:
Archaea, Mitochondria,
and Plant Evolution
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Archaea, Mitochondria
Mains level : NA
Conclusion
• India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission signifies the
nation’s determination to explore the moon
further and overcome past challenges.
• N
 utrient-Rich Mixture: The isolated cells
are combined with a broth-like mixture
containing essential nutrients, such as amino
acids, fatty acids, sugars, salts, vitamins, and
others required for cell growth.
• C
 ultivation in Bioreactors: The cells are
placed in bioreactors or cultivators, creating
a controlled environment that supports
cell growth.
• R
 apid Proliferation: Within two to three
weeks, the cells multiply and form either large
sheets (Upside Foods) or cell aggregates
(Good Meat).
• P
 rocessing and Shaping: The cellular
materials are collected, processed, and
shaped into various meat products such as
cutlets, sausages, or other forms.
Forms of Cell-Cultivated Meat
• F ocus on Chicken: Good Meat and
Upside Foods initially concentrate on
cell-cultivated chicken, given its global
consumption demand.
• By retaining the names Vikram and Pragyan,
ISRO honors its space program’s pioneers
while embarking on a new lunar adventure.
• Expansion Plans: These companies aim to
extend their offerings to include other meats
in the future. Research is underway for cell-
cultivated versions of beef, sea bass, tuna,
and shrimp.
Motivations behind Cell-Cultivated Meat
• Climate Mitigation: Cell-cultivated meat has
the potential to reduce carbon emissions and
land use associated with livestock production,
addressing climate change concerns.
• Animal Welfare: By eliminating traditional
animal farming, it aims to prevent
animal cruelty.
• Food Security: Advocates view alternative
meat as a means to meet nutritional
demands worldwide.
Challenges to Overcome
• Consumer Acceptance: Ensuring that cell-
cultivated meat matches the taste, texture,
and appearance of traditional meat remains a
challenge for widespread adoption.
• Cost Factors: The cost of cell-cultivated
meat is expected to remain high in the near
future, with concerns regarding quality
control at scale.
• Resource Requirements: High-quality
cells, suitable growth mediums, and other
resources are necessary for successful
cultivation.
• Environmental Impact: Studies highlight
uncertainties regarding the environmental
impact of cell-cultivated meat production,
particularly concerning the growth
medium used.
Central Idea
• Organisms on Earth are categorized into
prokaryotes and eukaryotes, with distinct
characteristics and evolutionary lineages.
www.civilsdaily.com 139
• A
 rchaea, a subset of unicellular organisms,
were discovered to have a different lineage
than bacteria and are found in extreme
environments.
• S
 ome archaea, known as the Asgard, exhibit
similarities to eukaryotes, leading to insights
into the origins of mitochondria and the
evolution of complex life forms.
This article explores the endosymbiotic
relationships between archaea and bacteria,
the origins of mitochondria, and the unique
evolutionary paths taken by plants.
Archaea and Unique Lineages
• P
 rokaryotes and Eukaryotes: Organisms are
broadly divided into prokaryotes (unicellular,
lacking organelles and nucleus) and
eukaryotes (contain organelles and nucleus,
often complex and multicellular).
• A
 rchaea’s Distinct Lineage: Archaea differ
from bacteria in cell wall composition and
gene sequence and were initially found in
extreme environments.
ISRO MISSIONS AND DISCOVERIES
Sun’s Magnetic Field
and its Influence on
Interplanetary Space
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Solar Mean Magnetic Field (SMMF)
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• S cientists from the Indian Institute of
Astrophysics (IIA) have conducted a study
to better understand the relationship
between the sun’s magnetic field and the
interplanetary magnetic space.
• It is said to play a crucial role in
space weather.
140 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• A
 sgard Archaea: Asgard archaea, named
after Norse mythology, exhibit proteins
resembling eukaryotic proteins and are found
in unique ecosystems.
Origins of Mitochondria and Chloroplasts
• E
 ndosymbiotic Theory: Mitochondria
and chloroplasts, responsible for energy
generation and photosynthesis, respectively,
evolved from free-living bacteria through
endosymbiosis.
• M
 itochondria’s Origin: Mitochondria
evolved from a proteobacteria that was
engulfed by an Asgard archaea, leading to the
development of animals, fungi, and plants.
• P
 lant Evolution: In plants, the Asgard-
mitochondrial union was followed by
the incorporation of a photosynthesizing
cyanobacterium, which became the
chloroplast.
Complexity of such Relationships
• C
 hallenges of Symbiosis: Establishing a
functional symbiotic relationship between
independent life forms presents challenges.
• T
 he findings provide valuable insights into
the Solar Mean Magnetic Field (SMMF)
and its connection with the Interplanetary
Magnetic Field (IMF).
Sun’s Magnetic Field and Its Generation
• T
 he sun’s magnetic field is generated by
electrical currents acting as a magnetic
dynamo within the sun.
• T
 he corona, photosphere, and chromosphere
of the sun contain the magnetic field, with
the chromosphere being a near-transparent
layer just above the photosphere.
What is Solar Mean Magnetic Field
(SMMF)?
• T
 he SMMF represents the mean value of the
line-of-sight component of the solar vector
magnetic field averaged over the visible
hemisphere of the sun.
• Plant Approach: Plants made choices to
optimize gene retention, favoring archaean
genes for information technology processes
and bacterial genes for operations and
housekeeping tasks.
• Gene Transfer to the Nucleus: Over time,
many mitochondrial genes were transferred
to the nucleus, creating a more efficient
arrangement.
Insights from Cellular Process Studies
• Reconfiguring Cellular Processes: The
research of Rajan Sankaranarayanan’s
group at CCMB focuses on understanding
the reconfiguration of cellular processes in
endosymbiotic relationships.
• Animal and Fungal Adaptations: Animals
and fungi adapt by inducing changes in
mitochondria to work around discrepancies
in amino acid discrimination mechanisms.
• Plant Evolution Complexity: Plants
handle the complexity of three gene sets
involved in their evolution by segregating
policing machineries in the cytoplasm and
mitochondria.
• Understanding the SMMF’s effect on the IMF
is crucial for better space weather forecasting
and response.
Investigating the SMMF at Chromospheric
Heights
• IIA scientists aimed to explore the
relationship between the SMMF at
chromospheric and photospheric heights.
• Their analysis revealed a strong
similarity between the two, with the
chromospheric SMMF being lower than the
photospheric SMMF.
• This suggests that the primordial magnetic
field inside the sun could be a source
of the SMMF.
Data and Methodology
• The scientists utilized magnetic field
measurements from the Synoptic Optical
Long-term Investigations of the Sun (SOLIS)/
Vector Spectromagnetograph (VSM)
instrument from 2010 to 2017.
• They cross-verified the data with
measurements from the Wilcox Solar
Observatory.
Significance and Future Implications
• Understanding the source and driving
parameters of the SMMF contributes
to a better understanding of how it
influences the IMF.
• This knowledge can aid in improved space
weather prediction and response.
INNOVATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
Fibonacci Spirals in Plants
and Fossil Discoveries
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Fibonacci Spirals
Mains level : NA
Central Idea
• N ature’s mathematical patterns: Observing
Fibonacci spirals in plants reveals intriguing
mathematical patterns in nature.
• F ascination surrounding Fibonacci spirals:
Scientists have been captivated by the
prevalence of these spirals in various
natural elements.
• A im of the study: Re-evaluating the ancient
origins of Fibonacci spirals in plants through
fossil analysis.
What are Fibonacci Spirals?
• In mathematics, the Fibonacci sequence is a
sequence in which each number is the sum
of the two preceding ones.
• N umbers that are part of the Fibonacci
sequence are known as Fibonacci numbers.
• A Fibonacci spiral approximates the golden
spiral using quarter-circle arcs inscribed in
squares derived from the Fibonacci sequence.
INTERNATIONAL SPACE AGENCIES - MISSIONS AND DISCOVERIES
Euclid Mission in quest
of Dark Energy
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Euclid Mission
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he European Space Agency (ESA) is
embarking on an extraordinary mission with
the launch of the Euclid Space Telescope.
Fibonacci Spirals in Nature: Exploring
Patterns and Significance
• S
 pirals occur frequently in nature: Found
in plant leaves, animal shells, and DNA’s
double helix.
• C
 onnection to the Fibonacci sequence:
Spirals often adhere to the numerical
Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, etc.).
• N
 otable examples: Pinecones, leaves, and
animal shells exhibit Fibonacci spirals.
• V
 isible spirals in plants: By closely examining
plants, clockwise and anticlockwise spirals
can be observed.
Widespread Presence of Fibonacci Spirals in
Living Plants
• F ibonacci spirals in pinecones: Extensive
study of 6,000 pinecones revealed 97%
exhibiting Fibonacci spirals.
• F ibonacci spirals in other plant organs: Over
90% of 12,000 spirals analyzed in 650 plant
species adhered to the Fibonacci sequence.
• I nvestigation of Ancient Fossils: Non-
Fibonacci Spirals Discovered
• S
 tudy focus: Fossils of clubmoss species
Asteroxylon mackiei.
• A
 nalysis techniques: Imaging and digital
reconstruction employed to visualize and
quantify spirals.
• S
 urprising findings: Ancient fossil exhibited
high variability, with non-Fibonacci spirals as
the most common pattern.
• T
 his ambitious project aims to survey billions
of galaxies, providing valuable insights into
the evolution of the Universe, as well as the
mysterious phenomena of dark energy and
dark matter.
• Rarity of non-Fibonacci spirals in modern
plants: Contradicts the prevailing assumption
based on the scarcity of such patterns today.
Implications for Understanding Fibonacci
Spirals in Land Plants
• Re-evaluating ancient origins: Discovery
of non-Fibonacci spirals challenges the
belief that all leafy plants originated with
Fibonacci patterns.
• Challenging universality: Indicates separate
emergence of Fibonacci spirals during plant
evolution.
• Distinct evolutionary history: Clubmosses’
leaf evolution and Fibonacci spirals differed
from other plant groups.
• Multiple independent emergences:
Suggests Fibonacci spirals emerged multiple
times independently.
Unanswered Questions and Debates
• Significance of Fibonacci spirals in modern
plants: Ongoing debate on their adaptive
advantages.
• Hypotheses: Functions of Fibonacci spirals
include maximizing light exposure and
efficient seed packing.
• Insights from fossils and clubmosses:
Valuable for unraveling the significance of
Fibonacci spirals in plants.
Conclusion
• Revising understanding of Fibonacci spirals
in plants: Ancient fossils challenge the
assumption of universal presence.
• Unique evolutionary history: Clubmosses
demonstrate a distinct trajectory of
Fibonacci spirals.
• Role of fossils in uncovering answers:
Further research may provide insights into
the adaptive advantages and functions of
Fibonacci spirals in plants.
What is Euclid Mission?
• The primary goal of the Euclid mission
is to study the nature and properties
of dark energy and dark matter, which
together constitute a significant portion of
the Universe.
• By mapping the distribution and evolution
of galaxies, Euclid aims to shed light on the
fundamental forces shaping the cosmos.
(1) Mission Scope and Duration
• Euclid is a space-based mission, equipped
with a sophisticated telescope and state-of-
the-art scientific instruments.
• The mission is expected to have a nominal
operational lifetime of 6 years, during which it
will conduct an extensive survey of the sky.
www.civilsdaily.com 141
(2) Launch and Spacecraft
• E
 uclid was launched on July 1, 2023, from
Cape Canaveral in Florida using a SpaceX
Falcon 9 rocket.
• T
 he spacecraft carries the Euclid Space
Telescope, which is designed to observe
galaxies across a wide range of wavelengths.
PROMOTING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - MISSIONS,POLICIES & SCHEMES
GMRT: India’s Largest
Radio Telescope
Science Tech | GS3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope
(GMRT) is part of an international effort
involving six large telescopes.
142 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
(3) Investigating Dark Energy and Dark
Matter Â
• D
 ark energy, discovered in 1998, explains the
unexpected acceleration of the universe’s
expansion.
• E
 uclid’s mission aims to provide a more
precise measurement of this acceleration,
potentially uncovering variations throughout
cosmic history.
• T
 he telescopes have provided evidence
confirming the presence of gravitational
waves through pulsar observations.
Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)
• A bout:
• It is an array of thirty  fully steerable
parabolic radio telescopes of 45
meter diameter.
• C oncept:
• It functions at the meter wavelength part of
the radio spectrum because man-made radio
interference is considerably lower in this part
• Dark matter, inferred through the
gravitational effects it exerts on galaxies and
clusters, plays a vital role in preserving their
integrity.
of the spectrum in India and there are many
outstanding astrophysics problems which are
best studied at meter wavelengths.
• Indigenous Project:
• Its design is based on the ` SMART’ Â
concept - for Stretch Mesh Attached to
Rope Trusses.
• Built and operated by:
• National Centre for Radio Astrophysics - Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research, (NCRA-
TIFR), Pune
B2BASICS
A.Radio-Telescope
• Just as optical telescopes collect visible light,
bring it to a focus, amplify it and make it
available for analysis by various instruments,
so do radio telescopes collect weak radio
light waves, bring it to a focus, amplify it and
make it available for analysis.
• We use radio telescopes to study naturally
occurring radio light from stars, galaxies,
black holes, and other astronomical objects
Art and Culture

www.civilsdaily.com 143
History- Important places,
persons in news
Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar
to be renamed Ahilyanagar
Art and Culture | GS1: Arts & Culture
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Ahilyabai Holkar, Ahmednagar
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• G
 overnment decision: Ahmednagar district
was renamed after PunyashlokAhilya Devi
Holkarhttps://www.civilsdaily.com/news/
ahilyabai-holkar-1725-1795/.
• S
 upport from officials: Government officials
express gratitude and believe it enhances
district honour.

FESTIVALS, DANCES, THEATRE, LITERATURE,
ART IN NEWS
Festivals in news:
Pandharpur Wari
Art and Culture | GS1: Arts & Culture
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Wari, Warkari
Mains level : Not Much
The Sant Tukaram and Sant Dyaneshwar Palkhi
processions started their three-week-long
journeys from the temple towns of Dehu and
Alandi in Pune.
144 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• P
 revious discussions: Maharashtra Education
Minister planned to rename the city as
‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Nagar’.
Origin and History of Ahmednagar
• A
 ncient references: Ahmednagar was
mentioned in reference to Mauryan Emperor
Ashok (240 BC).
• R
 ule of prominent kingdoms: Rashtrakuta
Dynasty, Western Chalukyas, and Delhi
Sultanate.
• E
 mergence of Ahmednagar: Revolt led to
the establishment of Bahmani kingdom,
with Ahmednagar as one of the five
independent kingdoms.
Malik Ahmad Nizam Shah and Ahmednagar
• P
 M of Bahmani Sultanate: Malik Ahmad
Nizam Shah assumed the position in 1486.
Pandharpur Wari
• Victory and city foundation: Defeated the
king of Bahmani kingdom and founded
Ahmednagar in 1494.
• Unifying communities: Gained loyalty of
Muslims, Maratha peasants, and warriors.
Ahilyabai Holkar: Early Life and Marriage
• Remarkable upbringing: Ahilyabai born in
Chondi village, received rare education.
• Marriage to Khande Rao: Malhar Rao
Holkar arranged the marriage after being
impressed by Ahilyabai’s devotion.
Administration and Temple-building
• Assumption of power: Ahilyabai took control
of Malwa after her husband’s death in 1754.
• Effective governance: Excelling in
administration and military strategies under
her father-in-law’s guidance.
• Temple restoration: Notable efforts in
restoring Hindu temples, earning respect as a
capable ruler.
Legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar
• Recognizing achievements: Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration
of Samudra Darshan Path and Somnath
Exhibition Gallery.
• Symbol of inspiration: Somnath temple built
by Ahilyabai Holkar in 1783, representing
triumph of truth and faith.
The deities are said to be shifted to
Pandharpur right away from Vitthala
Temple, Hampi (Karnataka) to avoid
demolition.
• Tradition: The Wari tradition is an 800-year-
old pilgrimage in Maharashtra, where
devotees, known as Warkaris, undertake
a foot journey to the Vithoba temple
(Incarnation of Vishnu) in Pandharpur.
• Largest walking event: The event is said
to be one of the world’s largest and oldest
movements where people gather on one
day each year and walk a distance of
around 250 km.
• Guinness Record: The Wari has been
classified by the World Book of Records as
“one of the most visited places in a day”
• Essence of Wakari Panth: The Wari is a
ritualistic practice and a distinctive part of
Maharashtrian culture, representing the
essence of the Wakari Panth, which is a sect
within the Bhakti tradition.
• Four Processions: The Wari takes place in
four months - Chaitra, Ashadh, Kartik, and
Magh. The Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari is the
most popular and significant among these
processions.
Historical Evolution
• C hanged over time: Over the years, the
Wari procession has evolved with changing
practices, associated legends, and unique
systems of organization and management.
• I nfluence of Sant Dyaneshwar: The
Wari tradition can be traced back to Sant
Dyaneshwar, the father of Sant Dyaneshwar,
who played a pivotal role in promoting the
pilgrimage to Pandharpur.
• L egacy of Sant Namdev: Sant Namdev
(whose verses find mention in Guru Granth
Sahib), a contemporary of Sant Dyaneshwar,
also followed the tradition and composed
devotional compositions expressing his
devotion to Lord Vitthala.

HISTORY- IMPORTANT PLACES,
PERSONS IN NEWS
In news: Prime Ministers
Museum and Library Society
Art and Culture | GS1: Arts & Culture
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML)
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he decision to rename the Nehru Memorial
Museum and Library (NMML) Society has
ignited a political controversy.
• T
 he institution will now be known
as the ‘Prime Ministers Museum and
Library Society’.
• T
 he controversy reflects the ongoing debate
surrounding dynastic politics in India.

HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL
FINDINGS IN NEWS
Orvakallu Rock
Paintings in AP
Art and Culture | GS1: Arts & Culture
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Orvakallu Rock Paintings
Mains level : Not Much
Rituals and Cultural Aspects
• D
 indi and Musical Fervor: Dindis,
comprising groups of devotees, accompany
the palkis during the Wari, singing, chanting,
and dancing. Musical instruments like
the veena and mridangam enhance the
devotional fervor.
• S
 eva Dindis and Social Initiatives: Seva
Dindis perform selfless service along the Wari
route, including annadana (donation of food),
medical assistance, and rural infrastructure
development.
• S
 ocial Messaging and Initiatives: The
Wari has been utilized as a platform for
social messaging and initiatives such as
promoting cleanliness through the ‘Nirmal
About the Nehru Memorial Museum and
Library (NMML) (erstwhile)
• N MML in New Delhi, is an autonomous
institution under the Ministry of Culture.
• It is a leading resource center on India’s first
Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
• E
 stablished in 1964 , it houses extensive
archives, including Mahatma Gandhi’s
writings and private papers of prominent
figures like Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, C.
Rajagopalachari, and Sarojini Naidu.
Wari’ campaign and women-centric
drives like ‘Wari Nari Shakti’ focusing on
menstrual hygiene.
Try this PYQ:
Consider the following pairs:
Traditions Communities
Chaliha Sahib Festival Sindhis
• Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra Gonds
• Wari-Warkari Santhals
Which of the pairs given above is/are
correctly matched?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) None of
the above
• It is located in the majestic Teen Murti
House, the official residence of the first Prime
Minister of India.
• It has four major constituents, namely, a
Memorial Museum, a library on modern
India, a Centre for Contemporary Studies and
the Nehru Planetarium.
Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (the PM’s
Museum)
• In April 2022, the NMML inaugurated the
Museum as a new addition to the institution.
• It is a tribute to every Prime Minister of
India since Independence, showcasing their
contributions to the nation’s development
over the past 75 years.
Why rename it now?
• The meeting acknowledged the contributions
of all past and present Prime Ministers
and expressed the mission of the Society
to preserve India’s democratic journey
and legacy.
• It was felt that renaming the institution
would better align with this purpose.
Central Idea
• A recent discovery by D. Kanna Babu, former
Superintending Archaeologist, reveals
a Mesolithic period rockpaintinghttps://
www.civilsdaily.com/news/sulawesi-cave-
paintings/in Orvakallu village, Guntur district,
Andhra Pradesh.
www.civilsdaily.com 145
• T
 he painting depicts a person tilling land, • T he researchers while conducting a survey
shedding light on the social life and culture of of the lower River Krishna Valley, identified a
the ancient inhabitants. new prehistoric rock painting in Orvakallu.
• The painting was found on the walls and
Orvakallu Rock Paintings ceiling of natural rock shelters on a hillock.
• The site consists of five caves, two of
which exhibit distinct depictions of
rock paintings from the Mesolithic Age
(approximately 5000 BC).
Composition and Condition of the Paintings
• The paintings were created using natural
white kaolin and red ochre pigments.
• The passage of time and exposure to air and
wind have significantly damaged most of the
paintings.
• Despite the deterioration, some sketches and
outlines remain visible for visitors.
Significance of the Find
• The discovery sheds light on the social life
and culture of the people who inhabited the
area during the Mesolithic Age.
• One painting depicts a man catching a wild
goat while holding a hooklike implement.
• Another painting portrays two couples with
raised hands, accompanied by a child.
• Notably, a painted figure shows a man
holding a plough, suggesting a semisettled
life pattern and agricultural practices.
Understanding the Painted Figures
• The depiction of a man tilling land indicates
the cultivation of crops and a semi-settled
lifestyle.
• The paintings offer valuable insights into the
daily activities, occupations, and interactions
with the environment of the ancient
community.

Back2Basics:
Paleolithic Mesolithic Neolithic Bronze Age Iron Age
Time Period 2.6 million 10,000 6,000 BCE 6,000 2,000 BCE 3,300 1,200 BCE 1,200 500 BCE
10,000 BCE
Characteristics Use of crude Transition from Agriculture and farming Introduction of bronze, Transition
stone tools hunter-gatherer to practices become a metal alloy made of from bronze
settled lifestyle more prominent copper and tin to iron as the
dominant metal
Animals in use Hunter Domestication of Domestication of animals Advanced metallurgical Increased trade
gatherer lifestyle plants and animals techniques and warfare
Economy Nomadic existence Emergence of early Development of pottery Rise of complex societies and Emergence of
agriculture and and weaving techniques city-states empires and
semi-permanent large scale
settlements political systems
Artistic Cave paintings and Advanced stone tools, Establishment of permanent Development of writing Flourishing of
Development engravings including micro-liths settlements and early systems and recorded history art, literature,
civilizations and technology
Ten Principal Upanishads
• The Ten Principal Upanishads is translated
HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN NEWS
from Sanskrit by Shri Purohit Swami,
a scholar of Hindu scripture, and Irish

PM gifts Upanishads poet WB Yeats.

• It is considered to be one of the best

to Joe Bide translations of the Upanishads, some of the

most important Hindu religious texts.
• Written in the mid-1930s, the book was
Art and Culture | GS1: Arts & Culture a product of Yeats’ desire to create a
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : translation which is true to the original text
Prelims level : Ten Principal Upanishads while still being accessible for the layperson.
Mains level : Read the attached story
Two categories of Hindu scriptures
Central Idea There are broadly two categories of Hindu
• PM Modi presented the US President Joe sacred texts: Shruti (loosely translated as “the
Biden with a number of gifts, including a first revealed”) and Smriti (“the remembered”).
edition print of the book The Ten Principal
Upanishads from 1937. [I] Shruti
• The Shruti category is considered to be the
most authoritative and consists of the four
Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) and
accompanying texts.

146 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• T
 hese include Brahmanas (ritual texts),
Aranyakas (“forest” or “wilderness”
texts), and Upanishads (philosophical texts).
[II] Smruti
• T he Smruti category of Hindu scriptures is
less authoritative – in many ways they are
considered to be derived from the first – but
more popularly known.
• T hese include the great epics of Ramayana
and Mahabharata, Dharmashastras, Puranas
and all other post-Vedic scriptures.
What are the Upanishads?
• T
 he Upanishads, also known as the Vedanta
– as they signal the end of the total Veda –
speculate about the ontological connection
between humanity and the cosmos.
• T
 hey serve as foundational texts in many
traditions of Hindu theology and have hence
attracted far more attention than the Vedas
themselves.
• D
 ated to roughly 800-500 BC, the
Upanishads discuss concepts such as
transmigration, which have today become
central to Hindu tradition.
• U
 panishads signify texts that were
traditionally transmitted in intimate,
teacher-student settings, imparting profound
knowledge and spiritual insights.
(A) Spiritual Essence
• T
 he Upanishads form the philosophical
portion of the Vedic scriptures known as
the Vedanta.
• T
 hey explore the metaphysical and mystical
aspects of existence, aiming to unravel
the nature of reality, the self, and the
ultimate truth.
(B) Origins • He was a key figure in the Irish Literary
• T
 he Upanishads were composed between Revival, which sought to promote Irish
800-500 BC, following the earlier Vedic texts. culture, folklore, and independence.
• V
 arious sages, seers, and scholars authored
the Upanishads, resulting in a rich diversity of (B) His Interest in the Upanishads
philosophical perspectives. • Yeats’ interest in Indian culture and
philosophy predates his encounter with the
(C) Themes and Subjects Upanishads.
• T
 he Upanishads delve into profound • In 1885, he met Mohini Chatterjee, a
concepts, such as the nature of the self prominent figure in Bengal’s Theosophical
(atman) , the ultimate reality (brahman) circles, who visited Dublin. This meeting
(NOT Brahmin), and the relationship sparked Yeats’ early engagement with Indian
between the two. themes in his poetry.
• T
 hey explore metaphysical inquiries, the
nature of existence, the concept of karma, (C) Friendship with Rabindranath Tagore:
the path to liberation (moksha), and the • Yeats developed a close friendship with
interconnectedness of all beings. Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned Indian
poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate.
Key Upanishads and Teachings • In 1912, they met in London, where Tagore
• W
 hile there are over 200 Upanishads, a set of introduced Yeats to his translated work,
principal Upanishads is considered the most including Gitanjali.
significant and influential.
• T
 here are ten main (or principal) Upanishads: (D) Introduction to the Upanishads:
• E
 sha • William Rothenstein, a photographer, sent
• K
 ena Yeats the manuscripts of Tagore’s partial
• K
 atha translation of the Upanishads.
• P
 rashna • Impressed by their spiritual depth and
• M
 undaka cultural significance, Yeats became intrigued
• M
 andukya by the Upanishads’ teachings.
• T
 aittiriya • Disappointed with the available English
• A
 itareya translations of the Upanishads, Yeats sought
• C
 handogya to create a translation that was both true
• B
 rihadaranyaka to the original text and accessible to a
wider audience.
WB Yeats and his translation of Upanishads • He collaborated with Sanskrit scholar Shri
(A) Who was WB Yeats? Purohit Swami, who helped him translate the
• W
 B Yeats (1865-1939) was born in Ireland Upanishads with an emphasis on clarity and
and is regarded as one of the most influential understanding.
figures in modern English literature.

FESTIVALS, DANCES, THEATRE, LITERATURE, ART What is Rath Yatra?

IN NEWS

Rath Yatra in Puri

Art and Culture | GS1: Arts & Culture
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Rath Yatra
Mains level : Not Much

Central Idea
• The Rath Yatra (Chariot Procession), a grand
festival held in, attracts millions of visitors
from around the world.
• This article explores the significance and key
elements of the Rath Yatra Festival.
• Divine pilgrimage: According to mythology,
Lord Jagannath embarks on a nine-day
sojourn along with his siblings to his
birthplace, the Gundicha Temple.
• The idols’ stay: The deities, Lord Jagannath,
Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, reside
at the Gundicha Temple until the “Bahuda
Yatra” (returning car festival) on June 28.

www.civilsdaily.com 147
• P
 rocession: The Rath Yatra takes place
on the second day of the Odia month of
Ashadha Shukla Tithi. It involves a procession
of the deities from the Jagannath Temple to
the Gundicha Temple.
Key attractions
• D
 ecorated chariots: The three enormous
chariots, Taladhwaja Rath for Lord
Balabhadra, Darpadalan Rath for Goddess
HISTORY- IMPORTANT PLACES, PERSONS IN NEWS
Who was Rani Durgavati?
Art and Culture | GS1: Arts & Culture
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Rani Durgavati
Mains level : NA
Central Idea
• T
 he recent launch of the Rani Durgavati
Gaurav Yatra by the Madhya Pradesh
government has sparked interest in the life
and legacy of Rani Durgavati.
• A
 s a symbol of India’s self-determination and
bravery, Rani Durgavati’s story has gained
prominence in political discourse, particularly
in relation to tribal outreach.

FESTIVALS, DANCES, THEATRE, LITERATURE,
ART IN NEWS
The ‘largest’ Hajj Pilgrimage
in history begins
Art and Culture | GS1: Arts & Culture
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Hajj Yatra
Mains level : Not Much
148 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Subhadra, and Nandighosa Rath for Lord
Jagannath, are crafted with specific colors,
dimensions, wooden horses, guardian
deities, and charioteers. Skilled artisans use
traditional techniques to build these chariots.
• C
 hhera Panhara Ritual: Before the chariots
are pulled, the scion of the erstwhile Puri
royal family performs the Chhera Panhara
Who was Rani Durgavati?
• B
 irth and lineage: Rani Durgavati was
born in 1524 in the Chandela dynasty in
present-day Uttar Pradesh, near the border
with Madhya Pradesh. Her father was Raja
Salbahan of Ratha and Mahoba, known for
the famous Khajuraho temples.
• M
 arriage and widowhood: She married
Dalpat Shah, the son of Gond King Sangram
Shah of the kingdom of Garha-Katanga.
However, she was widowed a few years later
and took charge of ruling the kingdom.
Mughal Attack on Garha-Katanga
• E
 arly Mughal expansion: During the mid-
16th century, Akbar led the Mughal Empire’s
expansion in India. Rani Durgavati fought
against Baz Bahadur, the Sultan of Malwa,
who was eventually defeated by Akbar.
However, conflicts between the two states
continued.
• R
 ani Durgavati’s leadership: Rani Durgavati
managed the affairs of the kingdom for
16 years, maintaining trade relations and
undertaking public works. She was admired
for her beauty, grace, courage, and prosperity.
ritual. The king sweeps the chariot floors with
a golden broom, emphasizing the dignity of
labor and equality before the Lord.
• Present pulling: Puri’s (ceremonial) king,
Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, has been
performing the Chhera Panhara ritual since
1971, highlighting the long-standing tradition.
Battle and Sacrifice
• Mughal invasion: The Mughal governor Asaf
Khan launched an attack on Garha-Katanga,
drawn by tales of Rani Durgavati’s bravery
and prowess.
• Her strategy: She positioned her troops in
a challenging forested area called Narhi.
Although she won the initial battle, the
Mughals fortified their position.
• Sacrifice and defeat: During the prolonged
fighting, Rani Durgavati was struck by arrows
and, rather than surrendering, is believed to
have stabbed herself with her dagger. Her
son also lost his life. Asaf Khan consolidated
his victory and later returned the kingdom to
a member of the Gond dynasty.
Legacy and Present-day Politics
• Political symbolism: Rani Durgavati is hailed
as a patriotic ruler and defender of culture,
becoming a symbol of pride and honor..
• Tribal outreach: The renaming of public
spaces after tribal leaders reflect efforts
to engage with tribal communities, which
constitute a significant population in
Madhya Pradesh.
• Election dynamics: Madhya Pradesh’s
upcoming State Legislative Assembly
elections, with reserved seats for Scheduled
Tribes (STs), have intensified political focus on
tribal communities.
Central Idea
• H
 istoric pilgrimage in Mecca: More
than two million Muslims are expected to
participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage,
making it a significant religious event.
• P
 articipation of over two million Muslims:
The Hajj pilgrimage attracts a massive
gathering of Muslims from various countries,
all converging in Mecca to fulfill their
religious obligations.
What is Hajj Yatra?
• R
 eligious obligation: Hajj is a mandatory
religious duty for Muslims who possess
the physical ability and financial means to
undertake the pilgrimage.
• P
 urpose : Cleanse sins and foster a closer
connection with God: The Hajj pilgrimage
is seen as a means of purifying oneself from
sins and seeking spiritual growth through a
profound connection with Allah.
• D
 ates: 8th to 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the
Muslim calendar: The Hajj pilgrimage takes
place during specific dates in the final month
of the Islamic lunar calendar, known as Dhu
al-Hijjah.
• V
 ariations in date : Since the Islamic lunar
calendar is shorter than the Gregorian
calendar, the dates of the Hajj pilgrimage
vary from year to year.
Historical Background
• T
 racing back to Prophet Ibrahim
(Abraham): The origins of the Hajj
pilgrimage can be traced back to the time of
Prophet Ibrahim, who was instructed by Allah
to build the Kaaba in Mecca, establishing its
significance as a sacred site.
• C
 ommanded by Allah to build the Kaaba
in Mecca: Prophet Ibrahim received a divine
command to construct the Kaaba, a cubic-
shaped structure considered the most sacred
site in Islam, laying the foundation for the
Hajj pilgrimage.
• G
 radual dilution of monotheistic nature:
Over time, the original monotheistic essence
of the Hajj pilgrimage was influenced by
various cultural practices and customs,
deviating from its original purpose.
• R
 e-consecration by Prophet Muhammad
in 630 AD: Prophet Muhammad, during
the conquest of Mecca, reinstated the
monotheistic principles of the Hajj
pilgrimage, cleansing it from polytheistic
elements and restoring its true significance.
Rituals and Ceremonies
• S
 tate of ihram: Symbolizing spiritual purity
and detachment: Pilgrims enter a state
of ihram, a state of ritual consecration, by
wearing simple white garments, signifying
purity and detachment from worldly
distractions.
• T awaf ritual: Circling the Kaaba seven times
while reciting prayers: Pilgrims perform the
tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba
seven times in a counterclockwise direction,
accompanied by recitation of specific prayers
and supplications.
• S a’i: Reenacting Hagar’s search for water
for her son Ismail: Pilgrims engage in sa’i,
walking between the hills of Safa and
Marwah, replicating the journey of Hagar,
the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, in her search for
water for her son Ismail.
• M ount Arafat: Seeking forgiveness for sins:
Pilgrims gather at the plains of Mount Arafat,
spending the day in prayer and reflection,
seeking forgiveness for their sins and
supplicating to Allah for blessings and mercy.
• J amarah ritual: Symbolically stoning the
devil in the valley of Mina: Pilgrims engage
in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing
Satan, casting pebbles as a symbolic act
of resistance against evil temptations and
following the example of Prophet Ibrahim.
• F inal circling of the Kaaba and symbolic
hair removal: The pilgrimage concludes
with a final circumambulation of the Kaaba
and the symbolic removal of a lock of
hair, symbolizing the completion of the
Hajj journey.
Significance of the Event
• L ogistical marvel : The Hajj pilgrimage
is a massive logistical undertaking, with
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
organizing facilities and services to
accommodate the millions of pilgrims who
arrive in Mecca.
• Q uotas based on Muslim population
and diplomatic relationships: Quotas
are allocated to each country based on
factors such as the size of their Muslim
population and diplomatic relationships with
Saudi Arabia.
• O
 nce in life experience: Participating in the
Hajj pilgrimage requires significant financial
resources, and many pilgrims save for years
to afford the associated costs. They often
rely on authorized travel agents who arrange
travel, lodging, and food arrangements.
Significance for Saudi Arabia
• P
 ride and legitimacy: Organizing the Hajj
pilgrimage gives Saudi Arabia a sense of
pride and legitimacy, as it serves as the
custodian of the two holiest sites in Islam,
Mecca and Medina.
• C
 ontrol over sacred mosques: Saudi Arabia’s
control over the sacred mosques in Mecca
and Medina enhances its position as a leader
in the Islamic world and grants the country
religious influence.
• M
 ajor revenue source : The Hajj pilgrimage
serves as a major source of revenue
for Saudi Arabia. The influx of pilgrims
contributes billions of dollars to the country’s
economy through various channels, such
as transportation, accommodation, food
services, and religious tourism.
• Huge revenues: In recent years, Hajj-related
revenues have reached significant levels, with
estimates surpassing $150 billion in 2022
alone, making it a crucial economic driver for
Saudi Arabia.
Organizing the Pilgrimage: Hajj Quotas
• Logistical challenge for Saudi Arabia:
Organizing the Hajj pilgrimage poses a
monumental logistical challenge for Saudi
Arabia due to the immense scale of the event
and the need to ensure the well-being and
safety of millions of pilgrims.
• Quotas determined by country-wise
allocations: Quotas, or the number of
pilgrims allowed from each country, are
determined through country-wise allocations,
taking into account various factors such
as the size of the Muslim population in
each country.
• Allocations based on population: The
allocation of quotas is influenced by factors
such as the size of the Muslim population
and an agreement reached in 1987 among
member states of the Organization of the
Islamic Conference (OIC).
• Diplomatic considerations: Diplomatic
considerations, such as bilateral relations and
negotiations between Saudi Arabia and other
countries, also play a role in determining the
quotas allocated to each country.
India’s Hajj Quota
• Record number of 175,025 Indian pilgrims
in Hajj 2023: India, with the world’s largest
Muslim population, has historically received a
significant quota for the Hajj pilgrimage.
• Involvement of the Ministry of Minority
Affairs and HCoI: The Ministry of Minority
Affairs, along with the Haj Committee of
India (HCoI), plays a crucial role in managing
and coordinating the Hajj pilgrimage for
Indian pilgrims.
• 70% quota allocation to HCoI, 30% to
private operators: The HCoI is allocated
70% of India’s Hajj quota, allowing them to
organize and oversee a significant portion
of the pilgrimage. The remaining 30% is
allocated to private operators who provide
services and packages for Indian pilgrims.
• Abolition of the discretionary quota:
Previously, there was a ‘Government
discretionary quota’ that reserved 500
slots for government allocation. However,
this quota was abolished in January,
returning those seats to the general pool for
distribution among the pilgrims.
• Draw of lots conducted by states for
available slots: In cases where the number of
applicants exceeds the available slots, states
www.civilsdaily.com 149
 in India conduct a draw of lots to determine
which individuals will be able to undertake
the Hajj pilgrimage.
GI(GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATOR) TAGS
Seven products from
UP get GI Tag
Art and Culture | GS1: Arts & Culture
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : GI Tag
Mains level : Not Much
Central Idea
• T
 he Geographical Indications Registry in
Chennai has recently bestowedGeographical
Indication (GI)https://www.civilsdaily.com/
story/gi-tags/tags on seven distinct products
from Uttar Pradesh.
• T
 hese products represent the rich heritage
and craftsmanship of the region.
What is GI Tag?
• A GI is a sign used on products that have
a specific geographical origin and possess
qualities or a reputation that are due to
that origin.
• N odal Agency: Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry
of Commerce and Industry
• India, as a member of the World Trade
Organization (WTO), enacted the
Geographical Indications of Goods
(Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f.
September 2003.
• G Is have been defined under Article 22 (1)
of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS) Agreement.
• T he tag stands valid for 10 years.
GI tags awarded in UP
(1) Amroha Dholak - A Musical Masterpiece
150 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
Conclusion
• T he Hajj pilgrimage holds immense religious
and historical significance for Muslims.
• It represents a journey of faith, unity, and
spiritual renewal.
• D escription: The Amroha Dholak is a
musical instrument crafted from natural
wood, with a preference for mango, jackfruit,
and teakwood.
• Carving Process: Skilled artisans use mango
and sheesham wood to carve multiple-sized
hollow blocks, which are then fitted with
animal skin, predominantly goatskin, to
create the instrument.
(2) Baghpat Home Furnishings - Timeless
Handloom Artistry
• D escription: Baghpat and Meerut are
renowned for their exclusive handloom home
furnishings and running fabrics crafted from
cotton yarn for generations.
• Traditional Weaving: Skilled weavers in
the region employ only cotton yarn in the
handloom weaving process, ensuring the
authenticity and quality of the products.
• Saudi Arabia’s role in organizing the Hajj
provides the country with pride, legitimacy,
and economic benefits.
(3) Barabanki Handloom Product - A
Heritage of Weaving
• Description: Barabanki and its surrounding
areas house around 50,000 weavers and
20,000 looms, showcasing the significant
presence of handloom weaving.
• Weaving Tradition: The region has a rich
history of handloom weaving, with the skilled
craftsmen contributing to the vibrant textile
industry of Barabanki.
(4) Kalpi Handmade Paper - Time-Honored
Craftsmanship
• Description: Kalpi is known for its handmade
paper, with the craft being introduced by
Munnalal ‘Khaddari’, a Gandhian, in the 1940s.
• Craftsmanship Legacy: The handmade
paper-making cluster in Kalpi engages more
than 5,000 craftsmen and approximately 200
units, preserving the tradition of exquisite
paper-making.
(5) Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip -
Crafted Elegance
• D
 escription: Mahoba Gaura Patthar
Hastashlip represents the stone craft of the
region, created from the unique and soft
‘Pyro Flight Stone.’
• R
 adiant White Stone: The craft utilizes
radiant white-colored stone predominantly
found in the region, producing exquisite
craft items.
(6) Mainpuri Tarkashi - Artistry in Brass
Wire Inlay
• D escription: Mainpuri is known for Tarkashi,
an art form involving brass wire inlay
work on wood.
• Traditional Use: Tarkashi was primarily used
for crafting khadaous (wooden sandals) as a
household necessity, replacing leather due to
cultural considerations.
(7) Sambhal Horn Craft - Unique
Handmade Art
• Description: Sambhal Horn Craft utilizes raw
materials sourced from deceased animals and
involves meticulous handcrafting processes.
• Artisanal Creation: Skilled craftsmen
transform raw materials into beautiful
handmade products, showcasing the
uniqueness of Sambhal’s horn craft.
www.civilsdaily.com 151
 Modern India History

152 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
HISTORY- IMPORTANT PLACES, PERSONS IN NEWS
Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu: A
Gandhian Freedom Fighter
Modern India History | GS1: Modern Indian History
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu
Mains level : Not Much
Central idea:
Naidu Hospital in Kottar (Nagercoil, TN),
stands as a symbol of the forgotten heroes of
the freedom movement, spearheaded by Dr. M.
Emperumal Naidu, and their enduring impact
on social justice
Who was Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu (1880-
1958)?
• I ntroduction to Naidu Hospital: Naidu
Hospital, located in Kottar is a significant
hospital with historical ties to the freedom
movement and the fight for social justice.
HISTORY- IMPORTANT PLACES, PERSONS IN NEWS
Ram Prasad Bismil: A
Revolutionary and a Poet
Modern India History | GS1: Modern Indian History
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Ram Prasad Bismil, Mainpuri Conspiracy of 1918
Mains level : Not Much
• F ounder: M. Emperumal Naidu, a freedom
fighter and associate of Mahatma Gandhi,
established the hospital.
• C ontribution to Vaikom Movement: Naidu
actively participated in the Vaikom temple
street entry movement, following the
footsteps ofPeriyar E.V. Ramasamyhttps://
www.civilsdaily.com/news/periyar/and his
wife Nagammal.
• E
 nduring the Struggle: Naidu faced
adversity during the movement, including
being splattered with limestone powder
and standing in waist-deep rainwater with
Gandhidas Muthusamy.
His Life and Achievements
• F amily and Education: Naidu’s ancestors
hailed from Andhra Pradesh, and his
father served as an artiste in the court of
Travancore. Naidu studied at Scott Christian
College in Nagercoil and later attended the
Madras Medical College.
• I nvolvement in Freedom Movement: Naidu
became actively involved in the freedom
movement while studying in England and
Central idea:
This article revolves around the life,
contributions, and legacy of Ram Prasad
Bismil, a revolutionary figure in India’s freedom
struggle against British colonial rule.
Ram Prasad Bismil
• Birth: Ram Prasad Bismil was born on June
11, 1897, in Shahjahanpur district, UP.
declined a medical college offer to pursue a
degree in Glasgow, aligning himself with the
ideals of Gandhi.
• Contributions to Healthcare: In 1914, Naidu
established a hospital in Kottar, one of the
first private hospitals providing modern
medical treatment. He offered free treatment
to Dalits and marked prescriptions with ‘HF’
(Harijan Free).
• Leadership and Connections: Naidu played
a crucial role in the Indian National Congress
and hosted prominent leaders like Lala
Lajpat Rai, C.F. Andrews, Sarojini Naidu, and
Jawaharlal Nehru in Nagercoil.
• Link to Gandhi: Naidu served as a vital
link to Gandhi in Travancore and actively
participated in various campaigns and
Congress meetings alongside him.
Major contribution: Temple Entry
Movement
• Vaikom Temple Street Movement: Naidu,
along with his wife and other volunteers,
actively participated in the Vaikom temple
street movement, advocating for equal rights
and facing arrests and restrictions.
• Continued Activism: Naidu continued
organizing protests and campaigns,
leading a protest in Suchindram to open
temple streets to all communities in the
Kanniyakumari district.
• Achievements: Naidu’s relentless efforts
for temple entry and the welfare of Dalits
led to the Travancore government issuing a
proclamation in 1936, opening temple doors
and streets to all communities.
• R evolutionary activities: He actively fought
against British Raj and participated in notable
events like the Mainpuri Conspiracy of 1918
and the Kakori Train Action of 1925.
• Founding of Hindustan Republican
Association: Bismil established the Hindustan
Republican Association (HRA, later known
as the Hindustan Socialist RA) and played a
pivotal role in the organization.
• Sacrifice and execution : Bismil was hanged
for his revolutionary activities on December
19, 1927, at the age of 30.
Early life and Arya Samaj connections
• Upbringing and linguistic influences: Bismil
was born into a Rajput Tomar family and
learned Hindi from his father, Urdu from a
nearby maulvi, and also studied in an English
medium school in Shahjahanpur.
www.civilsdaily.com 153
• A
 ssociation with Arya Samaj: Bismil
joined the Arya Samaj during his childhood,
becoming a prolific writer and poet. He used
pen names such as ‘Agyat’, ‘Ram’, and the
well-known ‘Bismil’.
• P
 oem “Mera Janm”: At the age of 18, Bismil
wrote the poem “Mera Janm” expressing his
anger over the death sentence of Arya Samaj
missionary Bhai Parmanand.
Major events associated to Bismil
(1) Mainpuri Conspiracy
• P olitical disillusionment: Bismil became
disillusioned with the moderate wing of the
Congress Party and rejected negotiation or
appeasement with the British.
• F ormation of Matrivedi: Bismil established
the revolutionary organization Matrivedi
and collaborated with Genda Lal Dixit, who
had connections with dacoits and sought to
utilize them in the armed struggle.
• M ainpuri Ki Pratigya: Bismil’s famous
poem, “ Mainpuri Ki Pratigya ,” was widely
distributed in pamphlets across the United
Provinces. He carried out acts of looting to
gather funds for his organization.
J&K - THE ISSUES AROUND THE STATE
Syama Prasad Mookerjee
and his Contributions
Modern India History | GS1: Modern Indian History
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Syama Prasad Mookerjee
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• O
 n the 70th death anniversary of Syama
Prasad Mookerjee, it is essential to reflect on
the circumstances that led to his resignation
from Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet.
• T
 he Nehru-Liaquat Pact, signed in 1950
between India and Pakistan, played a pivotal
role in compelling Mookerjee to take this
significant step.
154 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
(2) Founding the Hindustan Republican
Association
• R eturn to Shahjahanpur: After being
underground for several years, Bismil
returned to Shahjahanpur in February 1920.
• F ormation of HRA: Bismil, along
withAshfaqullah Khanhttps://www.civilsdaily.
com/news/person-in-news-revolutionary-
ashfaqullah-khan/, Sachindra Nath Bakshi,
and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, founded the
Hindustan Republican Association. Later,
Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh
joined the organization.
• R
 elease of the manifesto: Bismil played a
significant role in penning the manifesto titled
“Krantikari,” which was officially released on
January 1, 1925. The manifesto called for an
organized and armed revolution to establish
a federal Republic of United States of India.
(3) Kakori Train Action
• O
 bjective and planning: The Kakori Train
Action aimed to rob a train carrying treasury
bags between Shahjahanpur and Lucknow.
• E
 xecution of the action: On August 9, 1925,
around ten revolutionaries, including Bismil
and Ashfaqullah Khan, stopped the train
Who was Syama Prasad Mookerjee?
• S
 yama Prasad Mookerjee, an eminent Indian
politician, barrister, and academician, played
a significant role in shaping India’s political
landscape during the mid-20th century.
• B
 orn on July 6, 1901, in Kolkata (formerly
Calcutta), Mookerjee emerged as a
prominent leader and a staunch advocate of
Indian nationalism and Hindu politics.
Early Life and Education
• B
 engali Brahmin heritage: Mookerjee hailed
from a respected Brahmin family with roots
in Jirat, Hooghly District, and West Bengal.
• A
 cademic brilliance: He exhibited
exceptional academic prowess, pursuing his
education at prestigious institutions such
as Presidency College and the University
of Calcutta.
at Kakori station, overpowered the guard,
and looted the treasury bags containing
approximately Rs 4,600.
• Consequences and crackdown: The action
drew both British outrage and mixed
responses from the Indian public. The
misfiring of a gun resulted in the accidental
killing of a passenger, Ahmad Ali, dampening
public support. Subsequently, a violent
crackdown led to the arrest of most involved,
excluding Chandrashekhar Azad.
Death and legacy
• Trial and sentencing: Bismil, along with
Ashfaqullah Khan and Rajendranath Lahiri,
faced a long trial and were ultimately
sentenced to death.
• Execution and martyrdom: On December
19, 1927, Bismil was executed at the age of
30, leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice and
dedication to the cause of freedom.
• Enduring influence and remembrance:
Bismil’s poetry continues to inspire and
his call for Hindu-Muslim unity serves as
a symbol of communal harmony. He is
remembered for his revolutionary spirit and
deep concern for society, justice, and equality.
• Legal career: Mookerjee became a barrister,
being called to the English Bar after studying
at Lincoln’s Inn in London.
Political Career
• Initial association with Congress: Mookerjee
began his political journey as a member of
the Indian National Congress, representing
Calcutta University in the Bengal
Legislative Council.
• Hindu Mahasabha affiliation: He later joined
the Hindu Mahasabha, a right-wing Hindu
nationalist organization, and became its
president.
• Championing Bengal partition: Mookerjee
actively advocated for the partition of Bengal
to safeguard Hindu interests, leading to the
establishment of a separate West Bengal
within the Indian Union.
• Resignation from Bengal cabinet: As Finance
Minister of Bengal Province, Mookerjee
resigned in 1942, condemning the British
government’s oppressive policies and their
attempts to hold on to India.
Contributions to Independent India
• Minister for Industry and Supply: Mookerjee
served as India’s first Minister for Industry
and Supply in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet
after independence.
• N ehru-Liaquat Pact and resigjnation: He
resigned from Nehru’s cabinet in 1950,
protesting against the Nehru-Liaquat Pact,
which he believed compromised the interests
of Hindus in East Bengal (now Bangladesh).
• F ounding Bharatiya Jana Sangh:
Mookerjee, with the support of the Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), established
the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, laying
the foundation for the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP).
Mookerjee’s Opposition to Article 370
• B
 alkanization of India: Mookerjee strongly
believed that Article 370 created a sense of
separatism and division within the country,
leading to the fragmentation of India’s unity.
HISTORY- IMPORTANT PLACES, PERSONS IN NEWS
In news: 1947 Partition
of Bengal
Modern India History | GS1: Modern Indian History
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Partition of Bengal
Mains level : Read the attached story
Central Idea
• T
 he recent controversy surrounding West
Bengal’s ‘Foundation Day’ has brought
attention to the partition of Bengal in 1947.
• T
 his event marked a significant chapter in the
history of the state, leading to the creation
of West Bengal and East Pakistan (later
Bangladesh).
Partition of Bengal in 1947: An overview
• D
 emand for a separate Muslim nation-
state: The partition of Bengal was a
consequence of the Muslim League’s
demand for a separate nation-state for
Indian Muslims.
• R ejection of dual governance: Mookerjee
famously stated, “Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do
Pradhan aur Do Nishan nahi chalenge” (One
country cannot have two constitutions, two
prime ministers, and two flags), emphasizing
his opposition to the separate status enjoyed
by Jammu and Kashmir.
• R eservations about special status:
Mookerjee expressed concerns that the
special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir
under Article 370 would impede the state’s
full integration into the Indian Union.
• I nequality and separatism: He believed that
granting special privileges to one state based
on religion or regional factors would lead to a
sense of inequality and separatism.
• C
 ommunal violence in Calcutta: The society
became deeply divided along religious
lines, leading to severe communal violence,
particularly in Calcutta in August 1946.
Contours of East Pakistan’s Formation
• P
 artition of India and Pakistan: In June 1947,
it was decided to partition India into India
and Pakistan. Punjab and Bengal, both with
significant non-Muslim minorities, were also
partitioned along religious lines.
• B
 oundary Commission and the Radcliffe
Line: A boundary commission, chaired by Sir
Cyril Radcliffe, was established to demarcate
separate districts with Hindu and Muslim
majorities. The resulting boundary line is
known as the Radcliffe Line.
Concentration of Muslims in East Pakistan
• D
 emographic composition: Bengal had a
Hindu majority in the western districts and a
Muslim majority in the eastern districts.
• G
 rouping under East Pakistan: The eastern
districts were grouped together to form
East Pakistan, similar to how Muslims
were concentrated in the western districts
of Punjab.
Ideological Stance and Legacy
• Influence on BJP’s policy agenda: His
ideology and vision continue to shape
the policies and agenda of the Bharatiya
Janata Party.
• Controversial demise: Mookerjee’s untimely
death in 1953 while in custody remains a
subject of controversy and speculation, with
demands for an independent inquiry.
Precursor: Curzon’s Partition of Bengal in
1905
• Historical context: Lord Curzon partitioned
Bengal in 1905, aiming to break the unity of
the Bengali-speaking population and create a
separate province with a Muslim majority.
• Reversal of partition: The partition of 1905
was withdrawn in 1911, restoring the linguistic
unity of Bengal while separating Bihar and
Orissa from Bengal.
Aftermath of the 1947 Partition
• Communal violence and Gandhi’s influence:
Bengal witnessed significant communal
violence in 1946, particularly in Calcutta
and Noakhali. However, the presence of
Mahatma Gandhi helped prevent large-scale
violence during the partition.
• Migration and displacement: Unlike Punjab,
migration in Bengal occurred gradually
over time, resulting in a continuous trickle
of people moving from East to West and
vice versa. This led to a large refugee
population and the need for rehabilitation
and settlements.
Conclusion
• The partition of Bengal in 1947 was
a complex event with far-reaching
consequences.
• Understanding this historical context
helps shed light on the impact it had on
the population and the socio-economic
landscape of West Bengal and todays
Bangladesh.
www.civilsdaily.com 155
 Trivia

156 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
History- Important places, Significance of the Prize
• The International Gandhi Peace Prize
persons in news pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and his

Gita Press to receive philosophy.

• The award recognizes outstanding

Gandhi Peace Prize

contributions to social, economic, and
political transformation through non-violence
and Gandhian methods.
Trivia | GS1: Arts & Culture
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : About Gita Press
Prelims level : The International Gandhi Peace Prize • Founding and Establishment: Gita Press
Mains level : Not Much was officially founded in 1923 by Jaydayal
Goyandka, a businessman from Bankura,
Jury composition PM (Chair), Leader of West Bengal.
the Opposition, Chief • Authenticity of texts: Goyandka’s extensive
Justice, Speaker, and travels as a businessman led him to form
Eminent person satsangs with like-minded individuals in
Evaluation Evaluation based various towns.
on contributions • Translation work: The group desired an
to non-violence authentic translation and commentary
and Gandhian of the Bhagavad Gita, which led to the
methods Nominees establishment of Gita Press.
are considered • Publication: Gita Press emerged as a
Central Idea
from competent prominent publisher with the launch of its
• G
 ita Press, located in Gorakhpur is awarded
individuals Award monthly magazine, Kalyan, in 1926.
the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021.
can be withheld • Versatility: It offers over 1,850 religious books
• T
 he jury, led by Prime Minister Narendra
if no deserving in 15 languages, with approximately 93 crore
Modi, unanimously selects Gita Press for
candidate is found copies sold.
this honor.
Recent laureates Sheikh Mujibur Pioneering work by the Press
The International Gandhi Peace Prize Rahman (Bangladesh • Promotion of Hindi: It played a pivotal role
Establishment 1995 Founder) was in the consolidation of Hindi as a language
Award Details Cash prize of ₹1 posthumously of masses.
crore (US$130,000), awarded in 2020 • Bridging Divisions: Gita Press strategically
which can be focused on emotional cultivation and avoided
converted into any highlighting differences between various
currency worldwide Hindu sects, fostering unity among the Hindu
Includes a plaque community.
and a citation


Origin and Evolution of Guinness World
NOBEL AND OTHER PRIZES
Records

In news: Guinness • The idea for Guinness World Records

originated from a pub argument in the

World Record 1950s, where Sir Hugh Beaver, the Managing

Director of Guinness Brewery, sought a
definitive answer to settle a debate.
Trivia | GS1: Arts & Culture • In response to the need for settling
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important : contentious facts, Sir Hugh conceived the
Prelims level : Guinness World Record idea of a book providing comprehensive and
Mains level : Not Much authoritative records.
• Two researchers, Norris and Ross McWhirter,
Central Idea
were hired to compile the first edition of the
• Prime Minister Modi’s leadership of a yoga
Guinness Book of Records, which became an
session at the UN headquarters on the
unexpected success.
9th International Yoga Day resulted in the
• Over time, the book expanded into an annual
creation of a Guinness World Record for the
publication that updated existing records and
largest participation of people from different
set new ones.
nationalities in a yoga event.
• This article explores the history, significance,
and criticisms associated with Guinness
World Records.

www.civilsdaily.com 157
Scope and Coverage of Guinness World
Records
• G uinness World Records documents and lists
a wide range of human achievements and
extreme natural phenomena.
• T he organization currently maintains 62,252
active records, including the world’s tallest
building (Burj Khalifa, Dubai) and the longest
fingernails ever (Lee Redmond).
• It has expanded its presence through
television shows and a robust online
platform, garnering a significant social media
following.
Making and Validating the Records
• G
 uinness World Records has a global
network of over 75 adjudicators responsible
for determining record-breaking attempts.
• A
 n application process allows individuals to
invite an adjudicator to witness and verify
the record.
• S
 pecific criteria must be met, such as
objective measurability, breakability,
standardizability, verifiability, and being the
best in the world.

HISTORY- IMPORTANT PLACES,
PERSONS IN NEWS
Heliopolis Memorial
for Indian Soldiers
Trivia | GS2: Important International Institutions
Note4Students | From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Heliopolis Memorial
Mains level : NA
Central Idea
• P
 M Modi will pay his respects at the
Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial in the
Heliopolis War Cemetery in Cairo, Egypt.
158 C I V I LS D I G EST | J U N E 2 0 2 3
• In 2022, Guinness World Records
received over 56,000 record enquiries
from 171 countries, with more than 7,300
records approved.
Criticisms and Policy Changes
• G uinness World Records faced criticism for
its business model, which involved creating
records as publicity stunts for companies
and individuals, attracting accusations of
supporting risky activities.
• C omedian John Oliver criticized the
organization in 2019 for accepting money
from authoritarian governments for
vanity projects.
• In response to the criticisms, Guinness
World Records revised its policies and
disqualified records causing harm to animals,
endangering participants or spectators, or
resulting in food waste.
Back2Basics: Yoga
• O
 rigin: Yoga originated in ancient India and
has its roots in Indian philosophy, spirituality,
and culture.
• E
 tymology: The word “yoga” is derived from
the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “to join”
or “to unite.” It signifies the union of mind,
body, and spirit.
• H
 ere the names of nearly 4,000 Indian
soldiers who fought in World War 1 in Egypt
and Palestine are commemorated.
Heliopolis Memorial
• U nveiling and Destruction: The original
Port Tewfik memorial unveiled in 1926 and
later destroyed during the Israeli-Egyptian
War of 1967.
• N ew Memorial: A new memorial was
erected in Heliopolis Commonwealth War
Grave Cemetery in 1980, commemorating
Indian soldiers who died in the First World
War campaigns in Egypt and Palestine.
• I nclusion of Names: The new memorial
includes the names of Indian soldiers, unlike
its predecessor.
• Historical References: Yoga-like practices
were mentioned in the Rig-Veda, an ancient
Hindu text dating back to approximately
1500 BCE. References to yoga can also
be found in the Upanishads, which are
philosophical texts from around 800
to 400 BCE.
• Sage Patanjali: The sage Patanjali is
considered the father of classical yoga. He
compiled the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text
that provides a systematic and philosophical
framework for the practice of yoga. The
Yoga Sutras were written around the 2nd
century BCE.
• Eight Limbs of Yoga: Patanjali’s Yoga
Sutras outline the eight limbs or stages
of yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga. These
limbs include ethical principles ( yamas and
niyamas ), physical postures (asanas), breath
control ( pranayama ), sense withdrawal
( pratyahara ), concentration ( dharana ),
meditation ( dhyana ), and self-realization (
samadhi ).
• Schools and Styles: There are various
schools and styles of yoga, each with its own
approach and emphasis. Some popular styles
include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar,
Bikram, Kundalini, and Yin yoga.
Role of the Indian Army in West Asia during
World War 1
• Significance of Indian Troops: Indian
troops played a major role in securing the
Suez Canal in Egypt and participating in
campaigns in Palestine and Mesopotamia.
• Battle of Haifa: Indian cavalry’s participation
in theBattle of Haifahttps://www.civilsdaily.
com/burning-issue-india-and-israel-palestine-
conflict/, commemorated by a war memorial
in New Delhi.
• Diverse Representation: The memorial
commemorates numerous Indian regiments
from the Indian Army and State Forces of
princely states.
• Princely States’ Contribution: Troops
from princely states actively participated
in various theatres of the war effort during
World War 1.
Prominent Indian Soldier Commemorated Â
• Risaldar Badlu Singh: Risaldar Badlu Singh,
a brave soldier and Victoria Cross recipient, is
commemorated at the memorial.
• Selfless Sacrifice: Risaldar Badlu Singh
displayed exceptional bravery and self-
sacrifice during a charge against enemy
positions.