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 Important Updates on Monthly Magazine for UPSC Aspirants 

Dear UPSC Aspirants,

We hope you're enthusiastic and prepared for the upcoming exam. As developers of the Current Affairs Magazine, we
are excited to share some exciting news and developments to make the preparation journey even more effective and
fruitful. Here are some critical updates from the previous edition:
• Evolution According to Recent Trends: We understand the dynamic nature of the UPSC examination and
the evolving trends that shape the question paper. To keep up with these changes, we have adapted our magazine
to provide you with the most relevant and exam-oriented content.
• Theme-based Approach: In response to the recent trend of focusing on specific themes in the UPSC exam, we
have structured our content around essential topics that frequently appear in question papers.
 For example, the Due Process of Law doctrine was asked in the recent prelims paper, so we have
consciously added a discussion on Due Process of Law; similarly, other topics, such as the Food Processing
Sector and the Role of Indian Diaspora etc., have been added.
• Perspective Article on Extreme Events: In this edition, we have included a comprehensive feature article that
delves into Extreme Events and their impact on society, economy, and the environment. This article will
provide you with a holistic understanding of how such events shape policy decisions and affect the lives of
people worldwide.
• Prelims News in Short Formats: We understand the value of time in your exam preparation. Hence, we have
summarized important current affairs news in both short and very short formats. These concise updates
will help you stay updated without compromising your study schedule.
• Extensive Use of Illustrations and Data Points: To enhance readability and comprehension, we have
incorporated more illustrations, infographics, and data points throughout the magazine. Visual aids will
facilitate better understanding and retention of complex information.
• Ethics Article: The edition also features a dedicated article on ethics, where we guide you on applying
theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios. We encourage you to draw examples from your own
experiences, as this will help you articulate your thoughts more effectively during the preparation of the Ethics
paper.
o We have taken the recent incident from the Ashes Series and applied it according to the demand of
Ethics (GS IV Paper).
• Question for Prelims and Mains: We have added questions to test your understanding after you read an article
for mains. Also, we are providing Prelims questions in the section of Test Yourself, which is provided in the end
as an addendum.

Our Commitment:
As your trusted resource for current affairs, PWOnlyIAS is committed to providing exam-reproducible content
that aligns with the UPSC's changing patterns. We take pride in our role as your knowledge partner, supporting
your journey towards success.Remember, the UPSC examination is not just about regurgitating facts but
demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of various issues. We urge you to think critically and engage
deeply with the topics covered in the magazine.We are wishing you the best of luck in your preparation! Stay
focused, stay positive, and keep striving for excellence.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1.1 Due Process of Law________________________________ 5
1.2 Criminalisation of Marital Rape _________________ 7
1.3 Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill
2023 ______________________________________________________ 9
1.4 Reservation For Transgender Community ___ 11
SHORT NEWS
1.5 Disqualification of MLAs ________________________ 13
1.6 Rule 176 vs Rule 267 ____________________________ 13
1.7 Right To Silence __________________________________ 13
1.8 Tribal Advisory Councils (TACs) ______________ 14
1.9 Delimitation Exercise ___________________________ 14
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
1.10 Respect towards national
institutions_____________________________________________15
1.11 Urban20 Mayoral
Summit__________________________________________________15
1.12 National e-governance Service Delivery_____15
Assessment Portal(NeSDA)
1.13 e-SARAS Mobile App____________________________15
1.14 Panchayat Development Index(PDI)_________15
1.15 Digital Time Vouchers__________________________15
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of
State (CHS) ____________________________________________ 16
2.2 India-Sri Lanka ___________________________________ 18
2.3 Indian Diaspora __________________________________ 19
2.4 UNHCR Report on Refugee Crisis ______________ 21
2.5 India-France Relationship ______________________ 24
2.6 Multilateral Development Bank (MDBs)
Reforms ________________________________________________ 25
SHORT NEWS
2.7 International North South Trade Corridor
(INSTC) _________________________________________________ 27
2.8 INDIA-UAE Relations ____________________________ 27
2.9 NATO _______________________________________________ 27
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
2.10 Henley Passport Index 2023__________________28
2.11 Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement
for Trans-Pacific Partnership(CPTPP)_ ___________28
2.12 East Asia Summit (EAS) _______________________28
2.13 Intergovernmental Negotiations
Framework_____________________________________________28
2.14 Universal Postal Union (UPU) ________________28
2.15 India-Indonesia EFD___________________________ 29
2.16 The Global South________________________________29
3. ECONOMY
3.1 Internationalization of Rupee _________________ 30
3.2 Battery Electric Vehicles ________________________ 32
3.3 Online Gaming ____________________________________ 34
3.4 Asset Monetization ______________________________ 37
3.5 Coal Gasification _________________________________ 40
3.6 Multidimensional Poverty ______________________ 41
3.7 Lentils Production _______________________________ 43
3.8 Digital Economy __________________________________ 45
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3.9 Gig Economy in India _____________________________47
3.10 Food Processing Industry in India____________50
3.11 Semiconductor Manufacturing in India _____52
SHORT NEWS
3.12 Universal Basic Income ________________________54
3.13 Global Competitiveness Index ________________54
3.14 Geographical Indication Tag __________________55
3.15 TRAI Recommendation for AI _________________55
3.16 Distributed Renewable Energy _______________55
3.17 Price Stabilization Fund ________________________55
DATA POINT
3.18 Trends In WPI Inflation _______________________56
3.19 Exports Dip in the first quarter of the year _56
3.20 Six Years of the Goods and Services Tax _____56
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
3.21 Scores Platform__________________________________57
3.22 Gift Nifty __________________________________________57
3.23 International Financial Services Centres
Authority (IFSCA) _____________________________________58
3.24 Tier 2 Bonds _____________________________________58
3.25 Greedflation______________________________________58
3.26 Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP)_58
3.26 Steel Slag Road Technology____________________59
3.27 Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS)____59
3.28 Champions 2.0 Portal___________________________59
3.29 NANDI Portal_____________________________________59
3.30 Geocoding ________________________________________60
3.31 UTPRERAK _______________________________________60
3.32 GeM PORTAL_____________________________________60
3.33 Just Energy Transition Partnership(JET-P)_60
INDEX/REPORT IN NEWS
3.34 Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2022 _____61
3.35 Energy Transition Index _______________________61
3.36 Farmers’ Distress Index________________________61
3.37 World Investment Report______________________61
4. ENVIRONMENT AND GEOGRAPHY
4.1 Climate Financing ________________________________62
4.2 Disaster Risk Reduction _________________________64
4.3 Ocean Resources and its Potential _____________66
4.4 Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) _______________68
SHORT NEWS
4.5 Ambergris__________________________________________69
4.6 Turtles: Cleaning Agents in the Ganga _________70
4.7 Cheetah Mortalities in KUNO ___________________70
4.8 Global Gibbon Network (GGN) __________________70
4.9 Global Forest Watch ______________________________71
4.10 Carbon Capture and Storage __________________71
4.11 Anthropocene Epoch ___________________________72
4.12 Permafrost Thawing: Batagaika Crater ______72
5. Perspective
5.1 Extreme Weather Events ________________________73
6. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
6.1 Genome Sequencing ______________________________79
6.2 CHANDRAYAAN-3 _________________________________80
6.3 Bharat 6G Alliance ________________________________82
 6.4 National Research Foundation Bill 2023 _____ 84
6.5 CRYPTOCURRENCY ______________________________ 87
6.6 Large Language Model-ChatGpt _______________ 88
SOHRT NEWS
6.7 Quasars ____________________________________________ 90
6.8 Dark Patterns_____________________________________ 90
6.9 Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope ____________ 90
6.10 Non-Fungible Tokens __________________________ 91
6.11 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Tuberculosis (TB)
in India _________________________________________________ 91
6.12 Mosaic Viruses __________________________________ 92
6.13 Brain-Eating Amoeba __________________________ 92
6.14 United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
(UNOOSA)______________________________________________ 92
6.15 SAGAR SAMPARK _______________________________ 92
6.16 Aspartame _______________________________________ 93
6.17 Ozempic Drug ___________________________________ 93
6.18 PBW RS1: New Wheat Variety ________________ 93
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
6.19 Carbon Molecules In Space ____________________94
6.20 Hydrogen Fuel Cell______________________________94
6.21 Smart Bandage __________________________________94
6.22 Euclid Mission ___________________________________94
6.23 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)______94
6.24 Cloud Storage____________________________________94
6.25 Threads___________________________________________94
6.26 Compassionate use protocol__________________95
6.27 Leptospirosis____________________________________95
6.28 National Organ and Tissue Transplant
Organization (NOTTO)_______________________________95
7. DEFENSE AND SECURITY
7.1 Drugs Menace in India __________________________ 96
SHORT NEWS
7.2 Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement_ 98
7.3 Rafael for Indian Navy __________________________ 98
7.4 Cluster Munitions ________________________________ 99
7.5 Guidelines on Information Security Practices:
CERT-In ________________________________________________ 99
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
7.6 JIMEX 23____________________________________________99
7.7 SALVEX _____________________________________________99
8. SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
8.1 Euthanasia _______________________________________ 100
8.2 World Population Day and India Population
Policy __________________________________________________ 102
8.3 Strengthening Palliative Care In India _______ 104
8.4 Social Stock Exchange __________________________ 106
8.5 Progress on Household Drinking Water,
Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) 2000-2022 ____ 108
SHORT NEWS
8.6 Swachh Survekshan 2023 _____________________ 109
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
8.7 Performance Grading Index 2.0_______________110
8.8 Children and Armed Conflict: UN Report____110
FIND TEST YOURSELF (PAGE NO. 126-130) AT THE END…
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9. ART & CULTURE
9.1 Antiquities and Art Treasure Act _____________ 111
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
9.2 Rudragiri Hillock _______________________________113
9.3 Stitched Shipbuilding Method (Tankai
method)_______________________________________________113
9.4 Namda art ________________________________________113
9.5 Lambani Embroidery Art ______________________114
9.6 Global Peace Index 2023 ______________________114
9.7 Hul Diwas ________________________________________114
9.8 Meira Paibis _____________________________________114
9.9 National Maritime Heritage Complex _______114
10. ETHICS
10.1 Rules of the Game v/s Spirit of the Game__115
11. PERSONALITY IN NEWS
11.1 Lokmanya Tilak _______________________________118
11.2 Chandra Shekhar Azad _______________________118
11.3 Robert Oppeheimer___________________________118
11.4 Syama Prasad Mukherjee ____________________118
11.5 Alluri Sitarama Raju __________________________118
11.6 Mihir Bhoj ______________________________________118
11.7 Rani Durgavati_________________________________119
12. PLACES IN NEWS
12.1 Katchatheevu Island ______________________120
12.2 Ukraine Port of Odessa ____________________120
12.3 Crimea Bridge ___________________________120
12.4 Iraq ____________________________________121
12.5 Kaas Plateau_____________________________121
12.6 Solomon Islands _________________________121
12.7 Pangong Tso Lake_________________________122
13. Schemes in News
13.1 Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of
Fire Services in the States__________________________123
13.2 Mission Organic Value Chain Development for
North Eastern Region_______________________________123
13.3 Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana__________________123
13.4 SAMARTH_______________________________________123
13.5 Scheme to Support Minor Rape Victim_____123
13.6 Credit Guarantee Scheme for Livestock
Sector__________________________________________________123
13.7 PM-PRANAM Scheme__________________________124
13.8 Green Credit Scheme _________________________124
13.9 Special Assistance to States for Capital
Investment 2023-24’ Scheme______________________124
13.10 Seva Bhoj Scheme____________________________124
13.11 Advance Authorisation Scheme____________124
13.12 SWAMIH Investment Fund__________________124
14. MISCELLANEOUS
14.1 1st IIT Campus Abroad _______________________ 125
AWARD NEWS
14.1 PEN Pinter Prize _______________________________125
14.2 National Geoscience Awards_________________125
1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1.1 Due Process of Law
Context:

In the light of discussions over Uniform Civil Code, it is

argued that the Due process of law is a more effective
means of safeguarding fundamental rights when
compared to the procedure established by law.
About Due Process of Law:
• It is a legal process that follows the guidelines and
rules that have been established in a body of law to
uphold and defend individual rights.
• Due process applies to both civil and criminal matters.
• It is a fundamental principle of law that protects
individuals from arbitrary government action.
• Procedure Established by Law means that a law is
duly enacted by the legislature, or the concerned body
is valid only if the correct procedure has been
followed to the letter
• The constitution makers went ahead with
procedure established by the law instead of due
process in Article 21 of the Constitution:
 “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”.
Differences between the Procedure established by Law & the Due Process of Law:
Procedure Established by Law Due Process of Law

• Courts only evaluate whether lawmakers and
executives are following proper procedures.
• Even if a law violates natural justice or
equality, it would not discuss the legislative
reasoning behind it.
• Borrowed from Japanese constitution.
• Explicitly in Article 21 of the Indian
Constitution
• Court would go behind the legislative wisdom of enacting a
particular law.
• If a law is unjust & unfair then it can proclaim it is against the
principle of natural justice thereby rejecting it.
• Mentioned in the US constitution.
• No explicit mention in the constitution.

Why was Procedure Established by Law preferred over Due Process of Law in the Indian context?
• Undermining Legislature Authority: The Indian Constitution's framers were worried about the due process
doctrine challenging legislative authority.
• Arbitrary Power to Courts: The US court usage of due process doctrine is highly debatable. The Indian Constitution's
framers thought that this would give courts too much power to influence legislation.
• Flexibility of procedure established by law: The "procedure established by law" is more flexible, as it only requires
that laws follow correct procedures which reduces the courts' discretion to strike down laws that they consider
arbitrary.
• Procedure established by law more in sync with Indian Judicial Tradition: The Indian judiciary has traditionally
been reluctant to interfere with the legislature's decisions.
 Thus, the procedure established by law is more in line with this tradition of judicial restraint than the due process
doctrine.

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Fallacies associated with Procedure Established by
Law:
• Violating Justice: The procedure established by
law says that a law that has been lawfully enacted
is valid, even if it violates justice and equitable
ideals.
• Undermining Liberty: The tight adherence to the
legal procedure may increase the risk of persons'
lives and personal liberty being jeopardized due to
unjust laws enacted by the law-making authority.
• Excessive power: If Parliament passes a law, then
the life or personal liberty of a person can be taken
off according to the provisions and procedures of
that law.
Due Process Doctrine and Role of Indian Judiciary:
• Role of Supreme Court: The Supreme Court of
India interprets Articles 14 and 21 to read due
process into the Indian Constitution, despite its
deliberate omission by the makers.
Judicial Cases Associated with due process of law in
India:
• A.K Gopalan vs. State of Madras (1950):
 Background: The Preventive Detention Act
1950 imprisoned communist leader AK Gopalan. The petitioner filed a writ petition under Article 32 alleging that the
Act violated freedom of movement under Article 19 (1) (d) and personal liberty under Article 21.
 Interpretation: Supreme Court declared Preventive Detention Act 1950 to be constitutional and elaborated the
difference between the Doctrine of Due process and Procedure established by law.
 Conclusion: Thus, the Doctrine of Due process was not enforced in India as the Ak Gopalan case became a precedent.
• R.C. Cooper case:
 Background: By 1970, the Supreme Court in R.C. Cooper seriously undermined Gopalan case rigid view.
 Interpretation: It declared that the Constitution’s key fundamental rights – equality in Article 14, the fundamental
freedoms of Article 19, and the protection for life and liberty under Article 21 – were interrelated with each other.
 Conclusion: It strengthened the usage of due process doctrine.
• Maneka Gandhi v Union of India (1978)
 Background: Maneka Gandhi questioned the constitutionality of Section 10(3)(c) of the Passport Act, 1967, which
authorized the impounding of a passport in the public interest.
 Interpretation: The seven judges bench held that the procedure established under Article 21 should be just, fair
and reasonable. Further such procedures should be tested under Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution.
o Conclusion: Thus establishing the rationale in India as - Procedure Established by Law + The procedure should
be fair and just and not arbitrary.
• K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017): The Court emphasized that the phrase “due process of law” raises some
interpretive difficulties and is ambiguous.
• Kesher Singh Ramkrishna Patil and Ors. v. State of Maharashtra and Ors. (2017): The Court ruled that there
cannot be an infringement of rights under Article 300-A of the Constitution if illegal constructions are removed after
following the rules of due process.
Significance of Due Process of Law:
• Protection of Individual Rights: Due process guarantees that individuals are given notice and an opportunity to be
heard before any deprivation of life, liberty, or property.
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• Rule of Law: Due process establishes a framework where laws are applied consistently and impartially to all
individuals, regardless of their social status, wealth, or influence.
• Fairness and Justice: Due process requires the government to follow established procedures, present evidence, and
give individuals an opportunity to defend themselves.
• Safeguard against Abuse of Power: Due process sets limits on the exercise of governmental authority and prevents
arbitrary actions that could infringe upon individual rights.
• Human Dignity: Due process recognizes the inherent dignity of every individual by ensuring that they are not
subjected to cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment.
• Consistency and Equality: It promotes consistency in the application of laws and ensures that all individuals are
treated equally under the law, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, religion, or any other characteristic.
• Legal Certainty: Due process contributes to legal certainty by providing clear rules and procedures for the
enforcement of laws.
Conclusion:
• The doctrine of due process isn't completely implemented as implemented in the USA, but the driving forces behind the
doctrine are followed in India and thus the rights of people in India are protected.
1.2 Criminalisation of Marital Rape
Context: Recently, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a series of petitions seeking to criminalise marital rape.
More on News: Why Criminalizing Marital rape in India is
• The petitions are largely triggered by decisions from the important?
Karnataka and Delhi High Courts, requiring an authoritative • The third (2005-06) and fourth (2015-16) rounds
pronouncement from the apex court. of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
found that Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
• The Karnataka High Court had held that a husband was liable to against women ranges from 3% to 43% in
be charged for rape if he had forcible sexual intercourse with his different states.
wife. • The fifth round of the survey, conducted in 2019-
• The Karnataka Government had supported the High Court 20 in about 637,000 sample households, found
judgment in an affidavit in the apex court subsequently. that 1 in 3 Indian women aged 18-49
experience spousal violence, with 5%-6%
About Marital Rape: reporting sexual violence.
• Marital rape or spousal rape is the act of sexual
intercourse with one’s spouse without their consent. Views on Marital Rape by Different Institution:
• Marital rape is now considered sexual violence, but Law Commission of India’s Stand:
• In its 172nd report, the Law Commission of India did not
historically, spouses had the right to sexual relations. recommend criminalising marital rape by amending the
Law related to Rape in India: Exception to Section 375.
Recommendations of J.S. Verma Committee:
Section 375 of IPC:
• In 2013, the J.S. Verma Committee formed in the aftermath of the
• The section lists seven notions of consent that, if Nirbhaya gang-rape in Delhi, had recommended making marital
vitiated, would constitute the offence of rape by a rape a criminal offence.
man. Indian Judiciary:
• However, the provision contains a crucial • Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar & Anr(2014): The Court
decided that criminalising marital rape would rupture the social
exemption: Sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a and family system.
man with his own wife, the wife not being under • Nimeshbhai Bharatbhai Desai vs State of Gujarat (2017) case:
eighteen years of age, is not rape. The Court stated that “making marital rape an offense will remove
the destructive attitudes that promote the marital rape”.
• The marital rape exception is premised on broadly
two assumptions:
• Independent Thought vs. Union of India (2017) case: The
Supreme Court has criminalized sexual intercourse with a minor
 Consent in perpetuity:It assumes a woman's wife aged between 15 and 18 years.
consent is irrevocable after marriage. The colonial  But, the SC refused to delve into the question of marital rape of
law's idea that a woman is the husband's "property" adult women while examining an exception to Section 375.
underlies this concept.  Kerala High Court: In 2021, Kerala High Court ruled that
marital rape can be grounds for divorce even though it's not
penalised.

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  Expectation of sex: Since marriage is for procreation, a woman is assumed to fulfill sexual responsibilities. The
provision implies that a woman cannot deny sex in a marriage because the husband expects it.
Arguments For Criminalising Marital Rape:
• Right to Bodily Integrity: A woman's right to autonomy over International Precedence:
her body and reproductive functions is fundamental to her • According to Amnesty International data, 77
equality, privacy, and bodily integrity. out of 185 (42%) countries criminalise marital
• Consent and Autonomy: Marital rape laws emphasize that rape through legislation.
marriage does not imply perpetual consent to sexual activity. • Ten countries namely Ghana, India, Indonesia,
Jordan, Lesotho, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Sri
• Addressing Gender Inequality: Marital rape laws acknowledge Lanka and Tanzania expressly allow marital
and address the historical gender imbalances that have often rape of a woman or a girl by her husband.
marginalized women within the institution of marriage. • The first country to criminalise marital rape was
• Protection from Abuse: Marital rape can be an extreme form of the Soviet Union (1922) and the UK (1991) and
the US (1993) were amongst the last Western
domestic violence, and criminalization provides legal protection
nations to do so.
to victims.
• Closing Legal Loopholes: By criminalizing marital rape, the law recognizes that rape is a crime regardless of the
relationship between the parties involved.
• Promoting Healthy Marital Relationships: Clear laws against marital rape promote healthy relationships based on
mutual respect, trust, and communication.
Arguments Against Criminalising Marital Rape:
• Diluting the institution of Marriage: Criminalising marital rape would undermine marriage and traditional values. It
could lead to breaking of families and weakening society.
• Difficulty of Enforcement: Proving non-consensual sex within a marital relationship might be complex, and the legal
process could result in difficulties, such as a lack of evidence or conflicting testimonies.
• Erosion of Family Values: It could lead to the erosion of traditional family values by interfering with the sanctity of
marriage and family life.
• Presumption of False Accusations: Critics claim that criminalizing marital rape may open the door for false
accusations, driven by motives such as revenge, divorce proceedings, or gaining an advantage in child custody
battles.
• Misuse in the Prevalent laws: Present laws such as Domestic violence act 2005 have been often misused to implicate
people.
 Thus, it becomes important that while criminalizing marital rape, proper safeguards should be there to prevent its
misuse.
• Privacy and Intrusion: Some opponents argue that laws against marital rape could lead to unwarranted intrusion by
the state into intimate and private aspects of married life.
Way Forward:
• State intervention: When the state intervenes in matrimonial matters like dowry, cruelty, divorce, and so on, it must
also intervene in heinous crime like rape.
• Focus on Awareness Campaigns: Statutory reform accompanied by sensitization of the public on consent, medical
care, and rehabilitation.
 For Example: NGO Shakti Shalini, supports survivors of marital rape.
• Addressing the Assumption of Ownership: Eliminating the exemption of marital rape from criminal law to challenge
the view of the wife as exclusive property of the husband.
• Legislation for Change: Advocating changes through
Q. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual
legislative measures to criminalize marital rape and protect
violence against women in the country. Despite existing
victims. legal provisions against it, the number of such
• Exceptional Powers under Article 142: It gives the Supreme incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative
Court extraordinary powers. Thus, without Parliamentary measures to tackle this menace. (2014)
legislation, the Courts can overturn Section 375's exception.
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1.3 Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 202 3
Context:
Recently, the Union government introduced the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha.
More on News:
• The Opposition requested sending the bill to the standing committee for
thorough examination, as a similar bill was withdrawn last year and
they believe this one requires more scrutiny.
• The government has previously considered and abandoned at least
three versions of a data protection law before introducing this new bill.
About Data and Data Protection:
• Data: Data refers to collections of information stored in a computer-
readable format, including social media messages, online habits,
transactions, medical records, and personal details.
• Data Protection: Data protection aims to safeguard personal data
while finding a balance between individual privacy rights and data
utilization.
Data Protection in India:
• Lack of Dedicated Framework: India does not have a
specific legal framework for data protection. Challenges to Data Protection:
• Existing Acts: Some existing acts provide limited data • Lack of Infrastructure and Regulation: Critical
infrastructure deficit, and lack of regulation are
protection significant challenges identified by the MIT Technology
 Information Technology Act 2000: Section 43A protects Review CyberDefense Index in India.
user data from misuse by corporate entities but does not • Absence of Dedicated Ministry: India currently lacks a
apply to government agencies. It covers sensitive personal dedicated ministry to address cybersecurity issues.
data, such as medical history and biometric information. • Inadequate Data Protection Framework: India's data
protection framework, currently governed by the IT Act
 Other Acts: Acts like the Consumer Protection Act 2015 of 2000, is insufficient to address modern digital threats
and Copyrights Act 1957 also offer some protection for and protect personal data privacy adequately.
personal information. • Dependency on Foreign-owned Infrastructure:
Reliance on social media and foreign hardware exposes
Key Features of Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill:
the nation to cyber threats and data breaches.
• Data Principal and Data Fiduciary: The bill uses the term  Cambridge Analytica: A political consulting firm,
"Data Principal" to refer to the individual whose data is being caused a data scandal by obtaining and misusing
collected. personal data of millions of Indian Facebook users
 Data Fiduciary: It refers to the entity (such as an without consent.
individual, company, firm, or state) that determines the  Pegasus Spyware: In 2019, Pegasus spyware to spy
on journalists, activists, and government officials in
purpose and means of processing the individual's personal India.
data. • High Rates of Digital Illiteracy: A significant portion of
 Provision for children: They are defined as users under the Indian population lacks digital literacy, exposing
the age of 18, their parents or lawful guardians are their data to risks due to a lack of understanding of the
considered their Data Principals. complexities of the digital world.
• Defining Personal Data and its Processing: • According to a 2018 ASER study, access to computers in
schools was limited, with only 21.3% of students
 Personal data is defined as "any data by which or in having such access.
relation to which an individual can be identified."
 Processing refers to the entire cycle of operations carried out in respect of personal data, including collection and
storage.
• Cross-Border Data Flows: Based on data security and government access, the Centre will notify regions where Indian
data can be transferred.

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• Data Protection Board: The Bill proposes the establishment of a
Data Protection Board to enforce compliance. The Data Protection
Board will be "digital by design."
• User Rights and Privacy: Users have the right to correction and
erasure of their personal data held by businesses.
 Companies of significant size must appoint a Data Protection
Officer and an independent data auditor to evaluate compliance.
 The Bill prohibits processing of personal data that may cause harm
to children and targeted advertising on children below 18 years
of age.
• Exemptions and National Security: The Bill includes exemptions for
national security reasons, allowing the government to exempt state
agencies from adhering to provisions in the interest of sovereignty,
integrity, and security of the state.
 Certain businesses, based on the number of users and volume of
data processed, can also be exempted. This addresses concerns
from the start-up ecosystem.
• Penalties:
 For Users: The Bill prescribes penalties for users who submit false documents during sign-up or file frivolous
grievance complaints, with fines up to Rs 10,000.
 For Entity: Penalties for data breaches and non-compliance have been increased, ranging from Rs 50 crore to Rs 500
crore. Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI: It protects
Concerns Associated with the Bill: privacy by allowing the denial of personal
• Dilution of Right to Information (RTI) Act: information if it has no relationship to public
 The Bill seeks to amend Section 8(1)(j) to expand its scope and activity or interest or if its disclosure would
cause unwarranted invasion of privacy.
exempt all personal information from the purview of the RTI Act.
 This amendment would eliminate the ability to invoke Section 8(1)(j) to protect privacy and deny access to personal
information under the RTI Act.
• Inadequate protection of the Right to Privacy: The Bill grants wide discretionary powers to the Central government
in drafting rules, raising concerns about the potential infringement on individuals' right to privacy.
 For instance, under Section 18, it empowers the Central government to exempt any government, or even private
sector entities, from the provisions of the Bill by merely issuing a notification.
• Lack of autonomy for the Data Protection Board: The Appointment of the Board is under the Central government,
which raises questions about its independence and the government's direct control over the institution.
 The government can also assign the Board functions under other laws, further impacting its autonomy.
• Limited access to the Internet: The Bill requires the Data Protection Board to be "digital by design" for complaint
receipt and resolution, but limited internet access to a wide population is a problem.
 For example, As per ITU’s World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database, only 43 percent of the population
in India uses the internet
• Lack of Awareness: A major challenge in ensuring data protection in India is the lack of awareness among individuals
and organizations about the importance of data protection and the risk associated with.
• Weak Compliance Enforcement: The existing legal framework for data protection in India lacks robust mechanisms
for ensuring compliance.
Need for Data Protection:
• Increasing Digitalisation of Economy: Smartphone adoption, internet connectivity, and the government's
digital economy push have transformed India's digital landscape.
 IT industry growth: India's IT industry grew at a CAGR of over 15% from $196 billion to over $225 billion in
FY22. IT will be worth $394 billion by 2027 if growth rates continue.

10
  Users: 346 million Indians use online services like e-commerce and digital payments, according to the Internet and
Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
• Invasion of Privacy:. Without effective data protection, there is a risk of heightened surveillance and profiling of
individuals without their consent.
• Economic Losses: IBM estimates that the average cost of a data breach in 2021 in India amounted to USD2.2 million.
• Cyber Crimes: India is witnessing a shift in the nature of cyber crimes, which have become more organised and
collaborative.
 For example, there has been a rise of cyber crimes hubs in cities like Jamtara and Nuh. These cities are often located
on the tri-junction of different states which make them a mobile dark spot.
• Data Localisation : It ensures that data generated by citizens is treated as a national asset and stored within national
boundaries to safeguard security, privacy, and commerce in the interest of the country.
 The Bill relaxes strict data localization requirements from the previous version. It allows data transfer to specific
international locations called "trusted geographies" based on predefined assessments.
Way Forward:
• Balancing Rights and Protection: Data protection laws must balance the Constitutional rights to privacy and
information.
• Implementation, Enforcement, and Compliance will be crucial to responsible data governance as the Indian data
protection regulatory framework develops.
• Jurisdiction and Extraterritorial Reach: Strict implementation and jurisdiction over foreign data processing centres
offering goods or services to Indian citizens or profiling them.
• Giving teeth to the Data protection board: Entities found in violation may be subject to penalties, including financial
penalties. Repeat offences may attract higher penalties.
• Promote Awareness and Education: IPartner with educational institutions to raise public awareness and privacy
literacy and rights. Q. Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized
• Foster International Cooperation: To strengthen world due to rising cyber crimes. The Justice B.N. Srikrishna
global privacy protections, align privacy standards Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in
with global frameworks, collaborate on data transfer, your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to
protection of personal data in cyberspace? (2018)
and actively participate in international privacy
forums.
1.4 Reservation For Transgender Community
Context:
The Maharashtra government is facing difficulties in providing additional reservations to transgender persons in
education and Public Employment.
Understanding Vertical and Horizontal Reservations:
More on News: • Reservation in education and employment can be
• Transgender persons in Mumbai held protests against the divided into two broad categories, namely, vertical and
state's stance, expressing their dissatisfaction with the horizontal.
government's response. • Vertical: It address social asymmetry and backwardness
based on caste hierarchy, These SC, ST and OBC.
• Transgender individuals in India have long been
• Horizontal Reservation: It cut across vertical
advocating for the right to horizontal reservation, making categories to provide affirmative action for
this an ongoing struggle for equal opportunities and disadvantaged groups. For example, disabled persons
representation. are guaranteed horizontal reservation in all vertical
categories.
Who is a Transgender?
• Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and expression does not conform to the norms and
expectations traditionally associated with the sex assigned to them at birth.
Challenges Faced by the Transgender Community:
• Discrimination and Marginalization: Transgender individuals face discrimination in employment, education, and
housing, limiting their opportunities and access to resources.

11
• Identity Issues and Lack of Legal Protection: Obtaining gender-specific identification documents is difficult, affecting
voting rights and social participation. They are vulnerable to violence and neglect due to legal status.
• Social Exclusion : They cannot inherit or adopt due to NALSA v Union of India (2014): Supreme Court recognizes
gender nonconformity. transgender persons as socially and educationally backward,
• Unemployment and Economic Struggles: High affirming them as a third gender with rights and dignity.
unemployment, workplace discrimination, and lack of public • It directs the government to grant "all kinds of
reservation" in education and employment without
facilities cause economic hardships.
specifying vertical or horizontal.
• Harassment, Violence, and Stigma: Transgender
individuals face social ridicule, stigma, and discrimination, leading to verbal and physical abuse and reinforcing harmful
stereotypes. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019:
• Barriers to Healthcare and Well-being: Transgender • Definition of Transgender Person: The Act defines a
people face discrimination from medical professionals, transgender person as one whose gender does not match
compromising their physical and mental health. the gender assigned at birth.
 It includes trans-men and trans-women, persons with
Demand for Horizontal Reservation by Transgender intersex variations, gender-queers, and persons with
Community: socio-cultural identities, such as kinnar and hijra.
• Transgender community seeks reservation to address • Prohibition Against Discrimination:
marginalization and recognize their social identity.  It prohibhits discrimination against transgender
• NALSA verdict is often seen as directing reservations for persons in various areas, including education,
employment, healthcare, public facilities, right to
transgender individuals in the Other Backward Classes movement, housing, public or private office, and
(OBC) category. access to establishments responsible for their care.
• No significant implementation progress has been made thus • Right of residence: Transgender individuals have the
far. right to reside with their household. A competent court
may order rehabilitation if the family cannot provide
• Concerns raised about the potential trade-off for Dalit,
care.
Bahujan, and Adivasi transgender individuals.
• Employment: No discrimination allowed; every
Challenges in Reservation for Transgender People: establishment must appoint a complaint officer to handle
Act-related complaints.
• Ambiguity in NALSA judgment: Since the NALSA
• Certificate of identity for a transgender person:
judgement called for trans people to be treated as ‘Socially
Transgender person can apply for identity certificate as
and Educationally Backward Classes’, which ran the risk 'transgender' to District Magistrate. Revised certificate
of clubbing them with OBCs. possible after gender-changing surgery.
• Lack of Clarity and Implementation: The lack of clear • National Council for Trangender Persons (NCT): The
guidelines and policies from the central government on Act provides for the NCT which ill advise the central
government as well as monitor the impact of policies,
transgender reservations hinders effective implementation.
legislation and projects with respect to transgender
• Trade-off with Caste and Tribal Identity: Transgender of persons.
different communities such as Dalit, Bahujan, and Adivasi
people must choose between caste and gender-based reservations.This trade-off may reduce their benefits and
reinforce marginalization.
• Limited Political Will: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, does not mention horizontal
reservations for transgender people, showing a lack of political will.
Way Forward: Initiatives for Transgender Persons:
• Policy Reforms: Create transgender-specific • National Portal for Transgender Persons: It is a portal
reservation policies. Include representation of by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
transgender voices in policymaking.  The portal assists persons of the transgender
community in applying for a Certificate and Identity
• Awareness and Sensitization: Raise awareness and card digitally from anywhere in the country.
empathy for transgender people and their rights, educate • Garima Greh Scheme:
government officials, policymakers, and society.  Aims: To provide shelter with basic amenities like
• Data Collection and Research: To inform evidence- shelter, food, medical care and recreational facilities.
based policies and interventions, conduct ✓ To provide support for the capacity-building/skill
development.

12
 comprehensive research and data collection on transgender belonging to Dalit and Adivasi communities.
• Addressing Coercive Measures: Revisiting the provision penalizing organized begging to ensure it does not coerce
transgender individuals, who often lack viable livelihood options, and exploring alternative approaches.
• Acceptance: The transgender community must be recognized as an essential part of society, and social stigma need to
be eliminated.
SHORT NEWS
1.5 Disqualification of MLAs
Context:
Recently, the Nationalist Congress Party(NCP) filed a
disqualification petition against the nine NCP MLAs who
joined the Maharashtra government.
Constitutional provisions for disqualifying the
lawmakers:
• Article 102 and Article 191 of the Constitution
deals with disqualification of MPs and MLAs
respectively.
• Article 102(1) elaborates instances when such a
disqualification may be done
 If the person holds any undeclared office-for-
profit under the Government
 If he is declared to be of unsound mind by a
competent court
 If he is an undischarged insolvent etc.
• Article 102(2) gives authority to the Tenth
Schedule of the Constitution to disqualify any
member. Tenth Schedule known as the anti-
defection law.
 The Tenth Schedule finally came into being
through the Constitution (52nd Amendment) Act
in 1985.
Features of the Anti-Defection Law:
• Disqualification on ground of defection: A
legislator belonging to a political party will be
disqualified if he:
 Voluntarily gives up his party membership
 Votes/Abstains to vote in the House contrary to the
direction issued by his political party.
 A member is not disqualified if he has taken prior
permission of his party, or if the voting or
abstention is condoned by the party within 15
days.
 Independent members will be disqualified if they
join a political party after getting elected to the
House.
 Nominated members will be disqualified if they
join any political party six months after getting
nominated.
• Exemptions in Cases of merger:
13
 Members are exempted when at least two thirds
of the original political party merges with another
political party.
• Decision Making Authority: The decision to
disqualify a member from the House rests with the
Chairman/Speaker of the House.
1.6 Rule 176 vs Rule 267
Context:
The opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament
was disrupted after the government and the Opposition
differed on the format of the discussion on the
Manipur situation.
While the govt agreed for a short discussion on the first
day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Opposition
insisted that the Prime Minister make a suo motu
statement followed by a discussion, suspending all
business under Rule 267.
What is Rule 267, and Rule 176?
• Rule 267 is for the suspension of rules to
accommodate specific business, while Rule 176
allows short-duration discussions on urgent
matters of public importance.
• Rule 267 gives a Rajya Sabha MP special power to
suspend the pre-decided agenda of the House, with
the approval of the Chairman.
• Short Duration Discussion: It is a device used for
Parliamentary proceedings, present from the year
1953.
 It is available for members to draw the attention of
the Government to matters of urgent public
importance and to raise a discussion of short
duration without a formal motion or vote
thereon.
1.7 Right To Silence
Context:
Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) Stated that all accused
have a ‘Right to silence’ and investigators cannot force
them to speak up or admit guilt as due to right against
self-incrimination.
Constitutional Provisions:
• Article 20: It grants protection against arbitrary
and excessive punishment to an accused person,
whether citizen or foreigner or legal person like a
company or a corporation. It contains three
provisions in that direction:
 No ex-post-facto law, No double jeopardy, No
self-incrimination.
• Article 20(3): It states that “no person accused of
any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against
himself.”
 The protection of this clause is limited only to
criminal proceedings. Under civil proceedings, a
person cannot refuse to answer a question using
the defence of Article 20(3).
1.8 Tribal Advisory Councils (TACs)
Context: Recently, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
at the Tribes Advisory Council Meeting, announced Rs
50 thousand for the needy ST-SC students to pursue
degree courses.
About Tribal advisory councils (TACs)
• Genesis: They are constitutional bodies formed
under the Fifth Schedule to deal with welfare and
advancement of scheduled tribes in states.
• Under Article 244(1) of Fifth Schedule of the
Constitution of India, TAC shall be established in each
State having Scheduled Areas therein and, if the
President so directs, also in any State having
Scheduled Tribes but not Scheduled Areas
therein.
• Membership: It shall consist of not more than 20
members of whom, as nearly as may be, three-
fourths shall be representatives of Scheduled
Tribes in State Legislative Assembly provided that if
number of representatives of STs in State Assembly is
less than number of seats in TAC to be filled by such
representatives, remaining seats shall be filled by
other members of those tribes.
• Current Status: Tribes Advisory Council (TAC) have
been constituted in 10(Ten) states having Scheduled
Areas therein namely Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh,
Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Odisha and Rajasthan.
1.9 Delimitation Exercise
Context: The Supreme Court (SC) prima facie disagreed
with the legal stand of the Election Commission (EC) of
India that it can only begin the delimitation process in
14
Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh after
only getting an authorisation from the Centre.
Background:
• Last delimitation (2002-08) excluded Arunachal
Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland due to
concerns about 2001 Census data.
• The tribal communities in the four states worried that
the delimitation exercise would change their
proportion of seats, hurting their electoral interests.
Key Points:
• Chief Justice of India citing Section 8A of
Representation of the People Act, 1950, said that
the Election Commission does not require the
authorisation of the Government of India to conduct
delimitation.
Section 8A of Representation of the People Act, 1950.
• Delimitation in 4 states: It deals with the
delimitation of Lok Sabha and Assembly
constituencies in the States of Arunachal Pradesh,
Assam, Manipur or Nagaland.
• Role of Election Commission: Section 8A(2)
provides that the Election Commission has to start
the delimitation process to determine Parliamentary
and Assembly constituencies in the four States as
soon as the President revokes the order.
What is delimitation?
• Delimitation is the act of redrawing boundaries of
Lok Sabha and state Assembly seats to represent
changes in population.
Delimitation Commission:
• Independent body to carry out delimitation,works in
collaboration with the Election Commission of India
• Appointed by: the President of India under
provisions of the Delimitation Commission Act.
• Composition: A retired Supreme Court judge, the
Chief Election Commissioner of India and respective
State Election Commissioners.
• Constitutional provisions:
 Under Article 82, Parliament is to enact a
Delimitation Act after every Census. Once the Act is
in force, the Union government sets up the
Delimitation Commission.
 The Commission’s orders are final and cannot be
questioned before any court as it would hold up an
election indefinitely.
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

• Respect towards • An executive magistrate in Srinagar has sent 11 men to jail after they were detained for
National allegedly not rising for the National Anthem.
Institutions • Related Information:
• Fundamental Duty: Article 51(A):
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India: to abide by the Constitution and respect its
ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
• Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971: It penalizes the desecration of or any
insult to the national symbols like National Flag, National Anthem, Indian Map as well as
the contempt of the Constitution of India.

• Urban 20 • Recently the summit was held in Gandhinagar.

Mayoral Summit • Hosted By: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with the support of National Institute
of Urban Affairs (NIUA), the U20 Technical Secretariat.
• It brought together city leaders from across G20 countries to deliberate on actions towards
sustainability.

• National e- • The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DAPRG) has launched
Governance the third edition of the NeSDA framework.
Service Delivery • Objective: To measure the depth and effectiveness of existing e-Governance service
Assessment delivery mechanisms from the citizen’s perspective.
(NeSDA) Portal • The NeSDA framework is based on the Online Service Index (OSI) of the UN eGovernment
Survey.

• e-SARAS Mobile • Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) launched
App eSARAS mobile App and inaugurated e-SARAS Fulfillment Centre.
• Purpose: To provide a more effective platform for marketing the products made by women
of self-help groups.

• Panchayat • The Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj released a Report on Panchayat
Development Development Index at the National Workshop on Panchayat Development Index.
Index (PDI) • Statistics: PDI has 144 local targets, 577 local indicators on 9 themes of Localised SDGs.
• The nine themes include: Poverty free and enhanced livelihood in village , Healthy village,
Child friendly village, Water sufficient village, Clean and green village, Village with self-
sufficient infrastructure , Socially just and socially secured villages, Village with good
governance, Women friendly village.

• Digital Time • The Election Commission of India introduces digital time vouchers(DTV) for political parties
Vouchers to avail airtime on Doordarshan and AIR.
• A DTV is a digital token that represents a certain amount of airtime on Doordarshan or All
India Radio.

15
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS)
Context:
Recently, the Prime Minister addressed the 23rd Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of
Heads of State via video conferencing.
• Iran has officially become a full member of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
during meet.
Key Highlights of Prime-Minister’s Address:
• Chabahar Port: Prime-Minister suggested
expanding the utilization of the Chabahar port for
enhanced trade activities following Iran's
inclusion in the SCO group.
Chabahar Port is a strategically important seaport
located in southeastern Iran, on the coast of the Gulf of
Oman.

• New Delhi Declaration on Terrorism: The New

Delhi Declaration was signed by the member
nations at the end of the meeting stating that the
international community must come together to
"counter the activities of terrorist, separatist and
extremist groups.”
• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):
The Prime Minister also outlined that while
executing connectivity projects, it is essential to
“respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of member countries of the SCO.
• Terror Financing: There is a need to enhance mutual cooperation through the RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist
Structure) mechanism of SCO in dealing with terror financing.
• Afghanistan: India shares its concerns and expectations regarding Afghanistan with those of most SCO countries.
SCO under India’s Presidency:
• The theme of India’s Presidency of SCO is SECURE which stands for –
S: Security, E: Economic Development, C: Connectivity, U: Unity, R: Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity and
E: Environmental Protection
Benefits of SCO Membership to India:
• Multi-Pronged Engagement: SCO gives India a singular platform to deepen ties with Russia; monitor and counter the
influence of China and Pakistan, and expand economic and cultural cooperation with Central Asian Republics
(CARs).
16
• Connectivity: Integrating Central Asia with South and Southeast Asia through large scale infrastructure
development could ensure widespread economic growth for several years for this region.
• Energy Resources: About 10% of the world's energy and oil comes from the CARs. Being one of the most energy-
dependent countries, India has the opportunity to meet its energy needs through regional diplomacy by joining the
SCO.
• Counter-terrorism: India through the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) of the SCO can improve its
counterterrorism experience, by working toward intelligence sharing, developing best practices and technologies,
extradition arrangements etc.
• Dialogue on Contentious Issue: The SCO Charter doesn't allow any bilateral dispute to be taken up, thereby it may
facilitate dialogue between India-Pakistan which has been on hold for years.
• Checkmating China: Being a full member of the SCO, India would be in a position to plan its policy to effectively deal
with China’s ambitious initiative of “One Belt, One Road” and “China Pakistan Economic Corridor” (CPEC).
• Space for Dialogue on Various Issues: It holds significant importance in the context of regional developments in the
Eurasia region such as Russia's military operation in Ukraine, the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan.
• Window of Opportunity: SCO is viewed as a “Window of Opportunity” and as an organization which brings two great
powers – Russia and China – together and sets a situation for close cooperation in the areas of security and culture in
the region.
SCO vis-i- vis NATO:
Challenges faced by India relating to SCO: • Based on the idea of Mutual Cooperation: The SCO was set up
• Pakistan Entanglement: The presence of Pakistan to create a new type of international organization, one that was
and the dominance of China in the SCO, limit India not based on zero-sum thinking and hegemony, but cooperation
and respect for diversity Unlike NATO.
to a secondary role in the organization.
• Consensus Based Decisions: Members do not have to cede
• Anti-West Character: SCO is seen as a counter to their sovereignty for protection. Members do not interfere in
US and western influence in Central Asia and each other's internal affairs. Decisions are made only through
Eurasia. India could struggle to engage with this consensus, instead of by majority, which is the case with NATO.
grouping due to its growing proximity to the West. • No Collective Defense Mechanism: There is no such thing as
collective defense within the SCO, a fundamental difference
• Counter Terrorism: Pakistan's proxy war with from NATO, as encompassed under its famous Article 5.
India has prevented the organization from • Defensive and Offensive Actions: NATO is the product of the
combating terrorism. India has also been excluded Cold War. It has an imaginary enemy: the socialist camp led by
from the Afghanistan peace process by SCO. the Soviet Union. Since it came into being, NATO has repeatedly
• Minimal Engagement: India has limited regional taken offensive acts, which means it is not the defensive
organization it claims to be.SCO has not taken any offensive
influence in the region vis-a-vis China . In 2017,
action against any country.
India traded $2 billion with Central Asia and $10
billion with Russia, compared to $50 billion and $100 billion for China.
• Conflicts Among Member Countries of SCO: India-China and Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan share border disputes which
hinders cooperation among SCO members.
• Lack of Dispute Resolution Mechanism: SCO lacks a formal mechanism for resolving disputes between member
states.
• Funds Crunch: Lack of adequate funds for implementing various economic projects, cultural differences and domestic
challenges of Central Asian Republics (CARs)
Way Forward:
• Promoting Cooperation based on Principles: To further enhance cooperation within the SCO, India should
emphasize the importance of universally recognized international norms, good governance, rule of law, openness,
transparency, and equality.
• Adherence to Charter Principles: India should advocate for strict adherence to the principles outlined in the SCO's
charter.
• Enhancing the Role of the SCO Summit: India should push for the SCO Summit to assume a central and coordinating
role in enforcing sanctions imposed by the council on concerned entities.
• Establishment of Working Groups: To address the concerns of all entities involved, India should propose the
establishment of dedicated working groups within the SCO framework.
17
• Allocation of More Financial Resources: There is a pressing need to increase the SCO’s budget, establish a permanent
SCO analytical center that will analyze common problems, develop strategies for the next 10 years and create a
coordinating body to keep track of analytical work.
• Setting up of Trading Zone: Creation of a mechanism for effective implementation of decisions and establishment of
a preferential trading zone.
Q. Discuss the key challenges faced by the SCO and suggest
• Management of Conflicts & Competition: SCO success measures to enhance its effectiveness in promoting regional
depends on managing member states' competing interests, stability and economic cooperation.
particularly Russia and China and other regional and extra-
regional players.

2.2 India-Sri Lanka

Context:
Recently, Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Delhi for an official visit.
Major Pillars of India-Sri Lanka Relations:
• Historical Relations: India and Sri Lanka have a long history of
cultural, religious, and trade ties dating back to ancient times.
 There are strong cultural ties between the two countries, with
many Sri Lankans tracing their heritage to India. Buddhism,
which originated in India, is also an important religion in Sri
Lanka.
• Economic Cooperation: India is Sri Lanka’s third largest
export destination, after the US and UK. More than 60% of Sri
Lanka’s exports enjoy the benefits of the India-Sri Lanka Free
Trade Agreement.
 India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner with a share of 16
percent in Sri Lanka’s total trade with the world.
 During the recent economic crisis, India extended
emergency financial support of about $4 billion, providing
relief amid critical shortages of essentials.
• Development Cooperation: India's flagship project in Sri
Lanka, the Indian Housing Project, will build 50,000 houses in
war-torn and plantation areas.
• Securing the Sea Lanes of Communication(SLOCs): Securing SLOCs that traverse the Indian ocean is of central
importance to enhancing maritime security and rule based order in the High seas.
• Regional cooperation: Both countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC) and are actively involved in regional initiatives aimed at improving economic and social conditions in South
Asia.
• Tourism:In 2015, the Indian government launched the Sri Lankan e-Tourist Visa (eTV) scheme.
• In 2016, India and Sri Lanka signed an Open Sky Agreement, allowing Sri Lankan Airlines to fly to India unlimitedly.
• Human Resource Development: Sri Lankan students receive scholarships annually. Ayurveda, Yoga, and Buddhist
Studies courses are offered under "Study in India" program.
Challenges in India-Sri Lanka Relations:
• Terrorism: The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was a militant group in northern Sri Lanka that sought to
create an independent state for the ethnic Tamil minority in the north and east.
• India-Sri Lanka relations deteriorated after it assassinated Rajiv Gandhi.
• Tamil ethnic issues:. India worries about Sri Lanka's Tamil minority, which has cultural and linguistic ties to Tamil
Nadu. The treatment of Tamils during the conflict is a bone of contention.
• Maritime Boundary Dispute: Katchatheevu, a small uninhabited island in Palk Strait is claimed by both sides,
currently Sri Lanka administers the disputed territory.
18
• Fisheries Dispute: India and Sri Lanka have been facing a long-standing dispute over fishing rights in the Palk Bay.
• China's Growing Influence: China's increasing influence in Sri Lanka, through investment and infrastructure
projects, has been concerning for India
 For Example: China invested 18% of Sri Lanka's 2021 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord & 13th Amendment to Sri
GDP and 10.8% of its foreign debt is owed to China. Lanka’s Constitution:
• Political Instability: Political instability in Sri Lanka has • It was signed between Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and
also had an impact on the relationship, with changes in President J R Jayewardene, in Colombo.
government leading to shifts in foreign policy. • It sought to amend the constitution to give Tamil-
inhabited Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka some powers,
• India’s Support to 13th Amendment of Sri Lanka's ending the civil war constitutionally.
Constitution Implementation: After the civil war, Sri • The North(Jaffna Peninsula) and Eastern(Trincomalee)
Lankan provinces, particularly the Northern and Eastern provinces were to be merged temporarily, followed by a
regions, have discussed power devolution. India wants a referendum to decide if they should stay together or split.
political solution that meets Tamil minority needs.
Way Forward:
• Decoupling from Tamil Nadu Politics: India's policy should not be dictated by Tamil Nadu's coalition politics, but it
should clearly state its goals for Sri Lanka's Tamil community welfare.
• Managing China's Influence: Constructive conversation with Sri Lanka about its relations with other nations,
including China, in order to prevent miscommunications and mistrust.
 Providing Sri Lanka with cost-effective alternatives in infrastructure development and investment to reduce the
country's reliance on a single partner.
• Non-Reciprocal Engagement with Sri Lanka: India must engage, understand, and help Sri Lanka non-reciprocally,
but it must never be taken for granted. India must insist that Colombo's policy announcement address its concerns and
interests.
• Resolving Contentious Fisheries Issue: Both countries should establish mechanisms for resolving disputes and
promoting sustainable fishing practices.
• Multifaceted Cooperation: Both nations should prioritize cooperation in combating piracy, maritime terrorism, and
ensuring the safety of sea lanes in the Indian Ocean region.
Q. India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss
• Sustained Engagement and Collaboration:The Way Forward: in I India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the
relations involves sustained engagement and collaboration, based light of the preceding statement. (2022)
on mutual respect and understanding, to enhance the well-being of
their peoples and the stability of the region.
2.3 Indian Diaspora
Context:
Recently, the Prime Minister Interacted with the Indian Community in Egypt.
More on News:
• Prime- Minister also interacted with the Bohra community in Egypt, who have strong linkages with Gujarat.
• This was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt in 26 years.
About Diaspora:
• The term diaspora traces its roots to the Greek • NRI’s: - Indian citizens staying abroad for indefinite
diaspeiro, which means dispersion. period for whatever purpose. Majority in Gulf.
• Indian diaspora refers to people whose origins can be • PIO’s: - Overseas Indians who have become citizens
of the countries of their settlement.
traced to India or are Indian citizens living abroad.
• SPIO: - Stateless Person of Indian Origin. They have
• This includes Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons no documents to substantiate their Indian Origin.
of Indian Origin (PIO), and Stateless Persons of Majority Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
Indian Origin (SPIO).
Reasons for Formation of Indian Diaspora:
 Impact of Slavery Abolition: The abolition of slavery in the British, French and Dutch colonies in 1834, 1846 and
1873 respectively created extreme shortages of labor in the plantation economies of their colonies.

19
  Indentured Labor: 'Girmitiya' arrangement recruited and transported a large number of Indians as indentured
laborers to British colonies in the Caribbean, Africa, and the Pacific for work on sugarcane plantations and
agricultural estates.
 Adventurous Trade and Exploration: Indians initially migrated to countries of South East Asia, Central Asia and
Africa and to some parts of Europe due to the spirit of adventure and trade in precious metals such as gold, silver and
spices.
 Higher Education Destinations: The western countries also emerged as an important destination for higher
education.
✓ For Example: The Immigration Act of 1965 in the US and the regulations introduced in Canada in 1967 paved the
way for the settlement of a large number of professionals in both these countries.
o Economic Growth and Technical Education: Rapid economic growth and expansion of technical education
particularly in IT has given a fillip to further migration to the developed countries.
Importance of Indian Diaspora: Key Facts: Indian Diaspora
• Political Impact: The Indian Diaspora is also gaining political • Key Highlights of ‘International Migration 2020
influence in their adopted lands.For Example: Report’ released by UN Department of Economic and
 Election of Kamala Devi Harris, the Vice President of the Social Affairs (UN DESA)
United States of America.  India has the largest diaspora population in the
world, with approximately 18 million people
 Mauritian politician Pravind Kumar Jugnauth has held
living outside their homeland in 2020.
the Prime Minister post since 2017.
• India’s large diaspora is distributed across a
 Pradeep Singh Roopun has been the seventh President of number of major countries of destination, with
Mauritius since 2019. the UAE (3.5 million), the US (2.7 million) and
• Policy Advocacy: The U.S.-India nuclear deal was backed by Saudi Arabia (2.5 million)
the Indian Diaspora in the U.S., who persuaded senators and
congressmen to sign the deal, proving that the Indian Diaspora can be pivotal in influencing policies that benefit India.
• Changing the Perception: The Indian diaspora has positively transformed the perception of the world towards India.
 For Example: Indian dominance in Silicon Valley, with leaders like Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, strengthens India's
image as a technology powerhouse and a source of quality human resources.
• Remittances: India received over USD83 billion in remittances in 2020, according to a World Bank report.
• Contributions to Education and Culture: Education and Culture are the other two areas where Diaspora can play an
important role in strengthening linkages between India and countries of their residence.
• For Example:
 India Business School, Hyderabad is a fine example of the role of Diaspora in developing management studies.
 They spread the Indian Culture and traditions abroad like Yoga, Ayurveda, Indian Cuisine etc.
 Celebration of Hindu festivals like Diwali in the White House, USA.
 Contributing to increased tourism from those countries to India.
 For Example: The United States of America was the largest source of foreign tourists arriving to India in 2021 at
over 429.8 thousand visitors.
Challenges:
• Influence on Domestic Politics: Because of the presence of large overseas communities, every domestic political
development acquires an external dimension.
• Diaspora and Terrorism: At times, Diaspora is a major source for funding for terrorism through hawala route. They
also play a role in facilitating narco trade.
 For Example: The Khalistan movement received major political, financial and material support from large sections
of Sikh communities abroad.
• Diaspora as Assets for Foreign Intelligence Agencies: Apart from Pakistan, intelligence agencies of US, UK and
Canada etc. have also made use of the Indian Diaspora for their activities.

20
• Changing Views of Second generation of Government Initiatives to Boost Outreach with Indian Diaspora:
Indian Diaspora: The India caucus with the • Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD): Hosted every two years on January
Indian Ambassador to the United States offers an 9th to mark the contributions of the Indian community abroad in the
insight into the changing attitude of the Indian- development of India.
American community. • Know India Programme: Aims to promote awareness in various fields
e.g. economic, industrial, education, science & technology,
 For example, the caucus with representatives communication & information Technology, culture.
from the Indian-American community urged • Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana: Offers PIOs (persons of Indian origin)
the Government of India to make sure that the between the ages of 45 and 65 a chance to reconnect with their roots.
norms of democracy are maintained. • Clubbing of PIO and OCI Cards: The Centre has merged the Overseas
Citizen of India (OCI) and the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards into a
Way Forward: single scheme to simplify the visa-free entry for people of Indian origin
• Establish Diaspora Networks and Platforms: into India.
Create formal networks and platforms to connect • Promotion of Cultural Ties with Diaspora (PCTD): The PCTD
supports in organizing cultural events displaying Indian culture, new
with the Indian diaspora across various initiatives and developments of modern India.
countries. • Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY): It aims to institutionalize the
• Provide Investment Opportunities: Promote process of skill development of emigrant Indian workers.
investment opportunities in India by simplifying • E-migrate system: It requires all foreign employers to register in the
procedures, offering incentives, and providing a database, which ensures the welfare and check on exploitation met to
emigrants.
conducive business environment.
• Madad Portal: It takes timely and speedy action on grievances
• Provide Dual Citizenship and Easier Visa addressed by people living abroad
Regulations: Consider providing dual citizenship
options for the diaspora, enabling them to maintain stronger ties
Q. What are the challenges faced by the Indian
with India. Diaspora, and what opportunities does it present
• Engage in Policy Dialogues: Establish platforms for policy for India's growth?
dialogues between the Indian government and the diaspora to
address their concerns, seek their inputs, and involve them in decision-making processes.
2.4 UNHCR Report on Refugee Crisis
Context:
Recently, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) released the "Global Trends: Forced
Displacement in 2022" report.
Highlight of Report:
• Global forced Displacement: The number of people displaced around the world has reached a record 110 million.
More than one in every 74 people is now displaced.
 Number of forcibly displaced people doubled over the past decade.
 Displacement of Ukrainians was the global fastest since World War II, growing from 27,300 at the end of 2021 to
5.7 million at the end of 2022.
• Disaster-related Internal Displacement accounted for more than half (54 percent) of all new displacements in 2022.
• In India, around five million people were internally displaced. The reason cited is due to disasters and climate
change in 2021.
• Reason for Displacement: The war in Ukraine was the main driver of displacement in 2022.
 Other Reason: Conflicts in other parts of the world, food scarcity, inflation and climate emergency have contributed
to rising displacement globally.
• Refugees: Out of the total number of people displaced, 35.3 million were refugees, or people who crossed an
international border to find safety under the mandate of UN agencies.
 Of the total refugees, about half of them came from just three countries: Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.
• Statelessness: At the end of 2022, an estimated 4.4 million people worldwide were stateless or of undetermined
nationality — 2 percent more than at the end of 2021.
 Stateless people are those who are not recognised as citizens by any government.
• Asylum Seekers: There were 5.4 million asylum-seekers globally.
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  Applicants Country: Highest was recorded from Pakistan
(28,500), Egypt (27,300) and Libya (20,200).
• Demographic Displacement
 Children: They account for 41 percent of all forcibly
displaced people but only make up 30 percent of the
world’s population.
 More than 1.9 million children were born as refugees
between 2018 and 2022 — an estimated 385,000 children
per year.
 Women and Girls: They represent more than half, or 51
percent, of all refugees forcibly displaced by the end of
2022.
• Unproportionate Burden on neighboring or low- and
middle-income countries: At the end of 2022, 70 percent of
refugees, including people in refugee-like situations and
other people in need of international protection, were
hosted by neighboring countries.
 In 2022, low- and middle-income countries hosted 76 percent of the world’s refugees and other people in need of
international protection.
 Low-income countries, which have limited resources to • Migrant: A person who moves from one place to
adapt to the situation and account for only 0.5 per cent another, either within a country or across an
of global gross domestic product, hosted 16 per cent of international border, for any reason, such as work,
education, family or lifestyle.
the refugees.
 Migrants may or may not have legal status in their
• Hosting Country: Turkey remained the country hosting destination country and may or may not intend to
the highest number of refugees in the world with 3.6 settle there permanently.
million refugees, over 10 percent of the total. • Refugee: A person who has fled their country of
• SilverLining: In 2022, the number of refugees resettled origin because of a well-founded fear of persecution,
in a safe third country doubled to 1,14,300 from the war or violence and who cannot return there safely.
previous year.  Refugees are protected by international law and
have the right to seek asylum in another country.
India and Refugee: • Asylum seeker: A person who has left their
• India hosts around two lakh refugees and asylum country of origin and is seeking protection as a
refugee in another country, but whose claim has
seekers from other countries and around 20,000
not yet been decided.
Rohingyas.
 While some refugees, namely those from Sri Lanka and  Asylum seekers do not have the same rights and
benefits as refugees until their status is recognized.
Tibet, have received access to government services and • Displaced person: A person who has been forced to
employment, the Rohingyas have been denied even the leave their home or place of habitual residence
most basic protection and services. because of armed conflict, violence, human rights
• India’s policy on refugees: India lacks specific legislation violations or natural or human-made disasters.
to address the problem of refugees. • Displaced persons can be either internally displaced
(within their own country) or externally displaced
 India is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention (across an international border).
and its 1967 Protocol, the key legal documents pertaining
to refugee protection.
 Principle of non-refoulement: India has abided by the principle of non-refoulement whenever hapless asylum
seekers have knocked on its doors, despite the fact that India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee
Convention.
 The concept of non-refoulement in international law argues that someone fleeing persecution in his own country
shouldn't be made to return there against his will.

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  Ad hoc refugee policy: It enables New
Delhi to treat refugees differently
depending on who they belong to and to
prioritise other interests over
humanitarian ones.
 India published a Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) that all relevant
authorities must adhere to when
interacting with foreign nationals who
make refugee claims.
 Way Forward:
• Durable Solutions: The goal is to gradually
reduce the needs and vulnerabilities of
displaced communities, while enhancing
their capacities, skills, and resilience,
enabling them to fully enjoy their human
rights without discrimination based on
displacement.
• Preventing and resolving conflicts: It
requires political will, dialogue, diplomacy,
and humanitarian action from all parties
involved.
 The international community should also support peacebuilding efforts and address the root causes of violence
and instability.
• Protecting and Assisting: Providing access to basic services, such as health care, education, water, sanitation, and
livelihood opportunities.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• Strengthening international cooperation:
• It is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights,
Responsibility-sharing among states and other and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced
actors through implementing the Global communities and stateless people.
Compact on Refugees, as a framework for • Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland.
more predictable and equitable responses to • 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol are the key legal
refugee situations. documents that form the basis of UNHCR.
• Addressing the impacts of climate change: It United Nations Refugee Convention 1951
requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions, • The definition of a refugee, the rights of those who are granted
asylum, and the obligations of countries that provide asylum are all
adapting to the effects of global warming,
laid down in a multilateral United Nations treaty.
supporting disaster risk reduction and
• Under it, people who are fleeing persecution due to their ethnicity,
preparedness, and enhancing the protection of religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or
people displaced by environmental factors. political beliefs are granted certain rights.
• Involve the private sector: Private sector can • There has been one amendment to the convention in the form of
be invaluable in helping displaced people the 1967 Protocol.
Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), 2018.
recover from a crisis through jobs and
infrastructure support. • It is designed to promote responsibility-sharing among host
countries and communities to better support refugees.
 In 2018, the Philippine Disaster Resilience UK-Rwanda Asylum Plan
Foundation, a network of private-sector • It is a five-year trial plan, introduced in April 2022.
actors in that country, provided 3,000 • It aims to transport select asylum seekers to Rwanda with one-
employment offers to people affected by way tickets, where they can lodge their asylum claims.
conflict in the Marawi region.

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2.5 India-France Relationship
Context:
Recently, the Indian Prime Minister arrived in Paris on a two-day official visit.
Highlight of Visit:
• Bastille Day Parade: Indian Prime Minister Narendra was Guest of Honour at France’s Bastille Day parade in
Paris.
 It is a national day of France, celebrated on July 14, also known as Bastille Day or Fête nationale française.
 Significance of Day: It is the anniversary of Fête de la Fédération, an event held in 1790 to celebrate the unity of the
French people. It is seen as the symbol of the end of monarchy.
 Tri-service Indian contingent participated in the military parade. Three aircraft of the Indian Air Force will also
performed a flypast during the parade.
• UPI In France: India and France have agreed to use Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment mechanism.
 Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is India’s mobile-based payment system and allows people to make round-
the-clock payments through a virtual payment address.
• Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the highest honour of
France, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron.
 It was established by the former French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
 He is the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this accolade.
• Rafael For Navy: It will be the second such fighter jet purchase from the French aerospace major Dassault Aviation in
recent years.
 In 2016, India inked a deal to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.
Significance of France for India:
• Thriving Relationship: Year 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of
India-France strategic partnership.Two countries cooperate closely
across various domains, including defence, space, civil nuclear,
culture and people-to-people ties.
• Strong Global Supporter: France was the first country to recognise the
strategic importance of India after the nuclear tests in 1998. The
partnership with France is India’s most important strategic
partnership in Europe.
• Trade and Commerce: The annual trade volume reached $12.42
billion in 2021-22, and France is the 11th largest foreign investor in
India, with a cumulative investment of $10.31 billion over the past two
decades.
• Role in Defence and Security: France has played an important role in
modernising India’s defence industrial base through co-
development and co-production of weapons.
 It became the second-largest defence supplier between 2017 and 2021.
 Crucial defence deals, such as the induction of French Scorpene submarines and the procurement of 36 Rafale
fighter jets, highlight the depth of their defence cooperation.
 Joint military exercises and dialogues, including Varuna, Garuda, and Shakti, further strengthen these ties.
• Climate: India’s commitment to combating climate change aligns with France’s goals, as demonstrated by their joint
efforts under the Paris Agreement and the establishment of the International Solar Alliance in 2015.
• Energy Sector: The Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) and Areva have been in negotiations to develop six
EPR (European Pressurised Reactors) nuclear power reactors with a total installed capacity of 9.6 GW.
• Support in Global Bodies: France supports India's permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council
and entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
• Indo-Pacific strategy: France is the only EU state with territories in the Indo-Pacific.

24
• France is a part of three regional networks — the Indian Ocean Commission, since 1986, the Indian Ocean Naval
Symposium since its creation in 2008 and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (created in 1995) since 2020.
• Keeping Check on China: Both countries share concerns over China’s regional and global behaviour and are
committed to working together to maintain balance in the Indo-Pacific.
Future Course of Action: France, India, and the World:
• Both India and France value their strategic autonomy, pursue independence in their foreign policies, and seek a
multipolar world.
• Ukraine War: Russia’s invasion and the geopolitical changes it triggered have brought a new European awareness
(particularly France) of the strategic importance of India and vice versa.
• Enhancing Trade and Investment: There is a huge potential in the realm of trade and investment and the two
countries should focus on swift resolution of the long pending Free Trade Agreement(FTA).

2.6 Multilateral Development Bank (MDBs) Reforms

Context:
Recently, a G20 independent expert group released its report on strengthening Multilateral Development Banks
(MDBs). Examples of MDBs
About Multilateral Development Bank (MDB): • World Bank
• It is an international financial institution chartered by • European Investment Bank
two or more countries for the purpose of encouraging • Asian Development Bank
economic development in poorer nations. • Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
• They originated in the aftermath of World War II to • Islamic Development Bank
rebuild war-ravaged nations and stabilize the global • Central American Bank for Economic Integration
financial system. • New Development Bank

Highlight of G20 Expert Group Report on Strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs):
• About Expert Group: Expert Panel, headed by economists
Lawrence Summers and N.K. Singh was commissioned by
the Group of 20 nations to propose reforms for MDBs.
• Expert Group suggested adopting a Triple Mandate:
 Eliminating extreme poverty, boosting shared
prosperity, and contributing to global public goods.
 Tripling sustainable lending levels by 2030.
 Creating a third funding mechanism to permit flexible
and innovative arrangements to support elements of the
MDB agenda.
• Role of G20: To link sustainable lending levels of the
MDB system in 2030 to the financial support needed by
developing countries to invest into achieving SDG goals and
review such lending every three years.
• Partnering with Private Player: MDBs should place the
mobilization and catalyzation of private capital at the center
of their sustainable development strategies,
 They can help governments reduce policy and
regulatory risk and align financial product offerings to
private capital market gaps.
• All Stakeholder Approach: MDBs, like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, must work with
governments and the private sector to reduce, share and manage risks and thus bring down the cost of capital.

25
Significance of MDBs:
• Support Developing Countries: The MDBs provide financial and technical support
to developing countries to help them strengthen economic management and reduce
poverty.
 Instrumental Role: During the global financial crisis 2008, the MDBs provided $222
billion in financing, which was critical to global stabilization efforts.
• Building Institutional Capacity: MDBs support member nations in enhancing
governance, policy frameworks, and institutional capacity.
• Beyond Political Borders: MDBs are concentrating more and more on solving
problems that cut across national borders.
• Support Climate Action: They back programmes aimed at reducing global warming
and adapting to it, using renewable energy, safeguarding the environment, preserving
biodiversity, and building sustainable infrastructure.
o For Example-The World Bank has approved a five-year loan (for the second phase)
to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) or Namami Gange Project
• Support Private Sector Participation: By lowering risks, enhancing governance, and
promoting public-private partnerships, they contribute to the development of an
environment that is favourable for private investment.
Need for Reforming MDBs:
• One Size Fit Approach: In order to pursue equitable and sustainable development,
developing countries have a variety of different and changing needs, and MDBs'
current operational methods and business models are not best suited to address those needs.
• Balancing Traditional Priorities: As MDBs broaden their mandates, there is a concern that traditional priorities like
poverty elimination and addressing inequality should not be compromised.
• Not Fit for 21st century: The current institutional and regulatory framework for MDBs is out-of-date and unable
to handle the complexity and quick-changing nature of the digital environment.
 Example: New cross border challenges—climate change, pandemics, fragility, migration—require new finance
capacity and new approaches.
• Limited Resources: Resources are limited, making it difficult for MDBs to meet the rising demand for development
funding.
 The total flow of support from the World Bank and other MDBs to developing countries was $192 billion in 2022,
however, it was less than one-third of the share of developing country GDP attained in 2009 .
• Lack of Private Sector Participation: MDBs encounter difficulties in securing private sector funding for development
initiatives.
• Procedural Restrictions: MDBs frequently come under fire for being bogged down in bureaucratic processes, which
can impede the implementation of projects and decision-making.
• Restricted Support: Currently, MDBs only mobilize 0.6 dollars in private capital for each dollar they lend on their
own account.
Other Recommendation to Reform MDBs
• Prioritizing investment: MDBs must prioritize investment in sectors that are critical for development and climate
outcomes rather than spreading it’s mandate.
• Support climate-related objectives: MDBs should help deploy concessional funding to support larger climate
investments.
• Country Specific Strategies: It must play a critical role in helping countries integrate the need for collective
action on regional and global challenges into their strategies.
 MDBs can help countries identify where their existing gaps and investment opportunities.
 Funding should be disbursed to governments based on performance under the agreed country strategy.
• Reforming International Financial Architecture: Make it more inclusive, efficient and equitable and to grant
developing countries greater representation and a stronger voice in the governance bodies of these institutions.

26
• Close coordination between the Bretton Woods Institutions to better respond to the debt restructuring needs of
developing countries.
Conclusion
• Making MDBs more relevant for addressing 21st-century
challenges would contribute towards enhancing human welfare.
• Deeper integration with multiple stakeholders is crucial.
SHORT NEWS
2.7 International North South Trade
Corridor (INSTC)
Context: India and Iran plan to step up operationalizing
the International North South Trade Corridor
(INSTC) in a move to boost trade with
Russia.
Image Credits: The Wire
About International North South Trade Corridor:
• INSTC was initiated in 2000 by Russia, India and
Iran, is a multi-modal transportation route linking
the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf to the
Caspian Sea via Iran, and onward to Northern
Europe via St Petersburg in Russia.
• Member Countries: It has been ratified by 13
countries namely, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria,
Armenia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Oman, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Ukraine.
2.8 INDIA-UAE Relations
Context: Recently, India-UAE signed a Rupee-Dirham
deal during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) Between India
and UAE:
• Areas of Cooperation: According to the second MoU,
the two central banks will cooperate to link the
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of India with the
27
Q. What are the key challenges that have prompted
the need for reform in Multilateral Development
Banks (MDBs), and what specific measures are
being considered to address these challenges and
improve their operations?
Instant Payment Platform (IPP) of the UAE, as well
as with RuPay switch and UAESWITCH.
• Cross-border Transaction: A framework for
promoting cross-border transactions in local
currencies (rupee and dirham) will be provided by
the first agreement.
• Alternate to SWIFT: Both countries will work to
create a messaging system that might compete with
SWIFT (the Society for Worldwide Interbank
Financial Telecommunication).
INDIA-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership:
Agreement (CEPA):
• CEPA is a trade pact between two or more nations
that lowers trade and investment barriers in an
effort to advance economic cooperation and
integration. a thorough trade pact that addresses
products, services, and investments.
 Since CEPA between the UAE and India in May
2022, trade between the two countries has risen
by almost 15%.
 About $85 billion in bilateral trade, including oil
purchases, is exported from the UAE to India,
accounting for about $50 billion of that total.
2.9 NATO
Context: In a recently concluded NATO summit held at
Vilnius, Lithuania , members agreed to bring Ukraine
closer to NATO.
About NATO:
• NATO is a transatlantic security alliance composed of
thirty-one member countries. H/Q: Brussels,
Belgium.
• Established in: It was established in 1949 with the
signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, also called as
Washington Treaty.
• Members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France,
Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States,
Greece, Turkey, Germany, Spain, Czechia, Hungary,
Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, the
most recent additions were North Macedonia in 2020
and Finland in 2023.
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

Henley Passport Index • It ranks all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their
2023 holders can access without a prior visa.
• Developed By: Henley and Partners
• Basis: The index gathers data from the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) which manages inter-airline cooperation globally.
• India secured 80th rank on Henley Passport Index 2023.
• Top 5 most Powerful Passports in the World:
 Singapore>Germany>Austria>Denmark>Belgium

Comprehensive and • The United Kingdom formally signed a treaty to join a major Indo-Pacific bloc CPTPP.
Progressive Agreement • It requires countries to eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs and make strong
for Trans-Pacific commitments to opening services and investment markets.
Partnership(CPTPP) • Members: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Peru, Malaysia, Mexico, New
Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam.
• It laid down rules addressing competition, intellectual property rights and
protections for foreign companies.
• Geopolitical Significance: CPTPP is seen as a bulwark against China’s dominance in
the region.
• Benefit: CPTTP will cut tariffs for UK exports to Asia Pacific countries.

East Asia Summit (EAS) • Recently, the Indian External Affairs Minister attended the 13th EAS Foreign
Ministers' meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia.
• It is the Indo-Pacific's premier forum for strategic dialogue.
• Member Countries: Ten ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) along with
Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and
the United States.
• Major Outcome of Meeting: Participating counties expressed concerns over the
situation in the South China Sea, mentioned the importance of the freedom of
navigation and overflight, and of the peaceful resolution of disputes in
accordance with international law.

Intergovernmental • The UNGA President said that the first segment of UN Intergovernmental
Negotiations Framework Negotiations framework meetings are now webcast.
• It is a group of nation-states working within the United Nations to further reform of
the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
• Composition: The IGN is composed of several different international organizations:
 African Union, G4 nations (India, Brazil, Japan and Germany), Uniting for Consensus
Group (UfC), L69 Group of Developing Countries, Arab League, Caribbean
Community (CARICOM).

Universal Postal Union UPU will assess the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) for cross-border remittances
(UPU) using a global postal network.
About UPU:
• It is a United Nations specialized agency, established in 1874, with its
headquarters in Berne (Switzerland), is the second oldest international
organization worldwide.

28
 • Members: 192 member countries
 Any member country of the UN may become a member of the UPU.
 Non-UN countries can join UPU if approved by two-thirds of its members.
 India joined the UPU in 1876.
• About Unified Payments Interface (UPI): It is India’s mobile-based payment
system and allows people to make round-the-clock payments through a virtual
payment address.

India-Indonesia EFD India and Indonesia have announced the launch of the “India – Indonesia Economic
and Financial Dialogue”.
About Economic and Financial Dialogue(EFD):
• Significance: The EFD Dialogue will deepen the bilateral relationship between India
and Indonesia, but also contribute to the broader economic and financial stability
of Southeast Asia and the world.

The Global South • The unwillingness of many leading countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to
stand with NATO over the war in Ukraine has brought to the fore term “Global South.”
About Global South:
• Global South refers to various countries around the world that are sometimes
described as ‘developing’, ‘less developed’ or ‘underdeveloped’.
• Regional Spread: Many of the Global South countries are in the Southern
Hemisphere, largely in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Global North:
• Global North consists of richer nations that are located mostly in North America and
Europe, with some additions in Oceania and elsewhere.

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3. ECONOMY
3.1 Internationalization of Rupee
Context:
An Inter Departmental Group (IDG) of officials of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have in a report cautioned that
internationalization of Rupee may result in increased volatility in the rupee’s exchange rate in the initial stages.
About Inter-Departmental Group (IDG):
• The Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) was constituted by the RBI Deputy Governor.
• Objective:
 To review the position of the rupee as an international currency
 To frame a road map for the internationalization of the domestic currency.
Recommendations of IDG:
• Inclusion of the rupee in the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket, which is an international reserve asset created
by the IMF to supplement member countries' official reserves.
 The value of the SDR is based on a basket of five currencies—the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Chinese renminbi, the
Japanese yen, and the British pound sterling.
• Recalibration of the Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) regime to accelerate the pace of internationalization of the
rupee.
• Adoption of a standardized approach for examining proposals involving bilateral and multilateral trade
agreements/arrangements for settlement and payment in the rupee and local currencies of counterpart countries.
• Use of existing bilateral and multilateral payment and
Internationalized Rupee in past:
settlement mechanisms, such as the Asian Clearing
Union (ACU), to internationalize the rupee. • Indian rupee was the legal tender in Gulf countries
(Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE) until the early 1970s.
 ACU is a payment arrangement whereby participants • In 1959, RBI issued special notes for the Gulf region
settle payments for intra-regional transactions among known as the Gulf rupee or external rupee, with the
the participating central banks on a net multilateral same value as the Indian rupee.
basis. • Indians could take Indian rupee notes to Haj
• Allowing non-residents to open rupee accounts to pilgrimage and exchange them for Saudi riyals; later,
special "Haj notes" were introduced.
facilitate the internationalization of the currency.
• The Indian currency was devalued in 1966, leading to
 A rupee account for NRI (Non-Resident Indian) refers to Gulf countries withdrawing the use of the Gulf rupee.
a bank account held by an Indian citizen who resides • By the early 1970s, all Gulf countries stopped using the
outside India for employment, business, or other Gulf rupee as their currency.
purposes.
• Expansion of the Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system for settling international transactions.
• Inclusion of the rupee in the Continuous Linked Settlement (CLS)
system.
 The CLS system is a worldwide financial network that makes foreign
exchange (FX) transactions safer and faster.
 It was created to reduce the risk of delayed payments in the FX
market and improve the stability of the global financial system.
Currency Internationalization:
• An international currency are used beyond the borders of the issuing
country and can perform the basic functions as a medium of
exchange, unit of account, and store of value.
 Dominant currency: USD> Euro>Japanese yen>Pound sterling.

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About Internationalization of Rupee: Efforts Towards Internationalization of Rupees:
• It refers to the process of increased cross-border • RBI allows settlement of foreign trades in Indian
transactions of Indian currency, especially in import- currency: RBI has allowed the settlement of foreign
export trades followed by other current account trades between partner countries in Indian currency.
transactions and then capital account transactions.  RBI has permitted rupee settlement of external trade
through Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs). A
• This would enable the international settlement of trade in vostro account is held by a bank on behalf of a bank in
Indian rupees, as opposed to other currencies including another country
US dollars.  A total of 18 countries have been allowed to open
SRVAs.
Process of Internationalization:
• FTP 2023: Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, proposes
• Freedom of Currency Trading: Remove restrictions on invoicing, payment, and settlement of trade in Indian
currency buying and selling. rupees.
• Invoicing in Domestic Currency: Allow domestic and • Expansion of Rupee Arrangements: India had the
foreign firms to invoice exports in their currency. rupee arrangements with Bhutan and Nepal and
recently Sri Lanka decided to formally include the rupee
• Foreign Ownership and Holdings: Permit foreign
as a designated foreign currency.
entities to hold the country's currency and financial
• Cross-border acceptance of BHIM UPI QR: NIPL (NPCI
instruments. International Payments Limited), a wholly owned
• Foreign Issuance of Marketable Instruments: Allow subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India
foreign firms and institutions to issue equity and debt (NPCI) has undertaken various initiatives across nations
to enable cross-border acceptance of BHIM UPI QR at
instruments in the country's currency.
merchant establishments.
• Domestic Issuance on Foreign Markets: Enable  Currently, BHIM UPI QR has gained acceptance in
domestic institutions to issue instruments in their Singapore, UAE, Mauritius, Nepal and Bhutan.
currency on foreign markets.
• International Financial Institutions' Operations: Allow international financial institutions to issue debt instruments
and use the country's currency in their operations.
• Currency Basket Inclusion: Include the country's currency in
currency baskets of other nations.
 Reserve Currency: Currently, the US dollar, the Euro, the
Japanese yen and the British pound are the leading reserve
currencies in the world.
Benefits of Internationalization of Rupee:
• Mitigates Currency Risk: The use of the rupee in cross-border
transactions helps Indian businesses to manage currency risk.
Protection from currency volatility reduces the cost of doing
business and facilitates better business growth globally.
• Reduces Need for Forex Reserves: Internationalization of the
rupee reduces the reliance on foreign exchange reserves. It makes
India less vulnerable to external shocks and enhances stability.
• Improves Bargaining Power: As the use of the rupee becomes
significant, Indian businesses gain improved bargaining power in
international transactions.
• Facilitates Trade and Investment: International acceptance of the
rupee simplifies cross-border trade and investment transactions,
making it easier for Indian businesses to access international
markets and attract foreign investment.
• Boosts Financial Integration: A globally accepted rupee fosters
financial integration and attracts foreign investors to Indian
financial markets, leading to increased capital flows and investment opportunities.
• Declining Share of the US Dollar: Bilateral and regional economic cooperation agreements are multi polarizing the
global financial system. Trade invoicing and settlement are increasingly using non-US dollars.
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• Geopolitical Factors: Sanctions imposed on Russia have made countries cautious about potential future sanctions.This
has prompted countries to question the US dollar-dominated global currency system.
Challenges associated with Internalization of Currency:
• Accentuation of External Shocks due to Currency Internationalization: The internationalisation of a currency may
accentuate an external shock, given the open channel of the flow of funds into and out of the country and from one
currency to another.
• Conflict of interest: There could be conflict of interest between short-term domestic and long-term international
economic objectives.
• Market Depth and Liquidity: The depth and liquidity of the Indian rupee market are not yet comparable to major
global currencies like the US dollar or the euro.
• Regulatory Framework: The regulatory framework governing foreign exchange transactions, capital flows, and
financial markets in India needs to be further liberalized and streamlined to support the internationalization of the
rupee.
• Economic Stability: The stability of the Indian economy, including factors such as inflation rates, fiscal discipline,
and overall economic growth, plays a crucial role in enhancing the credibility and attractiveness of the rupee in
international markets.
• Investor Confidence: Factors such as political stability, policy predictability, and investor-friendly reforms contribute
to creating a conducive environment for global investors.
Way Forward:
• Rupee Convertibility: Rupee must be made more freely convertible, with a goal of full convertibility , letting financial
investments move freely between India and abroad.
• Focus on Liquid Rupee Bond Market: The RBI should pursue a deeper and more liquid rupee bond market, enabling
foreign investors and Indian trade partners to have more investment options in rupees, enabling its international use.
• Encourage Transaction in Rupee: Indian exporters and
importers should be encouraged to invoice their Convertibility of rupees means the ability to freely exchange
transactions in rupee — optimizing the trade settlement Indian currency (rupee) into foreign currency and vice versa
formalities for rupee import/export transactions would for trade in goods and services. It has two types
go a long way. • Current Account Convertibility: This allows the rupee
to be freely converted into foreign currency for trade in
• Currency Swap Agreements: Additional currency swap
goods and services.
agreements (as with Sri Lanka) would further allow India
• Capital Account Convertibility: This allows the rupee
to settle trade and investment transactions in rupees, to be partially convertible for capital inflows and
without resorting to a reserve currency such as the dollar. outflows, such as foreign investment and financial assets.
• Tax Incentives: Additionally, tax incentives to foreign
businesses to utilize the rupee in operations in India would also help.
3.2 Battery Electric Vehicles
Context:
Hybrid Electric Vehicles present a big opportunity for developing countries in the wake of the world’s transition to
becoming net-zero emissions. Net-Zero Target refers to a state in which a country’s
About E-Vehicles: emissions are compensated by the absorption and
removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
• E-vehicles are vehicles that are powered by electricity
instead of internal combustion engines (ICE) that run on fossil fuels.
• They use electric motors and rechargeable batteries to propel the vehicle and provide power to various components.
Types of EVs:
• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Electric Vehicles using BEV technology run entirely on a battery-powered electric
drivetrain.For Example: Tata Nexon
• Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): In HEVs the engine gets energy from fuel, and the motor gets electricity from batteries.
For Example: Variants of Toyota

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• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): In PHEVs, one can choose among the fuels, conventional fuel (such as petrol)
or alternative fuel (such as biodiesel). For Example: Toyota Prius
• Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle(FCEV): FCEVs are also known as Zero-Emission Vehicles. They employ ‘fuel cell technology’
to generate the electricity required to run the vehicle. For Example: e-Rickshaw
Advantages of Electric Vehicles:
• Environmental Impact: Electric vehicles produce zero
tailpipe emissions, meaning they do not release pollutants
such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or
particulate matter into the air during operation.
• Energy Efficiency: Electric motors are more efficient than
internal combustion engines, converting a higher percentage
of energy from the battery into propulsion.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Electric vehicles can be
charged using electricity from renewable energy sources
such as solar or wind power.
• Government Incentives to consumers: Many governments
provide incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, or subsidies,
to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. These
incentives can help lower the upfront cost of purchasing an
EV and make them more affordable.
• Energy Independence: Widespread adoption of electric
vehicles reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Challenges Associated with Electric Vehicles:
• High Purchasing Cost: The electric variants of the 2 and 4
wheelers are often priced much higher than regular fuel
options.
• High Maintenance Cost: The maintenance costs are high
mainly due to the lack of necessary amenities.
 For Example: There are more than 65,000 petrol bunks in India but only 1640 EV charging stations.
• Inadequate infrastructure: The lack of adequate
charging infrastructure in our country is a huge barrier to Potential of E-Vehicles Market:
increased EV penetration. • By 2030, 80% of two and three-wheelers, 40% of
• Lesser Resale Value: Currently, the EV market is buses, and 30 to 70% of cars in India will be electric
vehicles, as per estimates of the NITI Aayog.
fragmented with independent dealerships which make it
difficult to create proper infrastructure for second-hand • As per a recent study, the electric vehicles (EVs)
market is expected to be worth around at least ₹475
sales. billion by 2025.
• Lack of Availability: The EVs in India so far have only • The penetration of electric two-wheelers is projected to
been variants of the already available fossil-fuel driven 2 reach up to 15% by 2025 from 1% currently.
and 4 wheelers. • The EV industry is expected to create 5 crore direct and
 High performing luxury variants or supercars like the indirect jobs by 2030, the Economic Survey 2022-23
stated.
Teslas are yet to hit the Indian markets.
• The domestic electric vehicles (EV) market is
• Limited Resources: It is anticipated that scaling up expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate
lithium production would be a challenge, leading to supply (CAGR) of 49% between 2022 and 2030 and is
shortage that may cause manufacturers to use lower- expected to hit one crore units of annual sales by 2030.
quality mineral inputs, adversely affecting battery • The sector's importance is gauged by the fact that it
performance of EVs. contributes 7.1%to the overall GDP and 49% to the
manufacturing GDP while generating direct and
indirect employment of 3.7 crore at the end of 2021,"

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• Power Supply: Lack of constant power supply in villages and smaller towns and metros like Delhi and NCR having
major breakdowns for hours at a stretch.
Way Forward:
• Government Policies and Incentives: The Indian government should continue to implement supportive policies
which could include offering financial incentives such as subsidies, tax credits, and exemptions and policies that
promote EV manufacturing.
• Charging Infrastructure Development: Establishing a robust and widespread charging infrastructure network is
crucial to support the growth of EVs.
• Public Transportation Electrification: Encouraging the adoption of electric buses, taxis, and other forms of public
transportation can have a significant impact on reducing emissions and promoting EVs.
• Domestic Manufacturing and Supply Chain: Promoting domestic manufacturing of EVs and their components can
boost the local economy, create job opportunities, and reduce dependence on imports.
• Research and Development: Investing in research and development initiatives focused on EV technology and
collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions is vital for developing indigenous technologies and
addressing specific challenges related to India's unique
Q. Discuss the challenges faced by battery electric
conditions.
vehicles in India, and what government initiatives have
• Regulatory Reforms: Continuously reviewing and updating been implemented to promote their adoption?
regulations and policies related to EVs can help create a
favorable ecosystem.
3.3 Online Gaming
Context:
Recently, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council decided to levy a uniform 28 per cent tax on full face value for
online gaming, casinos and horse-racing.
About the News:
• According to the GST Council, 28% GST shall apply to online gaming, casinos and horse racing on the full face value.
• Presently, the GST regime differentiates online games based on skills versus chance.
 For a game of skills, such as esports, puzzles, and some card games, an 18% GST is chargeable.
 For a game of chance, including gambling at casinos, a 28% GST is chargeable.
• GST law will be amended to include online gaming under its scope as currently it falls under actionable claims.
About Online Gaming:
• Online gaming refers to games that can only be played with an internet connection.
• Types of Online Gaming:
 E-sports: Well organised electronic sports which include professional players).
 Fantasy sports: Choosing real life sports players and winning points based on players’ performance.
 Skill Based: Mental skill.
 Chance Based: Based on random activity like roll of a dice) online games.

Games of Skill Games of Chance or Luck

• Principle Approach: To win or increase the •
odds of winning the individual needs to have the
prerequisite experience and extensive
knowledge of the game.
• Example: Chess, Carrom, Rummy, Teen Patti,
Horse Racing and Fantasy Sports are said to be
games of Skill.
These games are based on pure luck where the odds of
winning cannot be boosted by a player’s skill, experience
and/or knowledge.
• Examples include Baccarat, slot games, lotteries, and table
games such as blackjack, teen patti and roulette.

34
India's Online Gaming Potential:
• Sunrise Sector: The Indian gaming market is expected to grow from $2.8 billion in 2022 to $5 billion in 2025,
growing at a CAGR of 28-30%.
• The quantity of gamers in the nation is supposed to expand from 420 million in 2022 to 450 million by 2023, and
to hit 500 million by 2025.
• Revenue Generation: Through taxation and regulation, online gaming has the potential to bring in a sizable sum
of money for the Indian government.
 Gaming sector has increased its contribution to the GDP from 0.1% to 0.5% between 2020 and 2022.
• Employment: In India, the gaming industry has created over 40,000 career opportunities, and this number is
expected to increase to 2,50,000 by 2025.
• India’s first centre of excellence in online gaming is set up in
Shillong.
Reasons for Growth of Online Gaming In India:
• Penetration of Smart Phone: According to the World
Economic Forum (WEF), mobile devices are the primary driver
of India's gaming industry.
 India currently has more than 600 million smartphone
users, and is expected to reach 1 billion smartphone users
by 2026.
• Affordability and Availability of Internet: India is a data-rich
market with cheaper mobile data as compared to global
averages.
• Localised Content: Popular games like Teen Patti, Ludo King
and others provide options to play games in local languages like
Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi etc., thus targeting a large local
audience.
• Young Population: Gaming has a higher adoption amongst
the younger population in India.
 India has more than 50% of its population below the age
of 25 and more than 65% below the age of 35.
• Adoption of Digital Payment: It has reduced the friction for
digital purchases in-game and has contributed to the rapid
growth in online payments on gaming portals.
 According to RBI, Digital payment transactions have increased from 2,071 crore transactions in FY 2017-18 to
8,840 crore transactions in FY 2021-22.
• Recognition for E-Sports: It has been officially recognised by the Indian Olympic Association by establishing the
Esports Federation of India as the governing body of Esports in the country.
• Growth in Investments: Gaming companies in India have raised funding worth $2.8 billion from domestic and
overseas investors in the last five years, helping them achieve operating scale.
Concerns Associated with Online Gaming:
• Betting and Gambling: Online games based on the traditional ludo have run into controversy, and allegations of
betting and gambling.
• Exposure to Inappropriate Content such as violence, sexual content, gender or racial stereotypes, and exposure
to inappropriate behavior from other players.
• Cyberbullying and harassment: A study found that most female gamers experience harassment while playing, with
the majority of victims aged between 18 and 24.
• Behavioral Changes: Online games can become habit-forming as they are built specifically to entice users to return
often.

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  According to DMK MP T.R. Baalu, over the past three years, more than 40 people in Tamil Nadu have died by
suicide after losing large sums of money in online gambling.
• Social Discontent: Gambling addiction had led to domestic violence, mental health issues and household debt
problems, adding that children often used fake identities and their parents' credit cards for online gaming.
• Viruses and Malware / Ransomware: Hackers may try to get download infected files or encourage children/youth to
visit infected websites on gaming forums.
• Privacy: Personal information may be shared with third parties. Some gaming platforms may encourage users to link
their gaming accounts with other social network platforms.
Regulation of Online Gaming in India:
• Seventh Schedule: Constitution empowers State governments to legislate on matters relating to betting and
gambling vide Entry 34 and Sports vide Entry 33 of the State List of the Seventh Schedule.
o However, the State cannot legislate on games of skill as it is only concerned with betting, gambling and sports,
which fall under the ambit of games of chance.
• Courts on Online Gaming: According to various Court’s judgement, betting on games of skill is legal, while betting on
games of chance is not.
 Playing online games and sports of skills forms part of article 19 (1) (g) and Article 21 of the constitution.
 States only have the power to make laws and regulate gambling, and betting on the activity of gambling.
• Legal Entity: Any online gaming platform – domestic or foreign–
offering real money online games to Indian users will need to be
a legal entity incorporated under Indian law.
 Reporting Entity: These platforms will also be treated as
‘reporting entities under the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act, of 2002.
• Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and
Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023: It is a
comprehensive framework for Online Gaming Eco-system.
 Definition: It define an ‘online game’ as “a game that is offered
on the internet and is accessible by a user through a computer
resource or an intermediary.
 Self Regulatory Body (SRB): It requires real money gaming platforms to register with a self-regulatory body (SRB)
that will determine whether or not the game is “permissible".
 Games Banned: It prohibits any game that involves betting and wagering.
 Role of intermediaries: Obligatory for intermediaries to not host, publish or share any online game that can cause
harm or hasn't been verified as permissible.
Government Initiatives to Promote Safe Online Gaming in India:
• Digital Gaming Research Initiative: The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) of the Department of
Science and Technology has identified three main directions to support the Indian digital gaming research space
and industry.
1. R&D in learning and leisure gaming platforms,
2. immersive game prototypes with an emphasis on Indian culture and values.
3. Collaborative technical design process, which was made by SERB Game Labs.
• AVGC Promotion Task Force: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has established the Animation, Visual
Effects, Gaming and Comic (AVGC) Promotion Task Force.
 Indian AVGC industry has the ability to carry the "Make in India" and "Brand India" banners.
Way Forward:
• Uniformity in Laws: Proper gaming regulation for all parties involved is urgently needed, otherwise the centre should
be given the authority to enact rules and regulations using either the residuary powers under article 248 of the
power under article 252.
36
  Coordination and Cooperation: To fully realise the potential of the online gaming industry, the State and Union
Governments should work together to set appropriate guidelines in conjunction with industry stakeholders.
• Monitoring: To standardise regulations and maintain uniformity in the laws across India, there has to be one
regulatory authority overseeing the whole online gambling sector.
• Role of Guardian: Parents need to be accountable for
About Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council:
their children's gaming habits and time spent online. Article 279A of the Indian Constitution, the GST Council to
• Safeguarding Children: Implement an age rating be formed by the President to administer and govern GST.
system that restricts minors to go on without their
parents' permission. This issue could be solved by using OTP verification on Aadhaar.
• Awareness: Gaming businesses should aggressively inform players about possible risks and how to spot
circumstances where cheating and abuse are likely to occur.
• Transparency: Participants' anonymity should be removed, and a strong grievance management mechanism
should be developed.

3.4 Asset Monetization

Context:
Union Power Ministry aims to raise around ₹15,000 crore through asset monetization in FY24.
About the News:
• The Indian Government has monetised assets worth ₹1.32 trillion in FY23, against a target of ₹1.62 trillion, while it
has set a target of ₹1.79-trillion for FY 2023-24.
• Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) have also plans to garner Rs 35,000 crore from asset
monetization in the current fiscal.
• Monetization of coal and other mining assets is expected to fetch Rs 50,000-60,000 crore in FY24
• For the entire period till FY25, Railways has a monetization target of Rs 1.52 lakh crore, which includes the
monetization of 400 stations and privatisation of 90 trains and 15 railway stadiums.
About Asset Monetization:
• It is the process of creating new/alternative sources of revenue by unlocking the economic value of underutilised
public assets.
 A public asset can be any property owned by a public body, roads, airports, railways, stations, pipelines,
transmission lines, etc., or even land that remains unutilised.
• Aim: To innovate and enrich an asset which has
remained unresponsive in terms of yielding
economic value.
• Objectives:
 Bring in private sector efficiency to enhance
economic value.
 Create greater financial leverage through value
engineering.
• Optimise risk allocation.
• Channelize funds to bridge the investment gap.
• Asset monetization does not necessarily mean
disinvestment of the asset.
Asset Monetization Models:
• Direct Contractual Models: Brownfield Public-
private Partnership (PPP) Concessions
• Operate, Maintain & Transfer (OMT): Private investors invest in the operation and maintenance of roadways and
recover their investment costs through toll taxes, land value capture income, etc.

37
  Toll, Operate & Transfer (TOT): Publicly funded operational projects, such as highways, are monetised and put out
to bid. The investors make a one-time lump-sum investment in exchange for a 15- to 30-year right to earn an
appropriation fee.
 Operations, Maintenance & Development (OMD): The operational asset is leased to a private party for
upgrading and O&M throughout the concession period.
 Rehabilitate Operate Maintain Transfer (ROMT): An existing asset should ideally be upgraded or augmented
before operations and revenue collection can be resumed.
• Structure Financing Models
 Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs): Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) use funds gathered from
various investors to make direct investments in infrastructure.
 Real estate Investment Trusts (REITs): The firm owns, manages, or finances real estate and the capital is raised
from investors, which is then invested.
Advantages of Asset Monetization:
• Revenue Source: Monetization of underutilized public investments will help PSUs get financial resources and, in
the long term, will lead to more effective use of these resources.
• Multiplier Impact: Private owners increase productivity and decrease expenses. This scale impact of privatization will
likely increase the volume of productive employment.
• Improving Efficiency: It can increase the productivity and efficiency of the assets by leveraging the expertise and
innovation of the private sector.
• Economic Prosperity: As the Private sector is able to produce more resources, the economy will be revitalized, and
revenues from monetized assets will contribute to the construction of new infrastructure and the complete recycling
of future assets.
Asset Monetization in India:
1. Vijay Kelkar Panel: In India, the idea of asset
monetization was first suggested by a committee led by
Vijay Kelkar in 2012 on the roadmap for fiscal
consolidation.
 It recommended monetization to raise resources for
further development and financing infrastructure
needs.
2. Union Budget 2021-22: Monetization of assets was
highlighted as one of the three pillars for improved and
sustainable infrastructure funding in the country.
3. National Monetization Pipeline (NMP): It is an asset
monetization programme, announced in budget 2021.
• Aim: To serve as a roadmap for the asset monetization
of several brownfield infrastructure assets across sectors including roads, railways, aviation, power, oil and gas, and
warehousing.
 It could act as a land bank housing information about all assets that have been lined up for utilisation by strategic
investors or private sector companies.
 It will assess the potential value of unused and underutilised government assets.
• Target of NMP: To raise Rs 6 trillion through asset monetization of the central government, over a four-year period,
from FY22 to FY25.
• It focuses on brownfield assets in which investments have already been made but are underutilised.
• Ownership of the assets will be retained by the Centre.
Advantages of the National Monetization Pipeline (NMP):
• Boost GDP: It will help government to further invest amount in developing new public infrastructure, develop
means of revenues, reduce the Incremental Capital Output Ratio (ICAR) etc.
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• Supporting NIP: Proceeds from the NMP are expected to account for about 14% of the total outlay for infrastructure
under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).
• Employment Creation: The 360 degrees of growth will give rise to employment opportunities across the cities,
towns and villages, leading to a better quality of life.
• Attract FDI: It can help attract higher foreign institutional investments in the country through vehicles such as
infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs).
• Collaborative Development: It can create structured partnerships between the public and private sectors, which
can foster mutual trust and collaboration.
• Better Customer Experience: It can improve the quality of services and user experience for the citizens by ensuring
better operation and maintenance of the assets.
Challenges Pertaining to Asset Monetization:
• Regulatory Hurdles: Lack of clarity and stability of the regulatory environment affect the value realised from
monetization or in extreme cases, may make it infeasible to monetise an asset as in the case of passenger train
privatisation.
• Monopoly: It might result in monopolization and inflation due to the disinvestment of critical infrastructures.
 Example: Leasing out six airports for 50 years to a single bidder has created the apprehension of transferring of
taxpayer-funded assets to a handful of business groups.
• Family Gold Concept: Public assets have been created with taxpayers’ money over the past 70 years, are being offered
to private players via long term leases of 25-50 years.
• Profit Maximization: Private investors would be apprehensive in investing on leased assets more than what is
needed to maximise their profits during the lease period.
 Example: Singapore had to nationalise its suburban trains and signaling systems, as private operator had
underinvested in maintenance.
• Consumer at Mercy: The successful bidder may raise the utility price steeply and the consumer ends up bearing the
cost.
 Example: In New South Wales, electricity prices doubled in five years after poles and wires were privatised.
• Poor Previous Experience: Indian Railways invited private parties to run 150 trains but failed to attract bidders
for nine clusters and only received two bids for three clusters.
Way Forward:
• Ensuring Accountability: Government could create a central body that could monitor the progress of
monetization of assets across industries.
 Break Departmental Silo: It would assist various line ministries and departments in identifying and addressing
hurdles in undertaking the process of monetization.
• Identifying Assets: IT enabled support with initiative like ‘Asset Management Portal’, which brings all related Assets
at one platform and make it transparent in terms of visibility and decision making to take the initiative forward to build
on existing infrastructure.
• Innovative Financial Model: Bonds, like infrastructure debt funds, need to be given more considerationl to realise
efficiency.
• Assurance to Investor: Provide reassurance to investors about the risk characteristics of their assets.
 Support from the central government – in the form of structured guarantees or creation of asset bundles that are
a mix of central and state assets – could be beneficial.
• Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvIT) route to monetization may minimise the risks of incorrect valuation or
an increase in price to the consumer.
 InvIT is akin to a mutual fund, which enables direct investment of small amounts of money from possible
individual/institutional investors in infrastructure to earn a small portion of income as return.
• Alternative Dispute-Resolution Mechanism: Efficient and effective dispute resolution mechanisms will naturally
and automatically accrue to the design and execution of the project.

39
3.5 Coal Gasification
Context:
Recently, the Ministry of coal has set a target to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by FY 2030 in line with its energy
transition plans.
Highlight: National Coal Gasification Mission
• Aim: To meet the future energy needs of the country while • The government aims for 100 million ton (MT) coal
stimulating other sectors. gasification by 2030, with investments worth over
• Ministry is considering a scheme, with an outlay of Rs. 4 trillion.
₹6,000 crore, to promote coal and lignite gasification • Under it, a concession of 20% on revenue share under
projects for both public sector undertakings (PSUs) and commercial coal block auctions, to encourage the use of
clean sources of fuel.
the private sector.
• CIL has also planned to set up at least 3 gasification
• PPP model for Gasification: Selection of PSUs and plants on BOO (Build-own-operate) basis through
private sector companies for budgetary support for global tendering and has signed an MoU with GAIL for
gasification projects will be done through a tariff-based marketing synthetic natural gas.
bidding process.
Need for Coal Gasification: Abundant indigenous Coal Source:
• Indigenous Source: Coal is India's primary energy source,
accounting for around 67% of the country's commercial
energy consumption.
 It is a fossil fuel found in sedimentary rock and is commonly
referred to as "Black Gold."
 India is a major player in the coal industry, ranking second in
production, consumption, and importation after China.
 As of 2020, India holds the fifth-largest coal reserves.
• Energy Security: Domestic coal reserves will reduce India
dependence on import fuel like crude oil and natural gas.
• Sustainable usage of coal: India will rely on coal for its energy
needs until 2050 and it is important to use it in the most
environmentally friendly way possible.
About Coal Gasification:
• Process: It is a thermo-chemical procedure wherein the
pressure and heat of the gasifier disintegrate coal into its
chemical components.
• Constituents: The resulting "syngas" is mostly carbon monoxide
(CO) and hydrogen, with some other gaseous substances such
Hydrogen Sulphide and Carbon dioxide.
• Cleaner Alternative to coal: It is more efficient than traditional
coal burning due to it dual usage:
o Primary Use: Coal Gases are first purified of contaminants before being fired inside a turbine to produce energy.
o Secondary use: The gas turbine exhaust heat can be then collected and used to produce steam for a steam
turbine-generator.
Advantages of Coal Gasification:
• Industrial Application of Coal Gas
 Raw Source of Energy: Syngas can be used to generate power, in energy-efficient fuel cell technology, or as
chemical "building components" for industrial applications.
 Hydrogen Economy: Hydrogen can be used to power a hydrogen economy.
 Automobile Fuel: Coal gas can be transformed into a transportation fuel to be used in automobiles as a
replacement for gasoline.
40
  Steel Industry: Syngas (CO and H2) are essential
reducing agents for steel production and are
regarded as an environmentally friendly
technique ( reduce the usage of furnace oil).
 Generating Electricity: The synthesis gas can be
used in an Integrated Gasification Combined
Cycle (IGCC) system to generate electricity.
 Miscellaneous Product: In manufacturing of
methanol, Dimethyl ether (DME), olefins and
fertilisers via coal gasification. Carbon fibres
and plastic composites made from coal power
plant ash/residue.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Syngas is used in making
active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).
• Cleaner and Environmental Friendly: There is no scrubber sludge produced and majority of the wash water is
reprocessed, and residual waste waters can be treated effectively.
• Achieving Paris Commitment: Coal gasification aids in the decrease of emission levels and the advancement of non-
fossil fuel-based energy resources.
Challenges in Coal Gasification:
• Quality of Coal: High ash content of Indian coal is a crucial barrier in the development of suitable technology.
• Induced Subsidence: The void created by deep mining during process may cause significant deformation both in
the remaining coal and surrounding rocks.
 Heating, quenching, water flux and potential roof and wall collapse may seriously compromise the integrity of
the cavity leading to a subsidence.
• Environmental Factors: According to some studies, coal gasification actually generates more CO2 than a
conventional coal power station.
• Water Stress Country: It is one of the more water-intensive energy generation methods.
• Economy of Project: It is an inherently ‘unsteady’ state process and both the flow rate and the heating value of the
product gas will vary over time, which will have a significant impact on the economics of the project.
 It also increases the chances of Occupational hazard.
Way Forward:
• ‘Dedicated, closed Coal Mines’ to be earmarked for Coal Gasification Projects (to be awarded through Auction
Linkage) for better Coal Quality consistency , sustained Supply & closer Mining & Transportation Cost control.
• Viability gap funding, Infrastructure status: Financial Incentives from Govt to support very high Capex of
Gasification Projects needed to improve Viability of ‘Energy Security’ (Clean) Projects.
• Level playing field: Exemption from currently applicable Cess / Duties on Coal Feedstock prices to be provided for
Environment - friendly Coal Gasification Projects.
• ‘National Policy on Coal Gasification & Liquefaction’ should be urgently formulated and promulgated for faster and
smooth implementation of Coal Gasification based Projects.
• Schemes for ‘Blending Methanol, DME with Gasoline & LPG’ respectively to be implemented at the earliest, also
requiring policy framework for all by products of coal gasification.

3.6 Multidimensional Poverty

Context:
Niti Aayog has recently released the report ‘National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Review 2023’.

41
What is Multidimensional Poverty?
• Multidimensional poverty encompasses the various
deprivations experienced by poor people in their
daily lives – such as poor health, lack of education,
inadequate living standards, disempowerment, poor
quality of work, the threat of violence, and living in areas
that are environmentally hazardous, among others.
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):
• Released by: By the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and
Human Development Initiative (OPHI).
• Indicators- Three broad indicators are measured which
are health, education and standard of living, which
are further subdivided into 10 sub-indicators, (kindly
refer the schematic for more information.)
• Maternal Health and Bank account are part of
National MPI.
National Multidimensional Poverty Index by Niti Ayog:
• Based on the latest National Family Health Survey
[NFHS-5 (2019-21)], this second edition of the National
MPI represents India’s progress in reducing
multidimensional poverty between the two surveys,
NFHS-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-21).
• Indicators: The national MPI model retains the ten indicators of the global MPI model, It also adds two indicators, viz.,
Maternal Health and Bank Accounts in line with national
priorities.
Significance of National Multidimensional Poverty Index:
• Understanding Poverty: Monetary and Non-Monetary
measures of poverty are needed to fully understand the
effects of poverty on the poor and poor of the poorest (
Antodaya).
• Effective Response: When complemented with monetary
poverty measures, the national MPI will enable policymakers
to reflect on, and effectively respond to the
comprehensiveness and complexity of poverty in the
country.
• Targeted Poverty Reduction Strategy: The greater the
availability of policy-relevant information on poverty, the
better equipped policymakers will be to reduce it.
 For example, Poverty reduction strategies differ for
areas where most people lack education and housing.
• Understanding Poverty Intricacies: MPI marks a
significant milestone in understanding the complexities of
poverty and creating inclusive solutions.
• Policy formulation: The index helps policymakers and the public achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
(Agenda 2030) and reduce multidimensional poverty.
• Demonstrating Multi-sectoral approach to Poverty Reduction: These achievements reflect the transformative
power of India’s efforts towards poverty reduction, evident in large investments in improving people’s access to
sanitation, cooking fuel, and electricity.

42
Way Forward:
• Equality of Opportunity: Good quality and universal public provision of essential amenities and social services must
increase opportunity equality.
• Increase in Investment: In the latest NSO release, the Gross Fixed Capital Formation rate in current prices for 2022-
23 stands at 29.2% of GDP. While public investment has improved, a significant boost in investments from the private
sectors is needed.
• Investment Allocation: Investment needs to be focused on sectors that drive growth and generate employment.
• Accelerating Human Resource Development:. Human resource development requires greater investment in
educational facilities such as schools to promote literacy, technical training institutes and vocational colleges to
import skills to the people.
• Give a Voice to Oppressed Groups: Bias against caste and gender needs to be tackled, by providing a greater voice
to traditionally oppressed and suppressed groups.
• Harnessing the power of technology: Technology has helped in reducing some of the access barriers in India,
particularly in relation to access to information.Ex-Swayam portal, Mygov.in.
• Access to Credit: Availability of credit to the poor on easy terms can create the conditions for small farmers gaining
access to productive resources.
• Upliftment of Indian Tribals and Minorities: It needs to be ensured that Dalits, Muslims and tribals are not left
behind. According to the latest UN report, approx 50% of tribals in the country are poor, as are 33% of Dalits and 33%
of Muslims.

3.7 Lentils Production

Context:
As demand for arhar (pigeon peas) in India continues to outpace domestic production, farmers in Australia and Brazil
plan to grow the popular yellow lentil for Indian consumers.
More about the news:
• The Indian Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA)
will promote pigeon pea farming in Queensland
with the help of the Australian trade body Pulse
Australia.
• Australia had previously conducted trial production
of pigeon peas in 2019 and the quality was good.
However, they were unable to continue because the
prices in India were not profitable for them. They
have now begun work on growing pigeon peas for
the Indian market once more.

About Pulses:
• Pulses are annual leguminous crops or seeds of
variable size, shape and colour used for both food
and feed.
• The term "pulses" only applies to crops that are
grown for their dry grain. This means that green
crops grown for food, which are called vegetable
crops, as well as crops grown mostly for oil extraction and leguminous crops grown only for sowing, are not
included.
• Types of Pulses Grown in India: Bengal Gram (Desi ChickPea / Desi Chana), Pigeon Peas (Arhar / Toor / Red Gram),
Green Beans (Moong Beans), Chick Peas (Kabuli Chana), Black Matpe (Urad / Mah / Black Gram), Red Kidney Beans
(Rajma), Black Eyed Peas (Lobia), Lentils (Masoor), White Peas (Matar) are major pulses grown and consumed in India.

43
Unique Role of Pulses:
• Environmentally Sustainable: Pulses grow on a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. They are suited in different
farming systems, such as crop rotation, mixed and intercropping systems.
 Low carbon footprint: Pulses have low carbon emission and water needs . As per recent estimates, water needs
for the production of one kg meat are five times higher than that of pulses.
 Nitrogen Fixation: Legumes help to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil and release soil-bound phosphorus.
They also add organic matter into the soil in the form of
Status of pulses in India:
leaf mold.
• India's Ranking: India is the largest producer (25% of
 Checking Soil Erosion: They help check the soil- global production), consumer (27% of world
erosion,contributing to maintaining soil fertility level. consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the
• Poor Man's Protein: It is a source of protein for people who world.
don’t have access to meat and dairy products. • Area: Pulses account for around 20 percent of the area
under food grains and contribute around 7-10 per cent
• Raw Material for Industries: Pulses as industrial crops of the total foodgrains production in the country.
provide raw material to industries, such as dal industry, Productivity of pulses is 764 kg/ha.
roasted grain industry, papad industry, etc. • Growing Season: Though pulses are grown in both
• Alternative Uses: They serve as a rich source of nutritious Kharif and Rabi seasons, Rabi pulses contribute more
fodder for cattle. Some pulses are suitable as green-manure than 60 per cent of the total production.
crops like cow pea, horse gram and green gram . • Dominant Pulse: Gram is the most dominant pulse (40
per cent in the total production ) followed by
Challenges with Pulse Production in India: Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 per cent and Urad/Black
• Per Capita Availability: Per capita net availability of pulses Matpe and Moong at around 8-10 per cent each.
in India, has reduced from 51.1 gm/day (1971) to 41.9 • States Ranking: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five
gm/day (2013) as against WHO recommendation of pulses producing States.
80gm/day. • Major Export Destinations (2022-23): Bangladesh,
• Ineffectiveness of MSP: Actual procurement of pulses by China, UAE, U.S.A and Nepal.
Nafed has been minimal in the last couple of years as mandi
prices are ruling far above MSP.
• Inefficient Policy: The absence of efficient marketing arrangement and production constraints along with open
import policy has led to a huge gap between demand and supply. There is a deficit of about 17 lakh tonnes in
Indian demand and supply
• Lack of Assured Irrigation: Between 1966-67 and 2012-13, the area under irrigation increased from 38% to 59%
for rice and 48% to 93% for wheat as against 9 %to 16% for pulses. Around 84% area under pulses is rain-fed
with soils relatively of low fertility
• Climate Change: Climate drought and heat stress influence 50% reduction in seed yields particularly in arid and
semi-arid regions of the country.
• Poor Drainage System: poor drainage leading to waterlogging during the rainy season in States of UP, Bihar, West
Bengal, Chhattisgarh, MP and Jharkhand causes substantial yield losses in pigeon-pea in particular
• Pests and Diseases: Pulses being rich in nitrogen and phosphorus content are victims of insects, pests and diseases
which severely reduce the productivity of chickpea, pigeon pea and lentil.
• Lack of Institutional Credit: Inability of small, marginal and tenant farmers to access institutional credit leads to
poor usage of high-yielding varieties seeds, phosphatic fertilizers and improved technology.

Way Forward:
• Effective MSP: Governments need to ensure that the landed cost of imported pulses does not fall below MSPs.
Revision of MSP for pulses and effective procurement at the declared price
• Timely Availability of Inputs: Technological assistance along with linking institutional credit with on-time
availability of quality inputs and marketing services that guarantee expected yield.
• Enforcement of ECA: Ensuring year-round pulse availability in the open market through enforcement of essential
commodities Act (ECA) and need-based distribution through PDS or direct benefit transfer scheme.

44
• Reducing Import Dependency: The dependence on import of Q. What are the key challenges hindering pulse
pulses needs to be reduced gradually over time by stepping up production in India, and suggest strategies that can be
the domestic production of pulses. implemented to overcome these challenges and
• Buffer Stock: Building a need-based buffer stock with enhance pulse production in the country.
accountability for proper management incurring no wastage.
3.8 Digital Economy
Context:
The government is planning to hire an agency to measure the actual size of the digital economy which is estimated to be
around USD 1 trillion by 2025.
• The report will also look into state rankings and their share in the digital economy, along with the impact of e-
commerce and emerging technology on such an economy.
Various Reports on India’s Digital Economy:
Report Findings

• Identifies 30 digital themes, including IT infrastructure, software capabilities, and

healthcare and education sectors.

MeitY's 'India's Trillion

Dollar Digital
Opportunity'

• Estimates digital transformation to create USD 1 trillion economic value by 2025,

generating 60 to 65 million jobs.

• Sectors like agriculture, health, and education are expected to benefit with USD
390-500 billion from digitalization.

Joint report by Google, • India's internet economy projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030, registering six-
fold growth.
Temasek, and Bain &
Company
• Estimates India's internet economy to be USD 155-175 billion in 2022.

About Digital Economy:

• It is the worldwide network of economic activities, commercial transactions and professional interactions that are
enabled by information and communications technologies (ICT).
• It can be succinctly summed up as the economy based on digital technologies.

45
Advantages of Digital Economy
• Rise in E-commerce: Digitalization of commercial activities has made developing, buying, distributing, and services
easier, more competitive, and more profitable.
• Expanding Business Opportunities: Digitalization has opened up opportunities for small firms and businesses to
actively participate in international trade.
 Small Firms can engage in buying and selling goods and services globally.
 Example: Samarth Initiative by Flipkart .
• Transparency: It has reduced cash transactions, leading to increased transparency and a reduction in corruption. It
also allows for better tracking, auditing, and accountability.
• Extension of Various Services: Digital economy enables re-evaluation and expansion of services sector, both
domestically and globally.
 Facilitates extension of services like medical and educational services.
 Mobile apps like UMANG offer a single platform for various government services.
• Other Significant Impacts: Creation of jobs and increased productivity at the local level.
 Products in vernacular languages enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
 As per NASSCOM, projected requirement of manpower by the Indian IT industry by the year 2026 would be around
95 lakh.
Major Digital Initiatives in India:
Limitation of Digital Economy: • Digital Connectivity Initiatives:
• Digital Inequality: The digital divide remains a significant  BharatNet Project: Connecting all villages in India with
challenge, particularly in rural areas where access to high-speed broadband by 2023.
digital services is limited.  Centre for Excellence for Internet of Things (CoE-IT):
Creating domain capability and innovative applications.
• Cybercrime: Reliance on technology has led to a rise in
 Common Services Centres (CSCS): Delivery of public
cybercrime, including identity theft, fraud, and money utility services.
laundering, posing significant risks to individuals and  Cyber Swachhta Kendra: Detecting and securing
businesses. systems from botnet infections.
 Data Security: Large data collectors risk data • Digital Literacy and Identity Initiatives:
breaches and unauthorised access, which damages  Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) Program: Ensuring
digital literacy in households.
customer trust and privacy.
 Aadhar: Unique identity number for residents of India.
• Unemployment: Automation and technology
• Entrepreneurship and Business Initiatives:
advancements have resulted in job losses in certain  Startup India Program: Promoting entrepreneurship
sectors, leading to increased unemployment and the need and startup ecosystem.
for workforce adaptation.  DigiLocker: Digital wallet for citizens.
• Investments: Digitization requires substantial  Digitize India Platform: Digitizing scanned or physical
investments in technology infrastructure and resources, documents.
which can be challenging for small businesses with limited • Services and Accessibility Initiatives:
financial capabilities.  Accessible India Campaign and Mobile App: Ensuring
accessibility for people with disabilities.
• Monopoly: The digital economy has facilitated the  Agrimarket App: Providing crop price information to
emergence of dominant companies with significant farmers.
market power, creating monopolies and limiting  BHIM (Bharat Interface For Money): Enabling quick
competition in certain sectors. and easy payments using UPI.
• Potential Environmental Impact: It contributes to an • Security and Governance Initiatives:
increase in electronic waste and energy consumption,  Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems
(CCTNS): Nationwide tracking system for crime
resulting in a heavy carbon footprint and potential investigation.
environmental consequences.
Way Forward:
• Promote Financial Inclusion and Security: Leverage connectivity advancements, like the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan
Yojana, Aadhaar, Mobile), to improve financial inclusion and access to digital services.

46
• Focus on Cybersecurity: Prioritize cybersecurity and vigilance to ensure security in the digital economy and address
challenges in digital fund movement.
• Develop Digital Public Infrastructure and Skilled Workforce: Establish robust digital public infrastructure while
simultaneously investing in digital skilling initiatives.
 Strengthening educational institutions to produce digitally Q. How can the ‘Digital India’ programme help farmers
literate workers is necessary to fully leverage the advantages to improve farm productivity and income? What steps
has the Government taken in this regard? (2015)
of digital infrastructure.
• Strengthen Transaction Security: Implement effective
measures, such as One-Time Passwords (OTPs), to enhance transaction security and provide users with a verification
window.
3.9 Gig Economy in India
Context: Recently, Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023 was passed by
Rajasthan Assembly.
Highlight of Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023
• Defines Gig Worker: Person who performs work or participates in a work arrangement and earns from such
activities outside of the traditional employer-employee relationship and who works on a contract that results in
a given rate of payment, based on terms and conditions laid down in such contract and includes all piece-rate work.
• Registration and Unique ID: State will create a
database of registered workers and assign a unique
ID to each one.
• Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers Welfare
Board: It will have two members each from gig
workers and aggregators to be nominated by the
state government besides two civil servants.
• Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers Social
Security and Welfare Fund: For the benefit of
registered gig workers, welfare fees will be charged
from aggregators.
• Penalties on Aggregators: State government may
impose a fine which may extend up to Rs 5 lakh for
the first contravention and up to Rs 50 lakh for subsequent contraventions.
About Gig Economy:
• A gig economy is a labor market that relies on independent contractors and freelancers rather than full-time permanent
employees.
• Classification of Gig Economy:
 Platform-based: They use online apps or digital platforms to find and perform work, such as ride-hailing, food
delivery, e-commerce, online freelancing, etc.
 Non-platform-based gig workers: They work outside the traditional employer-employee relationship, such as
casual wage workers and own-account workers in sectors like construction, domestic work, agriculture, etc.
• Benefits of Gig Economy:
 For Workers: Gig economy can provide more flexibility, autonomy, income opportunities, skill development, and
inclusion.
 For Employers: It can enable access to a large and diverse pool of talent, lower fixed costs, higher scalability, and
better customer satisfaction.
 For Customers: It can offer more choice, convenience, quality, and affordability.
Gig Economy in India:
• Prospect: According to a report by NITI Aayog, the platform-based gig economy in India has grown rapidly in recent
years, driven by factors such as demographic dividend, urbanisation, digitalisation, and consumer demand.

47
• Platform Based: There are about 24 million platform-based gig workers in India as of 2020-21, accounting for
about 6.5% of the non-agricultural workforce or 4% of the total workforce in India.
 Patform-based gig economy in India can create up to 56 million new jobs by 2029-30, adding up to 1.3% to
India’s GDP in the
long run.
• Non-Platform Based:
According to Invest India,
there are about 120
million non-platform-
based gig workers in
India as of 2019-20,
accounting for about
32% of the non-
agricultural workforce or
20% of the total
workforce in India.
 Non-platform-based gig economy in
India can create up to 34 million new
jobs by 2029-30.
• Economic Contribution: In 2020,
ASSOCHAM projected that India’s gig
economy would rise at a compound
annual growth rate of 17% to $455
billion by 2023.
Need of Gig Economy in India:
• Employment Opportunity: According to a
report by Nasscom, the gig economy is
expected to contribute around 1.25% to
India's GDP by 2025, with the potential
to create 90 million jobs.
• Catering Demand of Low Skilled: At
present, about 47 per cent of the gig
work is in medium-skilled jobs, about 22 per cent in high skilled, and about 31 per cent in low-skilled jobs.
• Young Demographic Dividend: Youth participation in the Gig economy has seen an 8-fold increase between
2019-2022.
Steps Taken to Promote Gig Economy in India:
 Reason: Flexibility and work-life
• Central Legislation: Code on Wages, 2019, a universal minimum wage
balance. and floor wage should be provided to all organized and unorganized
• Female Labour Force: Female gig sectors, including gig workers.
workers benefit from the income-  Code on Social Security, 2020, the gig workers are provided with
generating potential, choice and the recognition as a new occupational category.
flexible work modalities of the gig  Dedicated Social Security Fund to extend Social Security benefits to gig
economy. workers.
 Women’s participation in the gig • State Government Initiatives: Karnataka government has announced
for gig workers an accident and life insurance cover of Rs 4 lakh for
economy has increased from 18% to which it will entirely bear the cost of the annual premium.
36%.
• Catering to Retired Persons: Due to the flexibility that contract work offers, many people after retirement start
working for themselves.
• Technological Disruption: Tech advancements in AI, robotics, and data analytics have improved the productivity and
living standards of gig workers in the gig economy.

48
• Last-mile delivery has been revolutionized to be accessible, affordable, and efficient. Telecom made work dynamic,
enabling collaboration anywhere.
• Start-Up Culture: Gig workers are a cost-effective alternative to traditional employees, as they can be hired on a
project-by-project basis without the need for benefits or compensation.
• Pillar of Strength: The gig economy has shown resilience and potential during Covid-19 by creating millions of jobs
and maintaining community connections.
Concern Associated with Gig Economy:
• Increase in Voluntary Unemployment: It has led to an increase in voluntary unemployment as some workers prefer
the flexibility and autonomy of gig work over traditional employment.
• Job insecurity: Gig workers in India often lack job security, as they are typically engaged on a project or
assignment basis, and fluctuations in income.
• Lack of Oormalization: Many gig workers in India operate in the informal sector, which can limit their ability to access
credit, Social Security benefit, and other resources.
• Unequal Bargaining Power: Workers on digital platforms may struggle to negotiate fair compensation and
working conditions due to a lack of bargaining power, especially when competing against a large pool of other
workers.
• Training and Upskilling: Many gig workers lack the necessary skills to perform their work effectively. Gig workers
often have limited opportunities for upskilling and career advancement.
• Social Stigma: Gig work is still viewed by some in India as a temporary or low-paying option, which can result in social
stigma and lack of recognition for the work done by gig workers.
Way Forward:
• Skill Development: Platform-led upskilling initiatives are essential for enabling workers in the informal sector, such
as driving or masonry, to take up jobs in the gig sector.
• Adequate Protection: Although gig workers get minimum wages, they need certain legal protection, policies, and
opportunities like other employees protected under labour laws.
 This can protect the rights of gig workers and help curb labour disputes.
• Addressing Gender Bias: Incentivise more women to take up the role, enabling platforms to expand markets and
attract more women customers.
 Adopt gender-inclusive language to normalize participation of women platform gig-workers enabling platforms to
expand markets and attract more women customers.
• NITI Aayog recommended five-pronged RAISE approach to ensure realization of full access to social security for all
gig and platform workers:
 Recognise the varied nature of platform work to design equitable schemes.
 Allow augmentation of social security through innovative financing mechanisms.
 Incorporate, while designing schemes, the specific interests of platforms, factoring the impact on job creation,
platform businesses and workers.
 Support workers to subscribe to government schemes and welfare
Q. What are the challenges that the Gig Economy
programmes through widespread awareness campaigns.
faces in India, and what steps can be taken to
 Ensure benefits are readily accessible to workers. ensure its sustainable growth?
• Incentivising ‘Platformization’ i.e., give impetus for platform
businesses by starting a program called ‘Platform India’ along the lines of the government’s earlier Start Up India
initiative.

49
3.10 Food Processing Industry in India
Context:
The evaluation studies carried out for relevant component schemes of Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana
(PMKSY) has revealed that substantial direct/indirect employment opportunities have been created in projects
supported through its relevant component schemes.
About PMKSY:
• PMKSY is a comprehensive package of component
schemes, which is aimed at creation of modern
infrastructure with efficient supply chain
management from farm gate to retail outlet.
Food Processing Industry:
• The Food Processing Industry is a sunrise industry
providing vital linkages between the manufacturing
and agriculture pillars of the economy.
• Reducing perishability and increasing shelf life: It
is responsible for converting raw ingredients or
agricultural products into edible food items
suitable for human consumption. It plays a vital
role in processing and preserving perishable
materials, resulting in packaged food products
with an extended shelf life, making them convenient for distribution and consumption.
Key Drivers:
• Surplus Raw Material: High level of agricultural production - large livestock base, wide variety of crops, inland
water bodies and a long coastline, that help increase marine production
• Strong Domestic Demand: Changing lifestyle and food habits due to increased disposable income. By 2030, Indian
annual household consumption is expected to triple, making India the fifth-largest consumer in the world.
• Export Opportunities: Indian processed food is in demand abroad. Changes in foreign consumer tastes and huge
demand from Indian expatriates.
 The government estimates that Indian processed food and related exports reached US$16.2 billion in 2011-16,
growing 11.74 percent CAGR.
• Availability of Cheap Workforce: It can be effectively utilized to set-up a low production base for the domestic and
export market. Production costs in India are lower by about 40 percent in comparison to most developed and
developing countries
Significance of Food Processing Industry:
• Reducing Food Wastage: The food processing industry can play a vital role in reducing food wastage and improving
food security.
• Feeding the Population: By investing in advanced processing and preservation techniques, the industry can help
minimize post-harvest losses and ensure a steady supply of food throughout the year.
• Employment Opportunities: A parliamentary report from 2022 highlighted that the FPI accounted for 12.38% of the
jobs generated in the Registered Factory sector in 2017-18. This sector is expected to generate 9 million jobs by 2024.
• Entrepreneurship: With proper training and skill development programs, individuals can be empowered to become
entrepreneurs, contributing to local economic development as well as addressing the issue of rural-urban migration.
• Growth Acceleration:The Indian food industry is expanding at a CAGR of 11% and the food processing sector accounts
for 32% of the total food industry.
Challenges of Food Processing Industry in India:
• Supply-side Issues:
 Dispersed Market and poor supply chain linkages: Fragmented holdings, low farm productivity, high seasonality,
perishability and intermediation result in dispersed marketable surplus impeding processing and exports.
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  Around 40% of the food produced in India is wasted every year due to fragmented food and inefficacious supply
chain system.
• Demand Side Issues: There is negative perception on consumers regarding the nutritional value of the ready to eat
food affecting overall demand and sales in India.
• Infrastructural Issues:
 Lack of skilled manpower: The FPI has a large unorganized segment, who lack access to modern technology, formal
training, and organized market channels.
 Inadequate Logistics: Reliance on traditional modes of transport, inadequate primary processing, storage and
distribution facilities results in the loss of more than 30 percent
of the produce from the farm.
 Low brand value and strength: Indian brands have little to no
strength in the foreign markets with only Indian-origin people
being able to recognise the Indian food brands and products.
• Deficiencies in the Regulatory Environment: The multiplicity of
legislation leads to contradictions in specifications, conflicting
approach, lack of co-ordination and administrative delays.
Government Initiatives:
• FDI Policy: 100 % FDI permitted for food processing.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna (PMKSY): It creates
modern infrastructure for food processing and preservation,
improves access to finance for food processing SMEs, and provides
training and technical assistance to these enterprises.
• PM Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme: The scheme provides monetary help of
two lakhs through credit linked subsidy.
• Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI): The objective of the scheme is to
support the creation of global food manufacturing champions; promote Indian brands of food products.
Way Forward:
• Policy initiatives to plug supply side and infrastructure bottlenecks:
 Backward Linkages: Fixing the broken supply chain by directly linking the farmers with food processing companies
– by connecting demand with supply.
 Private Sector Participation: Private players can help by investing in logistics and storage facilities, financing the
activities needed to create and boost the brand value and strength of Indian food products in the export markets.
 Technology Upgradation: Technology upgradation of existing facilities and investment in development of ancillary
industries like research and development, packaging, food processing equipment manufacturing by extending fiscal
incentives to investors.
 Institutional Credit: Enable better access to credit to facilitate the high cost technology adoption and scale
enhancement.
 Awareness and Capacity Building: Raising awareness about new techniques and spreading efficient farming
knowledge amongst the smallholder farmers (SHFs) for limiting crop damage and stopping the overuse of chemicals
in the fields.
• Streamlining the Regulatory Structure:
 Single Window Clearance: Remove impediments of multiple departments and laws in seeking approvals by
bringing them under a single window.
 Human Resource Development-to Meet Increasing Demand for Q. Although the food processing industry in India
Skilled Manpower: has experienced steady growth, there is still
 Professional cCging, processing, information technology in significant untapped potential to be realized.
agriculture and such allied fields. Examine. (250 words)

51
  Joint Collaboration: Collaboration between the government and the industry is necessary to support the industry’s
growth, benefiting not only the sector itself but also the agriculture industry and the overall economy.

3.11 Semiconductor Manufacturing in India

Context: Recently, Foxconn Technology Group withdrew its support from its joint venture with Vedanta, Ltd. to
establish a semiconductor manufacturing plant in Gujarat.
About the News:
• Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, has decided to pull out of a joint venture with
Vedanta, an Indian conglomerate, to set up a semiconductor plant in India, due to the following factors:
 Vedanta's financial situation: Vedanta is facing a heavy debt burden and has been struggling to raise funds for the
project.
 Technology acquisition: The joint venture was supposed to acquire production-grade technology for 40 nm and 28
nm chips from a prominent integrated device manufacturer (IDM), but the talks were deadlocked and the
government was not satisfied with the level of involvement of the IDM.
 Government approval: Government had raised several questions on the cost estimates and feasibility of the project,
and had not given its final approval yet.
About Semiconductor:
• It is a material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator.
 In electronics, it controls the flow of electrical current in a device.
 Component of Semiconductor: Primarily silicon, germanium, gallium arsenide, etc.
• Usage: Utilized in electronic devices such as cars, smartphones, medical equipment, aircraft, and weapons.
• Production: The process is performed in highly specialized and clean facilities, called chip fabrication plants or
foundries or fabs.
 It involves multiple steps of photolithographic and chemical processing, such as deposition, removal,
patterning, and modification of electrical properties, on a wafer made of pure semiconducting material, usually
silicon.
India Semiconductor Market:
• According to India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA) report, India's Semiconductor Market is
expected to reach $64 billion by 2026, with significant demand from sectors like consumer electronics, telecom
and IT hardware.
 In 2019, the country’s semiconductor market was valued at $22.7 billion.

52
Advantages of Promoting Semiconductor
manufacturing in India: Various Initiatives to Promote Semiconductor Manufacturing in
• Boost Economy: The semiconductor industry can India
create job opportunities, increase exports, and • Modified Programme for development of Semiconductors
and Display manufacturing ecosystem: Central Government
attract foreign investment.
in 2021 announced a Rs 76,000-crore Programme for the
• Technological Advancement: It can help India development of a sustainable semiconductor and display
develop cutting-edge technologies in electronics, ecosystem.
data processing, automotive etc and enhance its  Incentive: Fiscal support at 50% of project cost, uniform
competitiveness in the global market. across all technology nodes, for setting up of a semiconductor
fabrication facility.
• Strategic Importance: The semiconductor industry
 It aims to provide attractive incentive support to
has strategic importance in various sectors such as companies / consortia that are engaged in Silicon
defense, space, and telecommunications. Semiconductor Fabs, Display Fabs, Compound
Promoting this industry can help India achieve self- Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics / Sensors (including
reliance in these critical areas. MEMS) Fabs, Semiconductor Packaging (ATMP / OSAT) and
Semiconductor Design.
• Addressing Digital Divide: It can play a crucial role
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): It is a specialized and
in bridging the digital divide in India by providing independent Business Division within the Digital India
affordable and accessible technology to the Corporation that aims to build a vibrant semiconductor and
masses. display ecosystem to enable India’s emergence as a global hub
• Opportunities India Provides: India offers a huge for electronics manufacturing and design.
consumer base for semiconductor products, • Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: To encourage
transition into value added research in chip designing in the
providing a strong demand driver for the industry. country.
 India’s talent pool can propel semiconductor • Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET): It
developments and encourage domestic chip is a framework agreed upon by India and the U.S. for
design skills by giving a significant emphasis on cooperation on critical and emerging technologies in areas
skill development and innovation. including artificial intelligence, quantum computing,
semiconductors and wireless telecommunication.
 Experience: Chipmaking firms such as Intel and
NVIDIA have large facilities in India that are working on design problems.
Challenges Faced in Semiconductor Manufacturing in India are:
• Lack of Skilled Workforce: According to a report by the Indian Semiconductor Association, India faces a shortage of
around 250,000 skilled workers in the semiconductor industry.
• Infrastructure: Manufacturing needs infrastructure like power, water, atmosphere, and equipment, which can be
costly to establish.
• Complex Regulatory Environment: Divergence between Central and State government rule and regulations that
can be difficult to navigate.
 Ex: Environmental clearances for semiconductor manufacturing can be complex.
• Capital Intensive Process: Due to its high risk, long gestation (usually five years) and payback times and large
capital expenditures, semiconductor manufacturing is a complex industry that requires massive and ongoing
investments.
• Competition: India's semiconductor industry faces tough competition from countries like China, Taiwan, and South
Korea, which already have well-established industries. In 2020, India's share of global semiconductor sales was just
0.3%, highlighting the intense competition.
 Ex: Through the CHIPS Act, the US government is providing incentives to set up semiconductor fabs that could
be operational in the next 3-4 years.
• Dependence on Imports: According to IESA, India imports around 80% of its semiconductor requirements.
• Geopolitics: Ongoing tensions surrounding the Taiwan Straits exposed India to geopolitical games.
 Taiwanese companies like TSMC have a commanding 60% market share for semiconductor manufacturing and a
90% market share for cutting-edge chips.
 Similarly, China imposed export controls on two critical rare elements—gallium and germanium—used in
semiconductor manufacturing.

53
Way Forward:
• Promote Atmanirbharta: The Indian government should address domestic gaps in nurturing a semiconductor
ecosystem to attract investors and technology providers.
 It should focus on assembly, packaging, and testing of semiconductors to develop the necessary expertise and
systems for chip manufacturing.
• Skill Development: There is a need for skill development and re-skilling a host of technicians, engineers, and
researchers in areas such as material science, system-on-chip (SoC), system modeling, electromagnetics, chip
designing etc.
• Strengthening Energy
Infrastructure: India needs a
robust energy infrastructure to
provide 24*7 reliable sources of
electricity.
• Building Strategic
Partnerships: India's
semiconductor industry will
hinge on its ability to navigate
geopolitical tensions and
ensure the supply of necessary
products like rare earth metals.
• India must form strategic
alliances with like minded
countries like the USA to make
production possible.
• Following ABCDE approach as shown in Infographic:
SHORT NEWS

3.12 Universal Basic Income 3.13 Global Competitiveness Index

Context:
Recently, the Rajasthan government tabled the
Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023,
which effectively seeks to cover the entire adult
population of the state with guaranteed wages.
About:
• Universal Basic Income: It is a social welfare
proposal in which all the beneficiaries regularly
receive a guaranteed income in the form of an
unconditional transfer payment.
• Coverage:The bill covers three categories: right to
minimum guaranteed income, right to
guaranteed employment, and right to guaranteed
social security pension.
• Guaranteed Work: All families of the state get
guaranteed employment of 125 days every year.
• Pension for weaker section: The aged, disabled,
widows, and single women get a minimum pension
of Rs 1,000 per month.The pension will be increased
at the rate of 15 percent each year.
Context:
India has ranked 40th on the latest world
competitiveness ranking released by the International
Institute for Management Development (IMD).
About Global Competitiveness Index:
• The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY),
first published in 1989, is a comprehensive annual
report that serves as a global reference point for a
country's competitiveness.
• Main Evaluation criteria consisting 334
competitiveness parameters
1. Economic Performance
2. Government Efficiency
3. Business Efficiency
4. Infrastructure
Global Rankings:
• Out of the 64 economies ranked in the annual report,
Denmark, Ireland and Switzerland claimed the top
three spots.

54
3.14 Geographical Indication Tag
Context:
Recently, the Geographical Indications Registry in
Chennai has given tags to seven different products from
Uttar Pradesh.
About Geographical Indication Tag:
• It is a sign used on products that have a specific
geographical origin and possess qualities or a
reputation that are due to that origin.
• Geographical Indications are covered as a
component of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)
under the Paris Convention for the Protection of
Industrial Property.
• Geographical indications are typically used for
agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit
drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
• The first product in India to be accorded with GI tag
was Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05.
The Seven Products are:
Amroha Dholak, Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip, Mainpuri
Tarkashi, Sambhal Horn Craft, Baghpat Home Furnishings,
Barabanki Handloom Product and Kalpi Handmade Paper.
3.15 TRAI Recommendation for AI
Context: Recently, Telecom Regulatory Authority of
India (TRAI) released a set of recommendations to
govern development of artificial intelligence (AI) across
sectors.
Important Highlight of Recommendations:
• Establish Artificial Intelligence and Data
Authority of India( AIDAI), an independent
statutory authority, that will act both as a regulator
and recommendatory body and play an advisory role
for all AI-related domains.
• Categorizing AI systems: Based on their risks and
regulating them according to principles of
responsible AI.
• Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeiTy) should be the administrative
ministry for AI.
About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
• It was established in 1997 by the Telecom
Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
• Function of TRAI
 To provide a fair and transparent policy
environment which promotes a level playing field
and facilitates fair competition.
• It regulates telecom services including
fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which
were earlier vested in the Central Government
55
3.16 Distributed Renewable Energy
Context: Recently, India's G20 Presidency held its final
Energy Transitions Working Group meeting, which
focused on the use of Decentralized Renewable Energy
(DRE) to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 -
providing affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern
energy for all.
What is Distributed Energy?
• Definition: It refers to the generation of power from
clean sources like solar and wind energy within a
specific area without being connected to the
traditional power grid.
• Localized power supply: Unlike grid-scale solar and
wind energy, which are connected to the inter-state
power transmission system, distributed energy
solutions offer a localized power supply.
 The generated power is consumed locally,
reducing the reliance on traditional fossil fuel-
based electricity and minimizing transmission
losses.
3.17 Price Stabilization Fund
Context:
The Government has initiated the procurement of
tomatoes under the Price Stabilization Fund to address
the increase in tomato prices.
About Price Stabilization Fund (PSF):
• Establishment: It was established during the 2014-
15 period under the Department of Agriculture,
Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW).
 It was transferred from DAC&FW to the
Department of Consumer Affairs (DOCA) on 1st
April 2016.
• Purpose: To regulate the price volatility of important
agri-horticultural commodities like onions,
potatoes, and pulses.
• Fund is utilised for advancement of interest-free loans to State Governments/Union Territories (UTs) and
Central Agencies to finance their working capital and other expenses, which they may incur in the procurement and
distribution of such commodities.
• Fund is centrally managed by a Price Stabilisation Fund Management Committee (PSFMC).
• Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) maintains the PSF as a central corpus fund.
Tomato Crisis:
• The Reserve Bank of India has highlighted the volatility of tomato prices.
Tomato Production in India
• Geographical Concentration: Major tomato-producing states include Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and
Gujarat, accounting for 50% of total production.
• Seasonal Crops: Kharif crop from September, rabi crop from March to August. Some regions grow tomatoes during monsoon (e.g.,
Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh's Solan), while Andhra Pradesh's Madanapalle region dominates summer production.
• Production Trends: Peaked at 21.187 MT in 2019-20, declining since - 20.69 MT in 2021-22, 20.62 MT in 2022-23.
The rise in tomato prices in India is fueled by several factors:
• Extreme Weather Conditions: Heatwaves and high temperatures in April and May, along with delayed monsoon showers in southern
India and Maharashtra, resulted in pest attacks on tomato crops.
• Low Commercial Realization: Farmers faced low commercial realization of the crop in the months leading up to June and even in the
previous year. As a result, many farmers sold their crops at reduced prices or abandoned their tomato cultivation altogether.
• Crunch in Supply: Due to the combination of extreme weather conditions and low prices, many farmers sold whatever crop they had at
lower rates, leading to a shortage in tomato supply.

DATA POINTS
3.18 Trends In WPI Inflation different stages before it reaches the retailer. The
Context: WPI is calculated only for goods.
India’s wholesale prices remained in deflationary • WPI Data: The WPI is published by the Office of
state for the third successive month in June, with the Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of
rate of price contraction increasing to -4.12% from Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the
-3.48% in May. Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Base Year: 2011-12

3.19 Exports Dip in the first quarter of

• This represents the sharpest contraction in
wholesale prices in approximately eight years.
Wholesale Price Index:
• Definition: It is an indicator that determines the
average changes in the price of goods that are sold
in bulk in a wholesale market. This index is useful in
calculating the change in commodity prices at
the year
Context:
• The merchandise exports shrank by 15.1 % in the
first quarter of the current financial year. This is
against the backdrop of a record feat of $450
billion of merchandise exports in the year 2022-
23.
• Trends for the last three months: In April and
May, exports of goods slowed by 12.6% and
10.2%, respectively. However, with a 22% drop
in June, they fell the most in 37 months. Last
month's total exports of $32.7 billion were the
lowest since October 2022.
3.20 Six Years of the Goods and Services
Tax
Context: India's most transformative tax reforms since
Independence in the form of Goods and Services Tax
(GST) completes six years in July this year.

56
 • Levy On: It is levied on the value addition and
provides set offs.
 Avoid Cascading Effect: As a result, it avoids the
cascading effect or tax on tax which increases the
tax burden on the end consumer.
• Collected On: It is collected on goods and services at
each point of sale in the supply line.
• 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016:
 This Amendment Act allows both the center and
states to assess excise duty, Octroi tax, customs
duty, service tax, entry tax, entertainment tax, etc.,
all substituted by the GST, making it a single
GST collection data over six years: indirect tax.
• GST Council:
Year Monthly Average (in Crore)
 By Article 279A of the Indian Constitution, the
GST Council to be formed by the President to
2017 ₹89,885 administer and govern GST.
• Composition:
2022 ₹1.5 lakh crore
 Chairman is Union Finance Minister of India with
ministers nominated by the state governments as
April 2023 ₹1.87 lakh crore
its members.
Taxpayers base for GST:  Voting Power: The council is devised in such a way
that the center will have 1/3rd voting power and
Year Taxpayer Base (in lakhs) the states have 2/3rd.
2017 63.9  The decisions are taken by a majority of 3/4th
Current 140.0 members.

About Goods and Services Tax (GST):

• Consumption Tax: GST is essentially a consumption
tax and is levied at the final consumption point.
• Destination Principle: The principle used in GST
taxation is the Destination Principle.

SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

SEBI Complaints Redress A total of 3,079 complaints against companies and market intermediaries have
System (Scores) Platform been disposed of through Sebi's SCORES platform.
About SCORES Platform:
• It is a web based centralised grievance redress system of SEBI that was launched
in June 2011.
• SCORES enables investors to lodge and follow up their complaints and track the
status of redressal of such complaints online from the above website from
anywhere.
About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): Established in April
1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers in January 1992
through the SEBI Act, 1992.

Gift Nifty The SGX Nifty is rebranded as GIFT NIFTY and all the derivative contracts worth
$7.5 billion, earlier traded in Singapore, shifted to India.

57
 About GIFT NIFTY:
• SGX Nifty is a derivative contract based on Nifty 50 Index traded on Singapore
Stock Exchange.
• Nifty or Nifty50 is a index comprising the top 50 listed Indian companies that
trade on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
• Significance: It will help Indian markets to increase their reach among global
investors, especially those who are not directly engaged with Indian capital
markets.

International Financial Recently, K Rajaraman has been appointed as the next chairman of the IFSCA.
Services Centres Authority About IFSCA
(IFSCA) • It is a statutory authority established under the International Financial
Services Centres Authority Act, 2019.
• Mandate: To develop and regulate the financial products, financial services, and
financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centres (‘IFSC’).
 To act as a unified regulator with a holistic vision in order to promote ease of
doing business in International Financial Services Centres and provide a world
class regulatory environment.

Tier 2 Bonds IDFC First Bank said it had raised ₹1,500 crore of Tier2 bonds in the domestic
bond market.
About Tier-2 Bonds:
• Tier-2 bonds are a type of debt instrument, issued by banks to raise capital for
their operations.
• They form a part of the bank‘s Tier-2 capital and are subordinate to Tier-1 capital.
• Banks are allowed to issue even foreign currency Tier-2 bonds on a case-by-case
basis after taking the approval of the RBI.
• Benefits of Tier-2 bonds: It offer greater flexibility to banks in terms of raising
capital as they can be issued and redeemed as and when required by the bank.

Greedflation There is a growing consensus across the world that corporate greed is spiking
inflation even as workers get doubly penalised by low wage increases and higher
interest rates.
About Greedflation:
• It simply means corporate greed is fuelling inflation.
• It reflects the situation in which prices are going up not because workers are
getting higher wages but because the companies — are making more profit.
• It happens when a crisis like pandemic or disaster turns into an opportunity
for businesses to make what are called supernormal profits.

Unified Logistics Interface The Prime Minister appreciated the role of ULIP in transforming India’s logistics
Platform (ULIP) sector.
About ULIP:
• It is an API based platform for data exchange between the stakeholders for
enabling innovative approaches in improving India’s Logistics sector.
• It was launched in 2022 as a part of the National Logistics Policy (NLP).
• It will provide real-time monitoring of cargo movement and enhance efficiency
and reducing the cost of logistics in India.

58
 • ULIP brings all the digital data related to the transportation sector into a single
portal.

Steel Slag Road Technology The Minister of State for Steel & Rural Development highlighted the significance
of the Steel Slag Road technology in achieving the 'Waste to Wealth' mission.
About Steel Slag:
• Steel slag is a byproduct generated during the steelmaking process. It is a solid
waste material that accumulates around steel plants in large quantities.
• Steel Slag Road Technology: It is developed by the Central Road Research
Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Steel and major steel manufacturing
companies.
 It enables the large-scale reuse of waste steel slag, effectively disposing of about
19 million tonnes generated in the country.

Standing Committee on The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has
Statistics (SCoS) replaced the Standing Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES) with a Standing
Committee on Statistics (SCoS).
About Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS):
• Reviewing Surveys: The SCoS is tasked with reviewing the framework and
results of all surveys conducted under the National Statistical Office (NSO).
• Data Gap Identification: The SCoS is responsible for identifying data gaps in
official statistics. It will pinpoint areas where data is lacking and devise strategies
to address these gaps.
• Exploring Administrative Statistics: The committee is mandated to explore the
use of administrative statistics to improve data outcomes.
• Advisory Role: It will provide technical advice to the Ministry on various aspects
of surveys, including sampling frame, design, survey methodology, and
finalization of results.

Champions 2.0 Portal The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) launched the
Champions 2.0 Portal on 27 June, the International MSME Day.
About Champions 2.0 Portal:
• Aim: To provide support to MSMEs in user-friendly manner, as it will be
available in 11 languages, including Hindi, Assamese, Gujarati, Bengali, and
Kannada.
• Goal: Address challenges faced by MSMEs in managing their cluster projects
efficiently.
• Geo tagging through the mobile application will enable real-time monitoring,
tracking, and evaluation of projects, ensuring transparency and effective resource
utilization.

NANDI Portal Recently, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
launched the NANDI (NOC Approval for New Drug and Inoculation System) portal.
About Nandi Portal:
• Developed by: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying through CDAC in
coordination with Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
• Objective: To facilitate the regulatory approval process with transparency to
assess and examine veterinary product proposals

59
Geocoding Recently, GSTN has made geocoding functionality live for all states and union
territories to address concerns about fake registrations and fraudulent input tax
credit under GST.
About Geocoding:
• Geocoding is a process that converts an address or description of a location into
geographic coordinates.
• Purpose: To ensure the accuracy of address details in GSTN records and streamline
the address location and verification process.
Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN):
• It is a non-profit company registered under Section 8 of the Companies act, 2013.
• It is an IT Initiative that provides an Indirect Taxation platform for GST to help
taxpayers in India to prepare, file returns, make payments of indirect tax liabilities
and do other compliances.

UTPRERAK Recently, Ministry of Power has set up a dedicated Centre of Excellence to

accelerate industry adoption of clean technologies.
About UTPRERAK (Unnat Takniki Pradarshan Kendra):
• The Centre is also named as Advanced Industrial Technology Demonstration
Centre (AITDC).
• Set up by: Bureau of Energy efficiency (BEE) at New Delhi.
• Mandate: To act as an exhibition cum information centre and knowledge
repository to diffuse best practices among industry professionals.
 To be the leading institution for industrial energy-efficient technologies.

GeM PORTAL Coal Ministry bags “Best Engagement” Award for Procurement through GeM
Portal.
About GeM Portal:
• GeM is a one-stop National Public Procurement Portal to make it easier for
various Central and State Government Departments, Organisations, and Public
Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to purchase common goods and services online.
• Launched: It was launched in 2016 to increase efficiency and transparency in
the procurement process for the government.
• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Compulsory procurement: For the goods and services offered on GeM,
procurement by Ministries and Central Public Enterprise.

Just Energy Transition Context: Senegal has become the fourth country after South Africa, Indonesia and
Partnership(JET-P) Vietnam to sign the JET-P deal.
Just Energy Transition Partnership:
• Launch: It was launched in 2021 at the UNFCCC COP26 held at Glasgow, UK.
• Aim: To bridge the gap between developed and developing nations in moving
towards clean energy.
 To reduce emissions in the energy sector and accelerate the coal phase-out.

60
INDEX/REPORT IN NEWS:

Export Preparedness Recently, the NITI Aayog released the third edition of the report titled ‘Export
Index (EPI) 2022 Preparedness Index (EPI) 2022’ for States/UTs.
About Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2022:
• It measures the export preparedness of the States and UTs in India.
• Aim: To undertake a comprehensive analysis of States and UTs across export-
related parameters in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
 To highlight the achievements of states/UTs and encourage peer learning among the
states/UTs to uphold the spirit of competitive federalism.

Energy Transition The World Economic Forum ranked India at 67th place globally on its Energy
Index Transition Index.
About Energy Transition Index:
• Published by: The World Economic Forum in collaboration with Accenture.
Global Rankings and Observations:
• Top 5 Countries on the List of 120 Countries: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland,
Switzerland

Farmers’ Distress In 2022, the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), initiated the
Index development of an early warning system known as the "Farmer's Distress
Index." About Farmers’ Distress Index:
• Aim: To minimize the agrarian distress in the form of crop loss / failure and income
shock.
• The Index will have values from 0-1 for distress.
• A value between 0-0.5 will indicate ‘low distress’, 0.5-0.7 will indicate ‘moderate’
distress and above 0.7 will indicate ‘severe’ distress.
About CRIDA:
• It is an institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Mandate: Carrying out research for improvement of rainfed areas through resource
management.
• HQ: Hyderabad

World Investment Recently, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Report 2023 published its World Investment Report 2023.
Key Findings of the World Investment Report 2023 about India:
• India was the third largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in greenfield
projects in the world in 2022.
• The FDI flows into India rose 10 percent from $44.7 billion in 2021 to $49.3 billion in
2022. This is lower only than the FDI flows into the US and the UK.
• India was the second-largest recipient of international project finance in the world
in 2022.
About UNCTAD:
• It is a permanent intergovernmental body established by UNGA in 1964.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Objective: To support developing countries in accessing the benefits of a globalized
economy in a fair and effective manner.

61
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4. ENVIRONMENT AND GEOGRAPHY
4.1 Climate Financing
Context:
The Summit for a New Global Financing Pact,
hosted by France made progress in addressing the
contentious issue of climate financing, but several
important issues remain unresolved.
About the Summit:
• The Summit was co-organised by France,
Barbados and India.
• The objective of the Summit was to set the
foundations for a new global financing
architecture beyond the Bretton Woods system
to simultaneously address climate change,
biodiversity and development challenges and
help all countries achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals.
What is Climate Financing?
• The United Nations has defined climate finance as the Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective
local, national or transnational financing drawn Capabilities (CBDR–RC):
from public, private and alternative sources of • CBDR–RC is a principle within the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
financing that seeks to support mitigation and
that acknowledges the different capabilities and differing
adaptation actions that will address climate responsibilities of individual countries in addressing climate
change. change.
• Helping in Adaptation: It also helps communities to • The principle of CBDR–RC is enshrined in the 1992 UNFCCC
adapt to the impacts of climate change by offering treaty, which was ratified by all participating countries
simple solutions. For example, resilient seeds can
help farmers continue growing food even during
droughts.
Climate Financing Mechanism:
• To facilitate the provision of climate finance, the UNFCCC
established a financial mechanism to provide financial
resources to developing country Parties. The financial
mechanism also serves the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris
Agreement.
• Global Environment facility: It has served as an operating
entity of the financial mechanism since the Convention’s
entry into force in 1994.
• Green Climate Fund: At COP 16, in 2010, Parties established
the GCF and in 2011 also designated it as an operating entity
of the financial mechanism.
• Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF): It was established
under the Convention in 2001 to finance projects relating
to: adaptation; technology transfer and capacity
building; energy, transport, industry, agriculture,
forestry and waste management; and economic
diversification.

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 • Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF): It was established to support a work programme to assist Least
Developed Country Parties carry out the preparation and implementation of national adaptation programmes
of action (NAPAs).
• Adaptation Fund: The Adaptation Fund was established in 2001 to provide funding for practical adaptation
initiatives in developing nations that are signatories to the Kyoto Protocol and are particularly susceptible to
the negative effects of climate change.
Challenges associated with Climate Financing: Climate financing policies/Initiatives by India:
• Non-fulfillment of Commitments by Developed NAFCC: It is a Central Sector Scheme set up to support
Nations: Rich countries did not meet the annual $100 concrete adaptation activities which mitigate the adverse
effects of climate change.
billion commitment they made at the 2009
• National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF): It was created to
Copenhagen Summit under Green Climate Fund. invest in entrepreneurial ventures and research in the
• Non-Concessional Loans: A large share of climate finance field of clean energy technologies.
continues to be predominantly delivered as loans, a large • Compensatory Afforestation(CAMPA) Fund: These
share of which has been non-concessional. are utilised for compensating the loss of forest land and
ecosystem services by raising of compensatory
• Skewed Money Allocation: As per a report from the afforestation andimproving quality of forests.
Centre from science and environment, the money for • First sovereign green bond: India issued the first
climate projects is heavily concentrated in North tranche of its first sovereign green bond worth INR 80
America, Western EU and East Asia (predominantly billion.
China). • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, or
• Gap Between Funding and Requirements: Growing CDRI: It implements intergovernmental climate resilient
infrastructure programmes.
distance between expectations and
commitment.According to a report by KPMG, Climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives will require 3–6% of global
GDP by 2050 but climate financing supply is below 1% of global GDP.
• Overstatement of Financing: Oxfam Climate Finance Shadow Report 2023 shows that donors claimed $83.3 billion
in 2020, but their spending was at most $24.5 billion. The $83.3 billion estimate is inflated because it includes
projects with overstated climate objectives or loans at face value.
• Double Challenge of Development and Climate Financing: Developing countries face the double challenge of
simultaneously investing in development and in climate mitigation and adaptation, while addressing the costs of
loss and damage.
• Lack of Support for LDCs and SIDS: Despite their extreme vulnerability to climate impacts, the world’s poorest
countries, particularly the least developed countries (LDC) and small island developing states (SIDS) are not
receiving enough support. Instead, they are being driven deeper into debt.

Way Forward:
• Fulfilling the Promise: The goal under GCF to raise US$100 billion annually by 2020 to fund climate action in low-
and middle-income countries is long overdue. It is imperative to act on the long standing promise.
• Utilization of G20 Platform: With Brazil and South Africa to assume the G20 presidency after India, the global south
is rising at the world stage, and G20 will be a critical platform to mobilise finances, technical expertise and human
resource for the loss and damage fund.
• Framework for Assessing Loss And Damage: India must prioritise creating a framework for assessing loss and
damage as a part of its national and sub-national action plans on climate change and disaster risk reduction.
 Social protection schemes like MGNREGA that are creating climate-resilient infrastructure at the grassroots,
and weather index-based crop insurance to protect farmers demonstrate how minimizing loss and damage can
become a part of public welfare programmes.
• Scaling up grant based financing: There is equally an urgent need for more grant-based financing for climate action,
and less momentum toward loaning the money they have all promised to give.
• Climate Responsive development Banks: It is time to make climate change a key parameter of multilateral
development banks and enhance their investment in low carbon projects.

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• Urgent debt relief: A longer-term goal should be to establish a multilateral debt workout process that can help
countries break the vicious cycle of worsening debt and climate crises.
• Mobilizing private finance towards climate goals: Private capital
Q. Discuss the various challenges faced towards
financing fills global sustainable financing gaps, especially in emerging
climate financing. Suggest the Way Forward: to
markets and developing economies where governments are achieve atma nirbharta/ self reliance in climate
constrained by capacity. finance.
• Climate proofing investments: Climate proofing investments for
coastal areas through mangrove restoration, lowlands affected by floods and for rain-fed regions is another
priority for developing nations.
4.2 Disaster Risk Reduction
Context:
Recently, the Global Assessment Report on
Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) was released by the
UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

About Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR):

• It is the concept and practice of reducing
disaster risks through systematic efforts to
analyse and reduce the causal factors of disasters.
• DRR is aimed at preventing the creation of
disaster risk, the reduction of existing risk and
the strengthening of economic, social, health and
environmental resilience.
 Examples of DRR: Reducing exposure to
hazards, lessening vulnerability of people and
property, wise management of land and the
environment, and improving preparedness and
early warning for adverse events.
Highlight of Report:
• Increasing Tendency: According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global warming
reaching 1.5 degrees Celsius in the near-term will cause unavoidable increases in multiple climate hazards and
present multiple risks to ecosystems and humans.
• Weak Support: Despite pledges to increase resilience, combat climate change, and forge paths towards sustainable
development, present societal, political, and economic decisions are having the opposite effect.
 This jeopardizes not only the achievement of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030,
but also hinders progress towards the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• World at Risk: Human choices and demographic trends increase the likelihood that disaster can spread and impact
all continents rapidly.
 Exposure to underlying risk factors, such as high levels of air pollution, unsafe housing or limited access to
health services, were found to significantly affect fatality rates.
• Systemic Risk: Systemic impacts of disaster derailes SDG achievements across all indicators.
 Example: Economic and social costs of the pandemic in 2020, measured in life years lost, far outweighed the
average annual costs of other disasters, and the summed cost of all epidemics from 2000 to 2019.
• Disaster and Poverty: An additional 37.6 million people are estimated to be living in conditions of extreme
poverty due to the impacts of climate change and disasters by 2030.
o According to the UN, a “worst case” scenario of climate change and disasters will push an additional 100.7
million into poverty by 2030.

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• Economic Cost of Disaster: About UN Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR):
Annual direct economic • It is the flagship report of the United Nations on worldwide efforts to reduce disaster risk.
loss from disasters has • The GAR is published by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
more than doubled over the • UNDRR It is the United Nations system's focal point for disaster risk reduction and the
past three decades. custodian of the Sendai Framework, supporting countries and societies in its
implementation, monitoring and review of progress.
 It increased to over $170 Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030:
billion in the 2010s from • It focuses on the adoption of measures that address all dimensions of disaster risk –
an average of around $70 hazard, exposure, vulnerability and coping capacity – to prevent the creation of new risk,
reduce existing risk and increase resilience.
billion in the 1990s.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
• Low Insurance Cover: Just • It sets out 17 SDGs and provides a comprehensive global policy framework towards
40% of all disaster-related ending all forms of poverty, hunger, inequalities among and within countries and tackling
losses were insured between environmental degradation and climate change, while ensuring “no one is left behind”.
1980 and 2018. • The SDGs incorporate multiple Sendai Framework targets as well as climate change and
sustainability targets.
• Impact on Vulnerable: Paris Agreement:
Cascading health and • It steers action towards global climate change adaptation and the mitigation goal of
economic impacts of limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and preferably to 1.5°C.
Disaster have been worse India’s Effort: National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR), 2013:
for poorer and • It aims to bring together the whole range of India’s disaster risk community from
Government, Parliamentarians, Mayors, Media, International Organizations, NGOs, local
marginalized community representatives, scientific and academic institutions and corporate businesses
communities, women etc.
exposed to violence and • It will help in sharing of experiences, views and ideas, present findings of research and
small economies dependent action and explore opportunities for mutual cooperation in the field of Disaster Risk
Reduction.
on tourism.
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI):
• Myopic Thinking: Despite • It was launched by Indian Prime Minister during the United Nations Climate Action
warnings, preparedness Summit in September, 2019, at New York with the support UNDRR.
remains inadequate and • It is a multi-stakeholder global partnership of national governments, UN agencies and
governance systems across programmes, multilateral development banks , the private sector, and academic institutions.
the world struggle to pivot • Aim: To promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks,
thereby ensuring sustainable development.
to a new reality.
• Current Membership: 31 Countries, 06 International Organizations and 02 private sector
Recommendations from organizations have become members of CDRI.
Report:
• Shifting Perception about Risk: Hazards
highlights the need to recognize that planetary
and human systems are interdependent, and
that risk knowledge systems need to become more
flexible and open to different world-views,
including indigenous and traditional
perspectives.
• Reconfigure governance to work across silos and
design in consultation with affected people.
 Create common terminologies and provide
open access data across disciplines to create
shared knowledge, encourage lateral
collaboration and speed up the pace of
learning.
• Strict Monitoring: Governments need to ensure
regulations are in place to prevent, reduce or
ensure the resilience of construction in unsafe locations, such as flood-plains, areas subject to sea-level rise or areas
at extremely high risk of fire or other hazards.
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• Private sector has a major role to play in accelerating risk reduction action and in reducing losses from future disasters.
 Example: Banks and financial institutions that provide property improvement loans can require specific risk
reduction measures to be undertaken as a condition for a mortgage
• Innovative Financial Solutions: Rework financial systems to account for the real costs of risk, particularly long-
term risks, and rework investment and insurance systems to incentivize risk reduction.
 Ex: Financial products like green bonds need to be incentivized and ease investment that is resilient to disaster
risk and climate change.
• Changes in Sovereign Budget: National budgets need to evolve to include risk and uncertainty components, so
financial planners can become more adept at adaptive planning and are better able to pivot resources in crisis
situations.
• Technology for Disaster Proofing: AI based modelling to build scenarios for the medium, long term on these aspects.
 These may be linked to a city based economic model to
Q. Discuss the main findings and
quantify the likely cost in the event of occurrence of climate-led
recommendations of the Global Assessment
disaster in a megacity. Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) was
• Accelerating the implementation of Sendai Framework for released by the UN Office for Disaster Risk
Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and aligned with the other Reduction (UNDRR) report.
post-2015 agendas, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development, the Paris Agreement on climate change, the New Urban Agenda and the Agenda for Humanity.
4.3 Ocean Resources and its Potential
Context:
The International Seabed Authority(ISA) has recently decided against granting an immediate permission for mining
operations in international waters retaining the two-year rule, allowing the possibility of mining activities to begin in
2024.

More on News:
• Two-Year Rule: In 2021, the Pacific island of Nauru activated the rule embedded in the UNCLOS, urging the
International Seabed Authority (ISA) to adopt mining regulations by July 9, 2023, or allow mining to commence with
the existing rules at that time.
• Exploitation of Deep Sea: Due to the expiration of the two year rule, the private entities have started applying to the
ISA to exploit minerals in a specified
deep sea area. The rule had the
potential to trigger deep-sea mining
in the high seas.

Need for Regulations Governing Deep

Sea Mining:
• UN Treaty Clause: A clause of the
UN treaty requires the ISA to
regulate deep sea exploitation.
• Mining without Regulations: If the
ISA fails to approve rules, other
countries and private companies can
apply for provisional licences and
the companies can mine without any
regulation.
Ocean Resources:
• The living and nonliving resources found in the ocean water and bottoms are called "marine resources."
• Marine resources are the living and nonliving things that can be found in the ocean's water and on its bottom. These
resources, which include marine water, are called marine resources.

66
Mineral resources: Polymetallic Nodules Exploitation rights of India:
• Minerals Dissolved in Seawater: Certain minerals • As a pioneer investor, India has been allotted a site of 75,000
are present in small quantities within seawater square kilometers in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) by
itself and can be extracted using specialized the UN International SeaBed Authority for exploitation of
processes. polymetallic nodules (PMN).
Samudrayaan Mission:
• Continental Shelf and Slope Deposits: These
• The mission proposes to explore the deep ocean with the help of a
deposits are found on the shallow seabed regions, manned submersible, MATSYA 6000 developed indigenously to
primarily on the continental shelves and slopes. For carry three people to a depth of 6,000 metres in the ocean.
Examples: Diamond, Fisheries Sector, Pearls. • An integrated mining system will be developed for mining
• Sediments on the Deep Ocean Floor: Deep-sea polymetallic nodules from 6000 m depth in the central Indian
Ocean.
mineral deposits can be divided into five types:
• Polymetallic/Manganese nodules: Ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) nodules or manganese nodules contain huge quantities
of iron and manganese.
• Seafloor Massive Sulfides: Wide variety of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982:
minerals form through hydrothermal activity and • Maritime ones: divides marine areas into five main zones: the
High Seas, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Contiguous Zone,
reduced sulfur and may be enriched in several Territorial Sea, and Internal Waters.
metals such as Cu, Zn, Fe, Au, and Ag. • Marine sovereign authority: It is the only international
• Ferromanganese Crust/Cobalt Crusts: These agreement that lays out a foundation for sovereign authority in
crusts contain high concentrations of elements such maritime areas.
as cobalt, REE, Nb, Pt, W, Bi, Ni, Mn, Te, and Ti. • Offshore Governance: It serves as the framework for offshore
governance among coastal nations and seafarers.
• REE-Rich Marine Mud: These consist mainly of
• Rights and Obligations: Additionally to zoning the offshore areas
siliceous ooze, with subordinate zeolitic clay that of coastal states, it offers detailed instructions on each state's rights
contain large amounts of REE. and obligations inside the five concentric zones.
• Phosphorites: They are phosphorus-rich • Sharing Benefits: Under the treaty, the seabed and its mineral
sedimentary rocks, usually composed of carbonate resources must be managed in a way that protects the interests of
hydroxyl fluorapatite. humanity through the sharing of economic benefits, support for
marine scientific research, and protecting marine
Challenges Associated with the Mineral Resources: environments.
International Seabed Authority:
• Air Pollution: Diseases of the respiratory system
• UN Body: The Authority is one of the three international
and allergies can be triggered by the inhalation of institutions established by UNCLOS.
airborne particles released through mining. Ex- • Sustainable Exploration: ISA is mandated to ensure that seabed
lead, arsenic, cadmium, and other toxic elements. extractions are sustainable and conducted keeping in mind the
• Water Pollution: The pH of water is changed due to fragility of the marine environment and the underwater
draining of acidic water from metal mines or coal biodiversity.
mines into surface water or seepage of water below • Regulation: Its primary function is to regulate exploration for
and exploitation of deep seabed minerals found in 'the Area',
ground which is defined by the Convention as the seabed and subsoil
• Noise Pollution: Exposure to noise in the mining beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, that is, beyond the outer
sector results in various physical and mental health limits of the continental shelf.
problems, impacts the well-being of animals and
raises stress levels.
• Light Pollution: Mining activities introduce bright artificial lighting into naturally dark environments, significantly
affecting species that have adapted to thrive in these dark conditions.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Mining leads to a massive habitat loss for a diversity of flora and fauna ranging from soil
microorganisms to large mammals.
Way Forward:
• Environmental Impact Assessments: Before commencing any deep-sea mining operations, comprehensive
environmental impact assessments should be conducted.
• Sustainable Practices: Adoption of sustainable practices like embracing the best available technologies, reducing
waste generation, and implementing strategies for habitat restoration.
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• International Collaboration: Effective international regulations and guidelines for deep-sea mining necessitate
collaborative efforts among countries.
• Technology Innovation: Continued research and development of innovative technologies can lead to more efficient
and environmentally friendly mining processes.
• Transparency and Accountability: Companies involved in ocean mineral extraction must prioritize transparency and
accountability throughout the entire mining lifecycle.
• Inclusion of Local Communities: The traditional knowledge and perspectives of indigenous populations can
contribute to more sustainable and culturally sensitive mining practices.

4.4 Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA)

Context:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is undertaking a transformative journey to convert desert landscapes into productive
farmland through climate-smart agriculture.
More on News:
• The UAE is making efforts to become a pioneer in
climate-smart agriculture to enhance its food
security.
• The country has launched various initiatives and
partnerships, including the Manbat farmers'
market, to promote local produce and encourage
agriculture technology.
 Manbat means seedlings or a place where plants
grow.
• The UAE has set ambitious goals to improve its
ranking in the Global Food Security Index by 2051
and achieve zero hunger through access to safe
and sufficient food.
About Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA):
• According to the World bank, CSA is an integrated approach to managing landscapes – cropland, livestock, forests
and fisheries – that address the interlinked challenges of food security and climate change.
• Also known as Climate Resilient Agriculture, it is the development of agriculture under new realities of climate
change.
• Practices Under Climate Smart Agriculture:
 Crop Management: Intercropping, crop rotations with legumes, using drought, wind, and flood-tolerant crop
varieties, composting, mulching, and adopting organic fertilizers.
 Livestock Management: Improved feeding strategies, rotational grazing, using suitable crops to feed animals, and
better livestock health and husbandry.
 Soil and Water Management: Conservation agriculture, contour planting, check dams, water storage, improved
irrigation, and efficient water use.
 Agroforestry: Planting trees as windbreaks, using nitrogen-fixing trees, and incorporating fruit orchards.
 Integrated Food Energy Systems: Implementing biogas, improved stoves, solar power, and gravity-fed irrigation.

Benefits of Climate Smart Agriculture:

• Resilience to Climate Change: It builds resilience in farming systems, enabling farmers to cope with the impacts of
climate change, such as droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures.
• Crop Production: It can lead to higher crop yields, contributing to improved livelihoods for farmers, increased
income and better food security.

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• Sustainable Resource Management: It focuses on sustainable management of natural resources, including water,
soil, and biodiversity.
 This leads to reduced environmental degradation and conservation of ecosystem services.
• Sustainable: CSA practices, such as agroforestry and reduced tillage, can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas
emissions from the agricultural sector.
• Social and Economic Benefits: It promotes inclusivity and gender equity by empowering women farmers and
vulnerable communities.
• Adoption of Innovative Technologies: It drives innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies in farming,
facilitating increased efficiency and productivity.
Challenges of Climate Smart Agriculture:
• Limited Access to Resources: Small and marginal farmers often face resource constraints, such as limited access to
finance, technology, and knowledge about climate-smart practices.
• Technological and Knowledge Gaps: Adopting CSA practices requires access to appropriate technologies and
information.
 Many farmers lack awareness and technical know-how to implement such practices effectively.
• Institutional Barriers: Weak institutional support, inadequate policies, and governance issues can hinder the
scaling up of climate-smart agriculture initiatives.
• Financial Constraints: Lack of financial Government Initiatives for Climate Smart Agriculture:
resources can hinder farmers' ability to adopt • National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA):
CSA practices, especially in low-income regions. To increase the resilience of Indian agriculture, including crops,
animals, and fisheries, to climate variability and change.
Steps to be taken for Promoting Climate Smart
• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): It is one of
Agriculture Practices: the eight Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate
• Ensuring Access to Technologies is vital for Change (NAPCC), which seeks to address issues regarding
small-scale farmers. 'Sustainable Agriculture' in the context of risks associated with
• Enabling Policy Integration: Governments must climate change by devising appropriate adaptation and mitigation
measures.
design and implement policies that support
• National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC): It was
CSA and incorporate it into national agricultural established in 2015 to meet the cost of adaptation to climate change
strategies and plans. EX: NFSA. for the State and Union Territories of India that are particularly
• Promoting Knowledge and Capacity Building: vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
Encourage knowledge-sharing and build • Climate-Smart Villages (CSV): CSV project launched in 2011 with
15 climate-smart villages in West Africa, East Africa and South
capabilities among farmers, extension
Asia.
workers, researchers, and policymakers
• Aim: To implement and promote CSA at the local level, enhancing
through training programs and digital farmers' ability to adapt to climate change.
technology.
• Research and Development: Invest in R&D to understand climate change effects on agriculture and develop climate-
resilient crop varieties, innovative cropping systems, and climate information services.
• Adaptation and Local Context: CSA practices need to be tailored to local contexts and agro-ecological zones.
SHORT NEWS
4.5 Ambergris Pillars of the Programme: Sewerage Treatment
Infrastructure, River-Surface Cleaning, Afforestation,
Context:
Industrial Effluent Monitoring, River-Front Development,
Recently, ambergris, also known as floating gold, was Biodiversity, Public Awareness, Ganga Gram.
found in the carcass of a sperm whale washed up on a
shore of the Canary Island. • It has a very strong faecal odour and is a light
yellowish substance.
About Ambergris:
• Uses: it is used to produce perfumes which have
• Ambergris is a waxy substance that originates from notes of musk.
the digestive system of protected sperm whales.

69
• Legalities in India: There is a ban on the
possession and trade of ambergris in India.
About Sperm Whales:
• Habitat: It is found in temperate and tropical waters
throughout the world.
• Conservation Status
 IUCN: Vulnerable
 CITES: Appendix I
 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: schedule 2
4.6 Turtles: Cleaning Agents in the
Ganga
Context:
Under the Namami Gange Programme, turtles are
introduced to clean the Ganga and rejuvenate the nearly
2,600km river network.
Key points:
• Significance: Turtles play a role in clearing rotten
or half burnt human bodies as well as flowers
dumped into the river.
 Improvements in biochemical oxygen demand,
faecal coliform and dissolved oxygen levels.
About Namami Gange Programme:
• It is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as
‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government
in 2014.
• Objectives: Effective abatement of pollution
 Conservation and rejuvenation of national river
Ganga.
• Nodal Department and Ministry: Department of
Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Implementing agency: National Mission for Clean
Ganga (NMCG)
4.7 Cheetah Mortalities in KUNO
Context: Of the 20 translocated Cheetahs from South
Africa and Namibia, five mortalities of adult individuals
have been reported from Kuno National Park, Madhya
Pradesh, till date.
More on the News:
• According to the National Tiger Conservation
Authority (NTCA), all mortalities are due to
natural
70
causes.
 NTCA is a statutory body under Ministry of
Environment, entrusted with the implementation
of Project Cheetah
• Project Cheetah: The Government of India has
launched it to bring back Cheetahs to India.
 Under the Project, a total of 20 radio collared
Cheetahs were brought from Namibia and
South Africa to Kuno National Park, Madhya
Pradesh, in a first ever transcontinental wild to
wild translocation.
Asiatic Cheetah:
• Fastest Land Mammal: It is the fastest land mammal
and the only cat without retractable claws — the
grip helps it accelerate faster than any sports car (0-
100 km/hr in 3 seconds).
• Status in India: In 1952, the cheetah was officially
declared extinct from India.
• IUCN Status: The asiatic cheetah is listed as
Critically Endangered species by the IUCN Red List
surviving only in Iran.
4.8 Global Gibbon Network (GGN)
Context: Recently, the first meeting of the Global
Gibbon Network (GGN) was held in Haikou, China..
About Hoolock Gibbon:
• Gibbons are the smallest and fastest of all apes.
• The hoolock gibbon is one of 20 species of apes and
is the only ape found in India.
• Habitat: They live in tropical and subtropical
forests in the southeastern part of Asia.
• Population: The estimated population of hoolock
gibbons is 12,000.
• Threats: Felling of trees for infrastructure projects.
• Conservation Status:
 Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act of 1972:
Schedule 1.
  IUCN Status: Western Hoolock Gibbon as
Endangered and Eastern Hoolock Gibbon as
Vulnerable.
About Global Gibbon Network (GGN):
• It is an international collaboration of researchers,
conservationists, and institutions working
together to conserve and protect gibbon species
and their habitats around the world.
• Initiative is a joint effort of Eco Foundation Global,
the Hainan Institute of National Park, IUCN Species
Survival Commission Section on Small Apes (IUCN
SSA), Zoological Society of London etc.
4.9 Global Forest Watch
Context:
Recently, Global Forest Watch was launched by World
Resources Institute’s (WRI).
Key Findings of Global Forest Watch:
Global • Forest Cover Loss in Tropical Areas: 4.1
Trends: Million Hectares Lost in 2022
• Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Forest
Loss: 2.7 Billion Tonnes, Equivalent to India's
Annual Fossil Fuel Emissions
• Increase in Primary Forest Cover Loss: 10%
Higher in 2022 Compared to 2021.
• Global Deforestation Rate: 3.1% Lower than
2018-2020 Baseline in 2022.
• Overall change in tree cover in the last 20
years was a net loss of 100 Million Hectares.
• Brazil and Democratic Republic of Congo:
Countries with Highest Tropical Forest Cover
Loss
• The world is not on track to meet most of its
forest related commitments like ending
deforestation by 2030, and restoring 350
million hectares (mha) of lost and degraded
forests by 2030.
India’s • Loss of Primary Forest Cover: India lost 43.9
Trend thousand hectares of humid primary forest
between 2021 and 2022, which accounts for
17% of the country’s total tree cover loss in the
period.
 Loss of tree cover: The total tree cover loss
in India between 2021 and 2022 was 255,
000 hectares.
About • It is a global research organization that works
World towards finding solutions to some of the
Resource world's most pressing environmental and
Institute social challenges.
(WRI):
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4.10 Carbon Capture and Storage
Context:
In its latest review of scientific research, the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found
that Carbon capture and storage will be needed for
emissions that are hard to wipe out.
About Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):
• It is a way of reducing carbon emissions, which
could be key to helping to tackle global warming.
Three steps to the CCS process:
1. Capturing the carbon dioxide for storage: The
CO2 is separated from other gases produced in
industrial processes, such as those at coal and
natural-gas-fired power generation plants or
steel or cement factories.
2. Transport: The CO2 is then compressed and
transported via pipelines, road transport or ships
to a site for storage.
3. Storage: CO2 is then injected into rock
formations deep underground for permanent
storage.
• Significance of CCS: It allows for the continued use
of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industry
until low-carbon alternatives can be implemented.
 To achieve the negative CO2 emissions required
for the 1.5°C and 2°C climate goals.
Related Terms:
• Carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS): It is a
process that captures carbon dioxide from industrial
processes, power plants, and other sources before it
is released into the atmosphere.
 The captured carbon dioxide can then be used
or stored underground instead of being
released into the atmosphere, where it
contributes to climate change.
• Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR): Carbon is sucked
out of the atmosphere.
 CDR brings down the level of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere, cooling the planet, while CCS in fossil
fuel plants and factories prevents the gas from
getting out in the first place.
4.11 Anthropocene Epoch
Context: Recently, Scientists designate Crawford Lake
in Canada as ground-zero for the Anthropocene epoch.
About Anthropocene Epoch:
• It denotes the present geological time interval, in
which the Earth’s ecosystem has gone through
radical changes due to human impact, especially
since the onset of the Industrial Revolution.
• Unwelcome changes: It is associated with global
warming, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, mass-
scale soil erosion, the advent of deadly heat waves,
deterioration of the biosphere and other detrimental
changes in the environment.
• It is coined by Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer.
• Estimated beginning of epoch: Members of the
Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) have
estimated that the new epoch started sometime
between 1950 and 1954.
About Earth’s Geological Time Scale:
• It is a system of chronological dating that relates
geological strata to time.
• It is used by geologists, paleontologists, and other
earth scientists to describe the timing and
relationships of events that have occurred during
Earth's history.
• It is divided into named units of abstract time
called—in descending order of duration— eons,
eras, periods, epochs, and ages.
4.12 Permafrost Thawing: Batagaika
Crater
Context: The Batagaika crater, the world's largest
permafrost crater, is expanding at an alarming rate due to
the thawing of the permafrost, a phenomenon catalysed
by global warming.
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About Batagaika Crater:
• Location: The crater is located in the Sakha
Republic.
 Sakha is the largest republic of Russia, located in
the Russian Far East, along the Arctic Ocean
• It is a one-kilometre-long gash that reaches depths
of up to 100 metres.
• It began forming in the 1960s after deforestation led
to the melting of the underground permafrost,
causing the land to sink.
What is Permafrost?
• Frozen Region: Permafrost is a type of ground or soil
that remains frozen at or below the freezing point
(0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit) for two
or more consecutive years.
• High latitude regions: It is found in regions where
the temperature remains consistently cold
throughout the year, typically in high-latitude
regions near the poles, such as in the Arctic and
subarctic regions.
Impact of Permafrost Thawing:
• Release of Greenhouse Gasses: The permafrost
holds gigatonnes of methane and carbon dioxide
in the subsoil.
 Thawing would accelerate global warming which
in turn would accelerate the melting of the
remaining permafrost, a phenomenon known as
the permafrost carbon feedback cycle.
• Release of viruses and bacteria: Scientists have
found microbes that are over 400,000 years old in
permafrost.
 Many of the viruses that have plagued humanity
such as bubonic plague and smallpox are
believed to lie dormant in this frozen stratum.
• Damage to ecosystems and their biodiversity:
Melting Siberian permafrost is turning tundra into
muddy landscapes, killing local flora and starving
wildlife that feeds on it.
• Landslides: Cities built on permafrost can
experience landslides leading to infrastructure
damage such as buckling roadways, splitting houses,
and disrupting pipelines.
5. Perspective
5.1 Extreme Weather Events
Context: Recently, in July, 2023, all seven of Earth’s continents have experienced extraordinary extreme weather
events.
About Extreme Weather Events:
• Definition: When the weather conditions show
significant differences than the usual weather,
this is termed as extreme weather or severe
weather.
• Impact: According to the World Meteorological
Organisation (WMO), extreme weather,
climate and water-related events caused
11,778 reported disasters globally, leading to
more than two million deaths and USD 4.3
trillion in economic losses between 1970 and 2021.
 Over 90 per cent of the reported deaths worldwide occurred in developing countries.
 In India, 573 disasters occurred between 1970 and 2021 that claimed 1,38,377 lives.
Types of Extreme Weather Events:

Events Description Example

Heatwaves • A heatwave occurs when the maximum and •
the minimum temperatures are unusually
hot over a three-day period at a location.
 This is considered in relation to the local
climate and past weather at the location.
• In India, Heat Waves typically occur
between March and June, and in some rare •
cases even extend till July.
According to the European Space Agency in
june 2023, Italy's islands of Sicily and Sardinia
could experience their hottest-ever
temperature, with a predicted high of 48
degrees Celsius (118F) — potentially the
hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe.
In the middle of April a heatwave swept over
China, India, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, and
more countries across the Asian continent,
with temperatures ranging from 38 degrees to
45 degrees Celsius — breaking temperature
records in over a dozen countries.

Wildfire/ • Wildfire, also called forest, bush, can be • Canada: Canada is currently experiencing its
Vegetation described as any uncontrolled and non- worst ever wildfire season, largely due to an
Fire prescribed combustion or burning of plants extreme dry period followed by a heatwave.
in a natural setting such as a forest,
grassland, brush land or tundra, which
consumes the natural fuels and spreads
based on environmental conditions (e.g.,
wind, topography).

Droughts • Drought is a prolonged dry period in the • Horn of Africa drought, 2020-2023: A three-
natural climate cycle that can occur year drought in the Horn of Africa, one of the
anywhere in the world. world’s most impoverished regions, has
caused crops to wither, water to disappear,

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 • It is characterized by the lack of
precipitation, resulting in a water shortage.
Cold Snaps • A cold snap is a very sudden drop in •
temperature as opposed to a cold spell
(Spell means a length of time), and a cold
wave (a wave comes gradually and grows
till it breaks).
• Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)
declares a cold wave when the minimum
temperature is equal to or less than 10
degrees Celsius at a weather station in the
plains and is 4.5-to 6.4 degrees Celsius
below the normal temperature for that
period.
Tropical • It is a rapid rotating storm originating over • Tropical Storm 'Mawar' affected Guam, the
Cyclones tropical oceans from where it draws the
energy to develop.
• It has a low pressure centre and clouds
spiralling towards the eyewall surrounding
the "eye", the central part of the system
where the weather is normally calm and
free of clouds. • Cyclone Mocha Myanmar: It proved to be one
• According to the IPCC, these have become
more frequent over the last four decades.
Torrential • Torrential rain, or a torrential downpour, is •
rains any amount of rain that is considered
especially heavy.
Flood and • Flash floods refers to a flood situation • Pakistan Floods, 2022: Flooding caused by
Flash Flood which occurs in a much shorter span of
time i.e. six hours.
• In India, flash floods are often associated
with cloudbursts – sudden, intense rainfall
in a short period of time.
• As per National Flood Commission, about
40 million hectares of land in India are liable
to floods and an average of 18.6 million
hectares of land are affected annually.
Landslide • Landslides are natural disasters occurring •
mainly in mountainous terrains where there
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and livestock to starve in large parts of Kenya,
Somalia and Ethiopia.
In 2023, temperatures in the city of Mohe in
northern China plummeted to minus 53
degrees Celsius (minus 63.4 degrees
Fahrenheit), the lowest temperature the
country has ever recorded.
Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan at the end of
May and early June.
 It is reported as the strongest tropical
cyclone globally so far in 2023 and the
strongest northern hemisphere cyclone
ever recorded in May.
of the strongest cyclones to ever hit the
region.
 According to the UN, the cyclone impacted
800,000 people overall.
In northern India, relentless monsoon rains
have killed at least 90 individuals,
exacerbating the region's already scorching
heat.
record monsoon rains claimed the lives of
nearly 1,500 people during the summer of
2022, with millions more affected by clean
water and food shortages.
 The country received more than three times
its usual rainfall in August, making it the
wettest August since 1961.
 Increases in both extreme precipitation and
total precipitation have contributed to
increases in severe flooding events in
certain regions.
India is considered among the top five
landslide-prone countries globally.
 are conducive conditions of soil, rock, •
geology and slope.
• A sudden movement of rock, boulders, •
earth or debris down a slope is termed as a
landslide.
• Natural causes that trigger it include heavy
rainfall, earthquakes, snow melting and
undercutting of slopes due to flooding.
• Anthropogenic activities such as
excavation, cutting of hills and trees,
excessive infrastructure development, and
overgrazing by cattle.
Approximately 12.6% of the country’s
geographical land area is prone to landslides.
As many as 66.5% of the landslides are
reported from the North-western Himalayas,
about 18.8% from the North-eastern
Himalayas, and about 14.7% from the Western
Ghats.
• In 2022, 10 states in India reported 182
landslide-related fatalities across multiple
districts in the monsoon.

Factors Influencing Global Extreme Weather Events:

• Anthropogenic Factors: Human activities like industrial activities, burning of fossil fuels etc are causing rapid
changes to our global climate.
• Greenhouse gas emissions and land use change are key factor in extreme climate change events around the
world.
• Impact: Cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are also intensifying rapidly and retaining their
intensity for a longer duration due to global warming.
• Global Warming: Global warming is the long-term warming of the planet’s overall temperature.
 It can contribute to the intensity of heat waves by increasing the chances of very hot days and nights.
 Warming air boosts evaporation, which can worsen drought.
 More drought creates dry fields and forests that are prone to catching fire, and increasing temperatures mean
a longer wildfire season.
 It increases water vapor in the atmosphere, which can lead to more frequent heavy rain and snowstorms.
 It causes sea level to rise, which increases the amount of seawater, along with more rainfall, that is pushed on
to shore during coastal storms.
 That seawater, along with more rainfall, can result in destructive flooding.
 It causes climate change, which poses a serious threat to life on Earth.
• Natural Climate Patterns including El Nino, La-Nina etc have far-reaching effects on weather conditions across
the globe.

El-Nino La-Nina

• It is a natural climate cycle that occurs every •
three to seven years, characterized by warmer
than usual ocean surface temperatures in the •
central and eastern tropical Pacific.
• It disrupts the normal atmospheric circulation, •
causing Pacific jet stream to move south of its
neutral position.
 With this shift, areas in the northern U.S. and
Canada are dryer and warmer than usual.
• High Atmospheric Winds: The jet stream is found where the cold air from Earth’s poles meets with warm tropical
air.
It represents a cooling effect, with colder ocean
temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.
During La Niña events, trade winds are even stronger than
usual, pushing more warm water toward Asia.
This tends to lead to drought in the southern U.S. and
heavy rains and flooding in the Pacific Northwest and
Canada.

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  These winds help to continue and control the weather system from west to east in the northern hemisphere and
from east to west in the southern hemisphere.
 Sometimes these winds bring unpleasant weather with them which may lead to the formation of a tornado.
Extreme Weather Events in India:
• According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), India experienced extreme weather events on 314 of the 365
days in 2022.
 Human Lives Lost: According to IMD, India recorded 2,227 human casualties due to extreme weather events in
2022.
• In India, the year 2023 has witnessed a series of unprecedented climatic phenomena, indicating a disturbing new
normal caused by climate change.
 Temperature: Onset of 2023 was marked by scorching temperatures that shattered a 123-year-old record in
February.
 Cyclonic Event: Arabian Sea witnessed the formation of cyclone Biparjoy, which lasted a staggering 13 days,
becoming the longest-duration cyclone since
1977.
 Landslides: According to the Himachal Pradesh
(HP) State Emergency Response Centre, in 2023,
since the onset of monsoon in HP on June 24, 154
persons have died so far in rain-related incidents
such as landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts.
 Monsoon Variability: According to the India
Meteorological Department (IMD), till July, there
was 59% excess rainfall over northwest India; 4%
excess over central India; 23% deficiency over
peninsular India and 17% deficiency over east and
northeast India.
 Forest Fire: The frequency of forest fire incidents
in India has increased by 52% in the last two
decades, from 2000 to 2020. In 2023, India saw a
near 115% increase in satellite-detected forest
fires in early March compared to last year.
Image Credit: TOI
• Financial Implication: India is losing 3-5% of its GDP due to climate change and this number could rise to as much
as 10% if the warming is not limited to below 2 degrees Celsius.
• Displacement: According to a report by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, natural
disasters, especially heavy floods and cyclones, triggered around 2.5 million internal displacements in India in
2022.
Factors Affecting Weather Events in India:
• Climate Change: According to a report by Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, the frequency of extreme
weather events such as intense seasonal rains, landslide, floods and heatwaves is projected to rise manifold in
India in the future due to climate change.
• Monsoon: About 80% of India's annual precipitation occurs during the monsoon months from June to September,
leading to heavy rainfall and increased flood risks.
 Shift in monsoon patterns: It is characterized by prolonged deficit rainfall periods followed by intense downpours
occurring over a few days.
 Recent heavy rainfall in northern India can be attributed to the interaction between a low-pressure weather
system known as the western disturbance and the southwest monsoon.

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• Cyclone: Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean have had both positive and negative impacts on the onset of the
monsoon.
 Example: Mocha cyclone helped the monsoon set in on time over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. On the
other hand, Cyclone Biparjoy led to delay in the arrival of the monsoon over Mumbai by nearly two weeks.
• Ocean Warming: Monsoon course is affected by the three tropical oceans – Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific; the
‘atmospheric bridge’ from the Arctic; and the oceanic tunnel as well as the atmospheric bridge from the Southern
Ocean.
 Marine heatwave in India’s eastern sea is causing extreme rain in its northwest.
• Unsustainable Exploitation: From the mega road expansion project to building cascading hydroelectric power
projects, from unplanned expansion of towns to unsustainable tourism, the Indian States have ignored warnings
about the fragile ecology.
• Melting Glaciers: Indian Himalayan states face challenges of overflowing glacial lakes, formed due to the melting
of glaciers.
• Deforestation and Soil Erosion: Removal of vegetation, such as forests or grasslands, can disrupt the natural water
absorption capacity of the soil.
Way Forward:
• Climate Justice: Centering environmental justice and
expanding access to clean energy in every community.
 Climate Justice recognizes the disproportionate
impacts of climate change on low-income communities
and communities of color around the world, the people
and places least responsible for the problem.
 It seeks solutions that address the root causes of
climate change and address a broad range of social,
racial, and environmental injustices.
 Six Pillars of Climate Justice are:
• Scientific Methods for Construction: All scientific
methods should be used while construction in an
ecological fragile region.
 Sustainable Land Management: Encouraging
responsible land management practices, such as
avoiding excessive excavation and deforestation to preserve the natural landscape and investing in well-
designed and adequately maintained infrastructure, including drainage systems.
 Implementing Climate Resilient Infra For Cities
Quotes:
to lessen the effects of extremities. • “The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling
• Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Improved has arrived” - U.N. chief Antonio Guterres
forecasting techniques, smarter infrastructure • “Weather can kill you so fast. The first priority of survival is
design, and adopting a safety-first philosophy to getting protection from the extreme weather” - Bear Grylls
lessen the effects of catastrophic catastrophes.

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  Efficient and reliable forecasting methods to warn World Meteorological Organisation (WMO):
communities and authorities about oncoming extreme • It is a specialized agency of the United Nations
weather occurrences. (UN).
 Satellite images, localised doppler radars, weather models, • It is the UN system's authoritative voice on the state
and data analytics are examples of modern meteorological and behavior of the Earth's atmosphere, its
interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces,
technology that can assist in predicting rainfall patterns, and the resulting distribution of water resources.
identifying flood-prone locations and offering timely About India Meteorological Department (IMD)
warnings. • It was established in 1875.
• Afforestation and Soil Conservation: Promoting afforestation • It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of
the Government of India.
and protecting existing forests helps maintain the natural
• It is the principal agency responsible for
water absorption capacity of the soil. meteorological observations, weather forecasting
• Collaborative Strategies: Collaboration between government, and seismology.
academic institutions, engineering firms, urban planners, and • IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized
Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological
local communities is required to address the problems caused Organization.
by extreme weather occurrences.
• Community Involvement: It has been recognized as an essential element in disaster management to reverse the
worldwide trend of exponential increase in disaster occurrence.
• Local Solution: Need for micro-action plans at the local level to identify vulnerable areas and develop customized
disaster management strategies.
• Awareness: Campaigns for public education, evacuation strategies, and community training programmes ensure
that locals are prepared for flood situations and can act quickly to save themselves and be effective first
responders.
Q. Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (2016)
Q. Discuss the causes, consequences, and implications of extreme weather events. Suggest effective strategies to mitigate the risks
associated with such events at the national and international levels.

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6. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
6.1 Genome Sequencing
Context:
In a Boost to pathology services in the hill districts, a genome sequencing lab was opened at Srinagar Medical College
in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
More on News:
• The lab has been set up at a cost of Rs 285 lakh and will help in checking
the samples for Covid-19 and other diseases.
About Genome and Genome Sequencing:
• A genome is defined as an organism’s complete set of Deoxyribose Nucleic
Acid (DNA), including all of its genes.
• It is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an
organism's genome.
• The DNA consists of a double-stranded molecule built up by four bases –
adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T).
• The process of deciphering the order of base pairs, to decode the genetic
fingerprint of a human is called genome
sequencing.
Issues Associated with Genome Sequencing:
• Privacy: It involves analyzing an individual's DNA, which contains sensitive personal information, making it
challenging to balance sharing data for research while protecting privacy.
• Informed consent: There are challenges in obtaining informed consent from individuals, particularly in cases where
the sequencing is done as part of a larger research study.
• Genetic Discrimination: It can reveal disease susceptibility,
causing psychological distress, and may lead to genetic
discrimination.
• Psychological Impact: It can reveal information about an
individual's susceptibility to certain diseases which may cause
psychological distress.
• Cost: It is an expensive process, and the project requires significant
funding to collect and analyze genetic data from a large number of
individuals.
 Though the cost has reduced significantly, however, it still hovers
around $600 for the Whole Genome Sequencing( WGS).
Way Forward:
• Trained Manpower: Increasing the number of clinicians skilled in
gene data interpretation and expanding the availability of labs for
genome sequencing .
 For example laboratories like Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics
Consortium (INSACOG) can be formed, INSACOG dealt with
monitoring the genomic changes of SARS-CoV-2 in India
• Security of Data: To protect genomic data, organizations that
collect, store, and use it must minimize data breaches and maintain
public trust.
• Policy Formulation: Comprehensive and effective policy that
prioritizes the privacy protection of research subjects.

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• Stakeholder Involvement: A transparent framework involving stakeholders that clearly defines the purpose of
genomic data collection and specifies its database storage duration.
• Addressing Ethical and Legal Considerations: Genome sequencing raises ethical and legal questions, it's essential to
address these concerns and establish clear guidelines to ensure responsible use and protection of individuals' genetic
data.
• Genetic Counseling: Providing genetic counseling services to individuals undergoing genome sequencing can help
them understand the implications of the process.
Efforts Towards Genome Sequencing:
• International Level:
 Human Genome Project: It is a publicly funded international collaborative research project aimed at determining the sequence
of chemical base pairs which make up human DNA, & identifying & mapping all of the genes of the human genome.
• India Level:
 IndiGen Program
✓ Council of Scientific & Industrial Research(CSIR) initiated the IndiGen Program in 2019.
✓ The whole genome sequencing of 1029 self-declared healthy Indians drawn from across the country has been completed.
 Genome India Project:
✓ Aim: To collect 10,000 genetic samples across India, to build a reference genome.
✓ This project is led by the Centre for Brain Research at Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science.

Q. Discuss the potential applications and benefits of genome sequencing in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and bioengineering.

6.2 CHANDRAYAAN-3
Context:
ISRO is set to launch the Chandrayaan 3 spacecraft using the LVM3 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in
Sriharikota, India.
About Chandrayaan 3:
• Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission as
well as second attempt to achieve a soft landing
of a robotic lander on the moon's surface. If the
soft-landing succeeds, India will become the fourth
country in the world to have achieved this.
• It is a follow-up to the 2019 Chandrayaan-2
mission, which partially failed after its lander and
rover couldn’t execute a soft-landing on the Moon.
Constituents of Chandrayaan -3:
• Chandrayaan-3 consists of an indigenous Lander
module (LM), Propulsion module (PM) and a
Rover.
 The main function of PM is to carry the LM from launch vehicle injection till final lunar 100 km circular polar
orbit and separate the LM from PM.
 The Lander will have the capability to soft land at a specified lunar site and deploy the Rover which will carry out
in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface during the course of its mobility.
 The Lander and the Rover have scientific payloads to carry out experiments on the lunar surface.
• Rover Payloads: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS), Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS)
• Lander payloads: Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA), Chandra’s
Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA), Laser Retroreflector
Array (LRA).
• Orbiter: The orbiter will focus on Earth to look at signatures of life on the Pale Blue Dot so that it can aid in the search
of exoplanets (planets beyond the solar system) that may support life.

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Significance of Chandrayaan- 3:
• First soft landing near South pole: It will
become the world’s first mission to soft-land
near the lunar south pole.
• Deep Space Exploration: Future Artemis
astronauts will be able to collect core samples
and volatiles from these regions. This could
have a profound impact on the future of deep
space exploration and eventual commercial
activities.
 India is now a signatory to the Artemis
Accords, an agreement with the other
leading Space Agencies of the world for
moon exploration.
• Collaborations in Space Sector:
Chandrayaan-3 will raise the level of India’s
international collaborations, particularly in
science, technology, innovation and StartUps.
It will be India's ticket to the “moon economy”,
an emerging sector with a potential of billions
of dollars.
• Gaganyaan Mission: The success of the
mission using the LVM-3 will bolster the
launch vehicle's reliability for the upcoming
Gaganyaan mission.
• Boost to the Space Sector: It will play a
crucial role in promoting the growth of the
country's space industry, space startups
and space entrepreneurs creating
opportunities for innovation, technological
advancement, and job creation.
• Bolstering Private Participation: It could bolster investor confidence and attract more private investment in space
technology.
How will Chandrayaan-3 get to the lunar surface?
• Launch Vehicle: The mission starts with a launch aboard Why do scientists want to explore the lunar south
India’s LVM3 rocket (the country’s heavy lift vehicle capable pole?
of placing about 8 metric tons into low-Earth orbit). • Unexplored Region: Due to their rugged
• Orbit Placement: The LVM3 will place the spacecraft and an environment, the polar regions of the Moon have
remained unexplored.
attached propulsion module into an elongated Earth orbit with
• Water Presence: There are indications of the
an apogee, or high point, of about 36,500 kilometers above the presence of ice molecules in substantial amounts in
planet. the deep craters in this region — India’s 2008
• Propulsion Module: This module will take the lander and Chandrayaan-1 mission indicated the presence of
the rover to the moon. Module itself does not land on the water on the lunar surface with the help of its two
instruments onboard.
moon and instead settles on a parking orbit of 100 km x 100
• Study of the Solar System: The extremely cold
km around the moon. temperatures here mean that anything trapped in
• Landing Site: The site at around 70 degreeS near the the region would remain frozen in time, without
Southern pole of the moon, was selected as there are several undergoing much change. The rocks and soil in
craters here that remain permanently in shade, and can be the Moon’s north and south poles could therefore
provide clues to the early Solar System.
store-house of water ice and precious minerals.

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• Lander and Rover Module: The lander and rover will separate from the propulsion module to land on the moon.
• Preventing Crash Landing: The lander has engines that will slow down the fall, so that it descends gently onto the
moon rather than crash-landing on it.
• Touchdown of Lander and Rover: After the touchdown, the lander will remain stationary at the landing site, while
the rover, which is a tiny, trolley kind of device with wheels will explore the moon.
• Activity Duration:The lander and rover will be alive for 14 earth days, which corresponds to one moon day. Since
the solar panels that provide electricity to the lander and
rover need sunlight, they will be alive for one moon day, Preventing crash landing/Advanced technology
which is 14 earth days. Equipments on lander to ensure proper soft landing:
• Altimeters: To measure altitude;
Conclusion:
• Velocimeters: To measure velocity, and cameras for
• The mission is a major step forward in India’s lunar hazard detection and avoidance;
exploration programme, and it is sure to make • Laser Doppler Velocity Meter: A new laser sensor has
significant contributions to our understanding of the been added to better judge the lunar terrain before
moon. Perhaps more importantly, it will showcase landing.
India’s capabilities and build its reputation in the
global space community, which will help attract more investment in the country’s space industry.

6.3 Bharat 6G Alliance

Context:
Recently, the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) launched Bharat 6G Alliance to Drive Innovation and
Collaboration in Next-Generation Wireless Technology (6G).
About Telecom Technology Development Fund
• The DoT stated the local 6G alliance will involve 75 companies. (TTDF):
More on News: • The TTDF scheme was launched by DoT in 2022.
• To support the advancement of 6G technology, the Indian • The scheme is envisaged to bridge the digital
government has allocated funds through the Telecom divide by developing and manufacturing state-of-
Technology Development Fund (TTDF). the-art technologies and to form synergies among
academia, start-ups, research institutes.
• This funding will be utilized for two projects:
 A 6G terahertz testbed with orbital angular momentum (OAM) and multiplexing, and
 An advanced optical communication testbed.
Background: Evolution from 1G to 6G:

Generation Description

• Introduced in the late 1970s, it offered voice calls with low sound quality and coverage. No
1G
roaming support or data services were available.

• Introduced in 1991, it marked the transition from analog to digital signals.

2G
• Allowed roaming, offered small data services like SMS and MMS at around 50 kbps.

• Introduced in 2001, it brought faster data transmission, mobile internet access, email, video calling,
3G
web browsing, and music to mobile phones.

• Introduced around 2010, it provided high-speed, high-quality voice and data services with lower
4G
latency compared to 3G.

• INtroduced in 2020, it offers lower latency, faster download speeds, and increased connectivity for the
5G
Internet of Things (IoT).

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 • Still in development, 6G aims to improve upon the capabilities of 5G with higher speed, zero lag
communication, advanced services like extended reality (XR) and mobile hologram, and seamless
remote operations.
6G
• Expected commercialization could be around 2030.
• Use Cases: Remote-controlled factories, constantly communicating self-driven cars and smart
wearables taking inputs directly from human senses.

What is the need for 6G?

• Convergence: 6G aims to bring together the digital, physical, and human realms, enabling seamless integration and
interaction among them.
• Intelligent Manifestation: 6G will be essential to enhance solutions based on artificial intelligence and machine
learning, enabling more sophisticated and intelligent applications.
• Trusted Technology: 6G aims to build more secure and trusted technology, addressing concerns related to data
privacy and cybersecurity.
• Bridging Divide: 6G will provide ubiquitous connectivity to rural areas at affordable rates, bridging the digital divide
and ensuring inclusive access to communication networks.
Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA):
• B6GA is a collaborative platform consisting of public and private companies, academia, research institutions, and
Standards development organisations.
• Objective:
 Promote high-impact open research and development (R&D) initiatives.
 To facilitate market access for Indian telecom technology products and services.
 Promote technology ownership and indigenous manufacturing.
 Create a culture of technology co-innovation.
 Promote the development of Intellectual Property (IP) creation of 6G technology.
Status of Digital Ecosystem in India:
Telecom • India ranks as the second-largest telecom market globally with 1.2 billion digital subscribers.
Market: • Over the past nine years, India's digital economy has grown 2.5 times faster than the national
economy.

Internet and • Broadband users have soared from 60 million to 800 million, while internet connections have
Broadband risen from 250 million to 850 million.
Expansion: • Both the government and private sector have laid over 2.5 million km of Optical Fiber to enhance
connectivity.

Digital • India is recognized as the most connected democracy worldwide.

Connectivity:

Government Initiatives:
• BharatNet Project: To provide connectivity to 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) through optical fibre. It is
implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Ltd. (BBNL).
• Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON): Under it, Kerala government provides internet connections free of cost to 20
lakh below poverty line (BPL) families.
• Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme: 5% of annual collections from USOF will be available for
funding research & development of technologies, products, and services.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) or India Stack: IT is a digital platform collection (Aadhaar, Digital Locker,
DigiYatra, UPI) developed through collaboration between various entities.
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Challenges Faced by the Telecom Sector:
• Financial Struggles: Gross revenue has dropped by 15% to 20% for the year 2017-18 over the preceding year for
the incumbents and overall sector revenue has dropped.
• Spectrum Scarcity: Available spectrum is less than 40% as compared to European nations and 50% as compared to
China.
• Intense Competition and Tariff Wars: The entry of Reliance Jio has sparked intense competition among telecom
operators, leading to tariff wars and reduced profit margins.
• This financial strain has delayed further investments in the sector.
• Urban-Rural Divide: In India, adequate tele density has been achieved, but there is a large discrepancy between
penetration in urban (55.42%) and rural (44.58%) areas.
• Revenue Reduction from New Technologies: The emergence of various applications like WhatsApp, OLA, and Uber
has diminished revenue for the telecom sector.
• High Licence Fees: The licence fee, including the Universal Service Levy (USL), stands at eight percent of the Adjusted
Gross Revenue, making it one of the highest in the world.

Way Forward:
• Implement National Digital Communication Policy (NDCP): It emphasizes on establishment of a National Digital
Grid, collaborative mechanisms for rights of way, and removal of approval barriers.
 State governments should actively participate in setting up adequate telecom infrastructure to support the objectives
of the NDCP.
• Improve Rural Connectivity: Increase optical fibre and fixed-line penetration in rural areas to bridge the digital
divide.
• Ease of Doing: Create a favourable environment for the entry and exit of new players in the telecom sector.
 IT will encourage competition, innovation, and investment, leading to improved services and affordability for
consumers.
• Reduce License Fee to alleviate financial burdens on telecom operators.
• Sharing Telecom Infrastructure to allow operators to optimise their capital expenditure (capex) as a significant
portion, around 40% to 60%, is used for setting up and managing infrastructure.
Difference between 5G and 6G:
Aspect 5G 6G

Speed Up to 10 Gbps Up to 1 Tbps

Latency Low latency (10 ms) Ultra-low latency (<1 ms)

Spectrum (Major
95 GHz to 3 THz (Terahartz) can operate on a higher
Frequency 24 GHz to 100 GHz
frequency than 5G
bands)

Support high-performance computing, Remote-

Accelerate adoption of cloud gaming, AV/VR
Use Cases controlled factories, self-driven cars, smart
technology, Internet of Things, etc.
wearables

Connectivity Connecting billions of devices Connectivity between virtual and physical world

6.4 National Research Foundation Bill 2023

Context:
Recently, Union Cabinet approved the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bil.

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Key Features of the Bill:
• National Research Foundation: The bill will establish NRF as an apex body, to oversee various research and
development (R&D) activities in the country.
• Repeal of Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB): The SERB, created by an act of Parliament in 2008, will
be repealed and subsumed into the NRF.

About National Research Foundation

(NRF):
• The NRF will be an apex body to provide
high-level strategic direction to scientific
research in India, aligning with the
recommendations of the National
Education Policy (NEP), 2023.
• Administrative Department: Department
of Science and Technology (DST).
• Governing Board (16 members), with
Prime Minister as Ex officio president.
• Estimated Budgetary Outlay: ₹50,000
crore
• Time Period: 2023 - 2028.
• Objectives of NRF:
 Addressing National Priorities: Identify
priority areas for S&T interventions to
contribute to national objectives,
including clean energy, sustainable
infrastructure, healthcare etc.
 Promoting Research: NRF will fund and
promote 'research in humanities, social
sciences, and arts, fostering creativity and
critical thinking.
Need of the Bill:
• To Enable Research: The current laws
made it hard for private research
organisations to contribute to a funding
body such as the NRF.
• Fragmented R&D ecosystem: India lacks
synergy and coordination between the
government, public institutions, and
private organizations.
 It results in duplicated efforts, inefficient
use of resources, and missed opportunities
for interdisciplinary research.
• Excessive Bureaucracy: In India, education is highly centralized, resulting in excessive government interference which
hampers scientific progress and creates disincentives.
• Low Researcher Intensity: India has a low number of researchers compared to China (253 researchers per million in
India vs. 1,225 in China). It negatively impacts patent filings, contributions to scientific journals, and industrial
trademarks.
• Outdated curriculum and Teaching Methods fail to foster an innovative mindset among Indian students as only 2.7%
Colleges run Ph.D. programme.

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• Socio-Cultural Challenges in R&D:
 Brain Drain: Skilled individuals leave India due to limited opportunities and better living conditions elsewhere.
 Lack of Inclusivity: Sociocultural barriers, especially for women, restrict participation in R&D activities. E.g.,share
of female researchers in India was only 18.7% in 2018.
• Skewed Funding: India’s research and development (R&D) expenditure-GDP ratio of 0.7% is very low when
compared to major economies and is much below the world average of 1.8%.
 Also institutions like the IITs and IISc get a bulk of research funding but State universities get very little, about
10% of the research funds.
Advantages and Disadvantages of NRF:
Disadvantages: Advantages:

• Centralized Power and Innovation: NRF's could •
concentrate power in a few individuals or
institutions, stifling innovation and creativity due
to limited perspectives.
• Bureaucratic Delays: It might result in •
bureaucratic decision-making, causing delays in
research progress and project implementation.
• Corruption: NRF's vulnerability to corruption
may lead to the misallocation of funds and •
diverting resources away from research.
Centralized Funding Mechanism for scientific research,
ensuring alignment with national priorities and allowing
researchers from all locations and institutions to compete
for funding support.
Industry-Academia Collaboration: NRF will ensure
research relevance to the economy and facilitate the
translation of findings into commercial products and
services.
Addressing Societal Challenges: NRF aims to enhance
citizens' lives and contribute to India's overall prosperity.

Significance of Promoting Research and Development:

• Driving Productivity and Economic Growth: R&D can develop new technologies and improve existing processes,
leading to enhanced resource efficiency and overall economic growth.
• Promoting Low-Cost Indigenous Solutions: R&D allows for tailored solutions like Jaipur Foot.
• Enhancing Learning Outcomes: A strong research culture in higher education institutions contributes to an enhanced
teaching and learning experience. e.g., Harvard, Stanford,
Oxford. Initiatives Taken by Government:

• Reducing Imports & Fiscal deficit: R&D helps in • Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty
Scheme: To bring overseas scientists and academicians
developing indigenous technologies, which help in including Non-resident Indians (NRI) and Overseas Citizen
achieving self-sufficiency and promoting domestic of India (OCI) to India.
industries. • IMPacting Research, INnovation and Technology
(IMPRINT):
• Combating Climate Change: R&D in low-cost solar
panels, electric vehicles (EVs), and lithium batteries, will
 Launched in 2015 as a collaboration between IITs and
IISc.
help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combat  Aim: Providing solutions to engineering challenges in 10
climate change. selected technology domains.
• Atal Tinkering Labs:
Way Forward:
 Initiative by Niti Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission.
• Boost R&D funding: Increase its R&D investments to a  Aim: To foster creativity, curiosity, and skills such as
minimum of 2% of GDP by 2030. design mindset and computational thinking in young
 Utilize NRF committed amount of Rs 50,000 crore to minds.
address the deficits in grants provided to autonomous universities and institutions by agencies like CSIR and DST.
• Promoting Government-Industry-Academia Partnership: Collaborations between public institutions, start-ups and
private sector through joint R&D projects, leveraging their expertise and resources.
 Ex: Successful collaborations like the development of Covaxin and apply them to other sectors such as green
technologies, defense, and electronics manufacturing.
• Enhancing Research Capacity: Facilitate training opportunities for Indian students and scientists in renowned
laboratories worldwide, leveraging India's soft power.
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  Provide better remuneration and incentives to attract young scientists for post-doctoral research work within
India.
• Ensuring IPR Compliance: Strict adherence to the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policy 2016 to build
investor confidence and attract more investment in R&D.
6.5 CRYPTOCURRENCY
Context:
The G20 conference on crime and security recently took place in Gurugram, which will deliberate on ways to make
significant progress to improve law and order in the age of cryptocurrency and darknet.

About G20 conference on crime and security:

• The summit is a new and unique initiative of the G-20 Presidency. This is the first conference on cyber security in
the G-20.
• Objective: It aimed to address the challenges posed by cybercrime and security in the era of new technologies like
NFTs, AI, and Metaverse.
• Key Highlights from the conference: Various subjects were discussed including Internet Governance - Digital
Public Infrastructure, Extended Reality, Metaverse, Artificial Intelligence, the Dark Net and Cryptocurrency
Challenges, and Criminal Use of Information and Communication Technologies.

What is Cryptocurrency?
• Cryptocurrency is a bank-independent digital currency that uses a decentralized technology called blockchain to
record and verify transactions in a digital ledger without any third-party interference or central authority
monitoring the deal.
• Safe and anonymous crypto
transactions: The transaction is
carried by use of cryptography,
which uses codes to secure
information and communications,
and a virtual wallet for sending and
receiving money to ensure the
safety and anonymity of
transactions.
• Some of the examples of crypto
currency are Bitcoin, Etherum,
Ripple and Litecoin.

Benefits Of Cryptocurrency:
• Decentralization: It is not owned
by a single financial or
government entity. It eradicates
the monopoly of money and
ensures cryptocurrency value isn't dictated by a central bank or authority.
• Lower Transaction Fees: The fee for transacting in cryptocurrency is very nominal and sometimes zero. It is because
third parties and intermediaries, such as VISA and PayPal, are eliminated in the process.
• Higher Efficiency: Cross-border transactions using cryptocurrencies are accelerated without challenging foreign
exchange procedures, increasing their efficiency and lowering their cost.
• Accessibility: Cryptocurrencies boost the accessibility of financial services as they operate on decentralised
networks and can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection and crypto wallet.
• Transparency: While cryptocurrency transactions are anonymous, the data recorded on a public blockchain ledger,
such as the Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchain, is publicly available for anyone to view.

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• Inflation Protection: Due to its limited supply, cryptocurrency is often seen as a way to protect against inflation.
Cryptocurrencies use the mechanism to cap supply acting as a safeguard against inflation.
Challenges Associated with use of Cryptocurrency:
• Volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can often fluctuate. While this volatility can lead to quick profits, it can also cause
significant financial losses for investors.For example, recently in 2021 Bitcoin value dropped by 30%.
• Lack of Regulation: The absence of control and regulation in the cryptocurrency market increases the risk of
cryptocurrency scams and market manipulation.
• Hidden Parallel Economy: Cryptocurrency has evolved into a full-fledged darknet, routing and encrypting data in
a hidden parallel online world not accessible via standard browsers and not indexed by search engines.
• Illicit Activities: Development of marketplaces for illicit offerings like drugs, firearms and ammunition, hacking
tools and services. A UN report noted nearly 20% of
serious criminal attacks now involved cryptocurrency Cryptocurrency regulation in India:
funding, crypto tokens. • Payment Regulation: Cryptocurrencies as a payment
medium in India are not regulated by any central
• Security Risks: Security lapses and hacking attempts are authority.
on the rise in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. For example, • Crypto Tax: In the Union budget for the fiscal year 2022-
attacks on Binance Blockchain Network, Ronin 23, the Government announced its plan to implement a
Network, etc. 30% tax deduction on the transfer of virtual
currency or cryptocurrency assets.
• Excessive Cost of Production: Depending on its type,
mining cryptocurrency may require a large supply of
• Supreme Court Circular: The circular lifted the curb on
cryptocurrency imposed by RBI, which restricted banks
electricity and other resources resulting in local and financial institutions from providing access to
pollution, noise and other consequences. For example, banking services to those engaged in transactions in
increased greenhouse gas emissions for communities crypto assets.
living near the mining sites.
• Convergence of Cryptocurrencies and the Darknet: Cryptocurrencies and the darknet have made large-scale
cryptocurrency theft or operations harder to investigate..
Way Forward:
• Joint Collaboration Across Borders: The nature of the Cyber Threat Landscape has spread across national
boundaries, necessitating cooperation and sharing of information in real time by nations, organizations and other
stakeholders
• Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) must be strengthened to deal with emerging threats due to
emerging technologies.
 There should be a 24x7 cyber security mechanism in place for an effective ‘predictive – preventive – protective
and recovery’ action.
• Sensitisation towards Cybercrime and involvement of Cryptocurrency, Initiatives like Cytrain, which is an open
online course should further integrate knowledge about crypto theft and dark net.
• Darknet Domain Specialization: Darknet networks, services, cryptocurrency investigations, and information
gathering require policy backing, and operational expertise.
• International Framework : The conference highlighted the need for promoting a secure and efficient international
framework for: Internet Governance, Digital public goods and Security of Digital Public Infrastructure, Legal and
Regulatory Issues related to Digital Ownership, Responsible use of AI and International Cooperation
Framework for Dark Net.

6.6 Large Language Model-ChatGpt

Context:
Currently, significant attention is being given to ChatGPT and other similar "generatic artificial
intelligences' (gAI)such as Bard, Chinchilla, PaLM, and LaMDA.

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About on news:
• Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries by its ability to produce text, images, and
videos. This innovative technology is bringing about significant chan ges in retail, medicine, marketing, writing, and the
arts.
• It has become an essential component of software and technology platforms, with the potential to transform workflows,
business transactions, and social interactions.
What is Generative AI?
• Generative AI is an umbrella term that refers to artificial intelligence models that have the capability to generate
content. Generative AI can generate text, code, images, video, and music. Examples of generative AI include
Midjourney, DALL-E, and ChatGPT.
About ChatGPT:
• ChatGPT is an example of a large language model (LLM)
which is a type of transformer-based neural network
that is great at predicting the next word in a sequence of
words.ChatGPT is a popular example of generative text AI.
• What is a large language model?
• A large language model (LLM) is a type of artificial
intelligence model that has been trained through deep
learning algorithms to recognize, generate, translate,
and/or summarize vast quantities of written human
language and textual data.
• Foundation Model: Large language models (LLMs) are
foundation models that utilize deep learning in natural
language processing (NLP) and natural language
generation (NLG) tasks. For the purpose of helping them
learn the complexity and linkages of language, large
language models are pre-trained on a vast amount of data.
Importance of Large Language Models:
• Generating Human-like Content: large language models, which are trained on internet-scale datasets with hundreds
of billions of parameters, have now unlocked an AI model’s ability to generate human-like content.
• Augmenting human creativity and improving productivity: Models can read, write, code, draw, and create in a
credible fashion and augment human creativity and improve productivity across industries to solve the world’s
toughest problems.
• Language Translation: Large language models can be used to translate text between languages. facilitating easy cross-
cultural communication and breaking down language barriers.
• Increased Efficiency: LLMs can comprehend human
Large Language Models in India:
language, making them ideal for completing monotonous or
• Bhashini: It is India's AI led language translation
labor-intensive tasks. platform to create large datasets in the Scheduled Indian
• Prompts: It can build an AI system capable of generating Languages.
human-level text based on simple prompts without any • Indic Transliterate: IndicXlit is a transformer-based
additional programming required making it possible to multilingual transliteration model for Roman to native
create entire articles, even books using only basic input script conversion and vice-versa.
parameters. • Indic Natural Language Generation: IndicBART is a
multilingual, sequence-to-sequence pre-trained model
Challenges associated with Large Language Models: which can be used to build natural language generation
applications for Indian languages.
• Huge Infrastructure Cost: Significant capital investment,
technical expertise, and large-scale infrastructure are necessary to maintain and develop LLMs.
• Scale of Data Required: Companies struggle to get access to large enough datasets to train their large language
models.
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• Technical Expertise: Due to their scale, training and deploying large language models are very difficult and require a
strong understanding of deep learning workflows, transformers, and distributed software and hardware.
• Context Window: Each large language model only has a certain amount of memory, so it can only accept a certain
number of tokens as input.
• Reliability and Bias: Language models’ capabilities are limited to the textual training data and thus, may include false
information, race, gender bias, etc.
• Skills Shortage: A lack of talent with expertise in these models makes it difficult to implement and use them effectively.
• Cultural Biases: These models primarily focus on English but India's rich linguistic diversity demands a more inclusive
approach.
• Job Losses: The increasing use of AI has raised concerns about the future of the job market. AI could replace 300 million
full-time jobs worldwide, affecting almost 20% of the global workforce.
Way Forward:
• Consideration of Ethical Implications: While LLM offers tremendous potential, it is essential to consider the ethical
implications and challenges associated with its deployment.
• Ensuring Transparency and Accountability: As an AI language model, LLM reflects the biases and limitations in the
data it was trained on. It is crucial to mitigate any biases and ensure transparency and accountability in its usage.
• Responsible Use: Striking a balance between innovation and responsible deployment is paramount to maximize the
benefits while minimizing potential risks.
• Human-centric Approach: While LLM can simulate human-like interactions, it is essential to recognize its limitations
and ensure that human oversight and judgment are integrated into its applications.
• Skill Development: Enterprises must invest in training and development programs to ensure that their teams have
the skills to use these models effectively.
• India specific LLM: It is an urgent strategic need for India to develop its own LLM tailored to Indian languages.
SHORT NEWS
6.7 Quasars • It is the term used to describe the ways in which
Context: Scientists observed a ferocious class of black websites or apps make their users
holes called quasars that demonstrate "time dilation"  do things that the users do not intend to do or
in the early universe, showing how time then passed only would not otherwise do
about a fifth as quickly as it does today.  to discourage user behaviour that is not beneficial
About Quasars: for the companies.
• Quasars are extremely active supermassive black • Coined by: Harry Brignull, a user experience (UX)
holes found at the centers of galaxies. designer, in 2010.
• They are millions to billions of times more massive • Examples:
than our sun.  Annoying advertisement that keeps popping up on
• These black holes draw in matter with their strong the user's screen, and the user can’t find the cross
gravitational pull and emit intense radiation, mark ‘X’ to make it go away because the mark is too
including high-energy particle jets. small to notice (or to click/ tap).
• They are surrounded by a glowing disk of matter.  When users try to click/ tap on the tiny ‘X’, users
• Quasars' brightness allows scientists to study the sometimes end up tapping the ad instead.
early stages of the universe, as they can be observed
from great distances. 6.9 Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope
Context: In a major breakthrough, an international team
6.8 Dark Patterns of astronomers announced scientific evidence confirming
Context: The Centre has asked e-commerce companies to the presence of gravitational waves using pulsar
not use “dark patterns” on their platforms that may observations.
deceive customers or manipulate their choices.
About Dark Patterns:
• Dark patterns are also known as deceptive patterns.
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About Pulsars:
• Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars that
blast out pulses of radiation at regular intervals
ranging from seconds to milliseconds.
• A pulsar is like a cosmic lighthouse as it emits radio
beams that flashes by the Earth regularly akin to a
harbour lighthouse.
Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT):
• GMRT is a low-frequency radio telescope that helps
investigate various radio astrophysical problems
ranging from nearby solar systems to the edge of the
observable universe.
• Nodal Agency: It is a project of the Department of
Atomic Energy (DAE), operating under the Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
• Frequency:
1. GMRT is a unique facility functioning within the
frequency bandwidth of 100 Mhz-1,500 MHz.
2. The GMRT enjoys special protection for carrying
out its sensitive observations in the above
frequency range.
• Number of telescopes: It is an array of thirty fully
steerable parabolic radio telescopes of 45 metre
diameter.
• India’s GMRT was among the world’s six large
telescopes that played a vital role in providing
evidence confirming the presence of gravitational
waves.
6.10 Non-Fungible Tokens
Context: Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
conducted the G20 Conference on ‘Crime and Security
in the Age of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) AI and
Metaverse’ in Gurugram, Haryana.
About Non-Fungible Tokens:
• Non-fungible tokens, often referred to as NFTs, are
blockchain-based tokens that each represent a
unique asset like a piece of art, digital content, or
media.
• An NFT can be thought of as an irrevocable digital
certificate of ownership and authenticity for a given
asset, whether digital or physical.
• NFTs are created through a process called minting, in
which the information of the NFT is recorded on a
blockchain.
What is Non-fungibility?
• Non-fungibility refers to the unique and distinct
nature of an asset or item that cannot be readily
exchanged on a one-to-one basis with another item of
the same type.
• For example, a plane ticket is unique — it specifies a
specific seat, on a particular flight, at a specific time.

6.11 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Tuberculosis (TB) in India

Context: India has been experiencing the double burden of two debilitating and severe epidemics – type 2 diabetes (a.k.a.
diabetes mellitus, DM) and tuberculosis (TB).
Link between DM and TB:
Relationship Description

• DM and Respiratory Infections • DM increases the risk of developing respiratory infections.

• DM as a Risk Factor for TB • DM is a major risk factor that increases the incidence and severity of TB.

• DM and TB co-infections have an adverse effect on TB treatment

• DM and TB Co-Infections
outcomes in patients.

• In a 2012 study conducted in tuberculosis units in Chennai, it was found

• Prevalence of DM and Pre-Diabetes in that among people with TB.
TB Patients • The prevalence of DM was 25.3%.
• 24.5% of individuals were pre-diabetic.

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 About Type 2 Diabetes:
• Type 2 diabetes affects how the body uses sugar (glucose) for energy.
• It stops the body from using insulin properly, which can lead to high levels of blood sugar if not treated.
• About TB: TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, belonging to the Mycobacteriaceae family consisting
of about 200 members.
6.12 Mosaic Viruses
Context: Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) and Tomato
Mosaic Virus (ToMV) have impacted crops in Karnataka
and Maharashtra respectively.
About CMV and ToMV:
• The two plant pathogens have similar names and
cause similar damage to crops, but they belong to
different viral families, and spread differently.
• Both viruses can cause almost 100% crop loss
unless properly treated on time.
• ToMV:It belongs to the Virgaviridae family and is
closely related to the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV).
 ToMV hosts include tomato, tobacco, peppers, and
certain ornamental plants.
• CMV: It was identified in cucumber in 1934, which
gave the virus its name.
 CMV has a much larger host pool that includes
cucumber, melon, eggplant, tomato, carrot, lettuce,
celery, members of the gourd family and some
ornamentals.
6.13 Brain-Eating Amoeba
Context: Recently, a 15-year-old boy in Kerala’s
Alappuzha district died due to a rare infection caused by
Naegleria fowleri or “brain-eating amoeba”.
About Naegleria fowleri:
• Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as “brain-eating
amoeba,” is a single-cell organism.
• It is found in warm freshwater environments such
as lakes, hot springs and swimming pool.
• It is so small that it can only be seen with a
microscope.
• Spread: It enters the body through the nose and
travels to the brain, leading to a severe and usually
fatal brain infection known as primary amebic
meningoencephalitis (PAM).
 It does not spread from person to person.
• Treatment: US-based Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) recommends treatment with a combination of
drugs, often including amphotericin B, azithromycin,
fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and
dexamethasone.
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6.14 United Nations Office for Outer
Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Context:
The United Nations has appointed Indian-origin satellite
expert Aarti Holla-Maini as the Director of the United
Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.
About United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs:
• The Office for Outer Space Affairs is the United
Nations office responsible for promoting
international cooperation in the peaceful uses of
outer space.
• The Office forms part of the United Nations Office
at Vienna.
• The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer
Space: It serves as the Secretariat for the General
Assembly's only committee dealing exclusively with
those issues.
• The Committee has two sub-committees:
1. The Scientific and Technical Subcommittee
2. The Legal Subcommittee.
• Functions:
 On behalf of the Secretary-General, the Office for
Outer Space Affairs maintains the Register of
Objects Launched into Outer Space and
disseminates via its website that information
recorded in the Register.
6.15 SAGAR SAMPARK
Context: Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways,
recently inaugurated the indigenous Differential Global
Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) called ‘SAGAR
SAMPARK’.
About Sagar Sampark:
• It is a terrestrial based enhancement system that
corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global
Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and provides
more accurate positioning information.
• Aim:
o Ensuring safety: To help mariners in safe
navigation and will reduce the risk of collisions,
groundings, and accidents in the port and
harbour areas.
  Aiding radio signals:To assist the Director
General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) to
provide radio aids to ships for marine navigation
What is Differential GNSS?
• Working of GNSS: In order to establish a position, GNSS
receivers use timing signals from at least four
satellites, and any number of errors or delays can occur
during the signals’ transit to earth.
• Accurate positioning: DGNSS is an enhancement to
GNSS that was developed to correct these errors and
inaccuracies in the GNSS system, allowing for more
accurate positioning information. Access to this
correction information makes differential GPS and
GNSS receivers much more accurate than other
receivers.
6.16 Aspartame
Context: Assessments of the health impacts of the non-
sugar sweetener aspartame have been released by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) ,
the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert
Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
About Aspartame:
• Discovery: It was discovered in 1965 by American
chemist James Schlatter.
• Approval: Approved by the FDA in 1974, it is used in
various food and beverage products since the
1980s, It gained popularity due to its zero calories
and lack of bitter aftertaste.
• Uses: It is used to enhance flavoring of baked and
canned foods, powdered drink mixes, candy and
puddings. Other uses include sweetening agent in
diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream,
dairy products such as yogurt, breakfast cereal,
toothpaste and medications such as cough drops
and chewable vitamins.
6.17 Ozempic Drug
Context: Ozempic, a diabetes drug, is increasingly
becoming popular due to its advantage of weight- loss
potential.
About the Ozempic Drug:
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• Ozempic is a brand name for the generic drug
semaglutide, which is FDA-approved to treat Type-2
Diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels.
• It is administered by injection or can be taken orally.
• Ozempic works by mimicking the effects of a
hormone- called GLP-1, which is naturally produced
in the body.
 GLP1 helps to regulate blood sugar levels by
stimulating the release of insulin, slowing down the
release of glucose from the liver.
• Concern: Ozempic face is the side effect of the drug
that causes facial ageing, skin sagging.
6.18 PBW RS1: New Wheat Variety
Context: Punjab Agricultural University Develops PBW
RS1 Wheat Variety for Nutritional Security.
About PBW RS1 Wheat Variety:
• The new variety called PBW RS1, with RS being
short for resistant starch.
• The variety has been developed over a period of 10
years by a team of wheat breeders led by Dr V S Sohu,
head, department of plant breeding and genetics.
• The high amylose and resistant starch ensure that
glucose is released slowly into the bloodstream,
preventing an immediate rise in glucose levels and
reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular
diseases.
• It has a total starch content similar to other wheat
varieties but contains 30.3% resistant starch,
compared to only 7.5-10% in other varieties.
Concerns:
• It has lower productivity compared to other wheat
varieties, with an average grain yield of 43.18
quintals per hectare, below the average yield in
Punjab.
Benefits:
• Reduce the risks of type-2 diabetes and
Cardiovascular diseases.
• Tastes and feels like normal wheat, making it a viable
alternative
• Completely resistant to “yellow rust” and
"moderately resistant" to brown rust fungal diseases.
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

Carbon Molecules In • The CH3+ molecule, which is also known as methyl cation, has been detected in space for
Space the first time by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
• CH3+ reacts inefficiently with hydrogen, while reacting easily with other molecules,
facilitating the creation of more complex carbon-based molecules.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell • The scientific test experiment of hydrogen powered buses will be done between Delhi
and Faridabad.
• A hydrogen fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of
hydrogen into electricity.

Smart Bandage • A study was published in "Science Advances" that offered to help accelerate healing of
chronic wounds– using a wearable, wireless, mechanically flexible smart bandage as big
as a finger.
• A Smart Bandage is an advanced medical dressing that incorporates various
technologies to enhance the healing process of a wound.

Euclid Mission • Euclid is a European mission, built and operated by ESA, with support from NASA's
Roman Space Telescope.
• To explore the composition and evolution of the 'dark' Universe

Duchenne Muscular A team of doctors from Tamil Nadu along with scientists from Japan have developed a
Dystrophy (DMD) disease-modifying treatment for DMD.
About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy(DMD):
• DMD is a genetic disorder that is characterized by growing muscle degeneration and
weakness.
• Cause: It is caused due to the DMD gene failing to produce any functional dystrophin
because of mutations in the dystrophin gene, found in the X chromosome.
• Dystrophin is a protein that maintains structural integrity in muscle cells and is subject
to mutations that can either be inherited or arise spontaneously during germline
transmission.
• Treatment: Gene therapy, exon-skipping and disease modifying agents (anti-
inflammatory medicines such as steroids).

Cloud Storage A 2023 survey by Thales Cloud Security revealed that in India, 68% of businesses consider
more than 40% of their cloud-stored data as sensitive.
About Cloud Storage:
• Cloud storage is a method of storing digital data on off-site servers.
• Need for Cloud Storage:
 Companies use it to avoid the costs and maintenance of operating their own data
centers.
 Cloud storage offers scalability and security features such as physical security,
encryption, and access management.

Threads Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has recently developed a new app called Threads to
compete with Twitter.
• Threads is a spin-off app from Instagram that focuses on conversations rather than
visual content.
Potential Twitter Alternatives:

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 • Bluesky: This is a Twitter clone backed by Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and former CEO
of Twitter.
• Mastodon: Known as an "anti-Twitter" platform, Mastodon offers a decentralized social
networking experience.
• Substack Notes: Substack, a popular newsletter platform, has introduced Substack Notes
as a potential alternative to Twitter.

Compassionate use Recently, in a hospital in Hyderabad, a patient in the ICU with an extensive drug resistant
protocol bacterial infection, was treated under a ‘compassionate use protocol’ with a drug cefepime-
zidebactam which is undergoing phase 3 trials.
What is a Compassionate use protocol ?
• It is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious life-threatening disease or
condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or
medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory
alternative therapy options are available.

Leptospirosis Alarmed by a rise in leptospirosis cases before monsoons, the civic health department in
Mumbai has decided to study the 300-plus patients who tested positive.
About Leptospirosis:
• It is a contagious disease in animals but is occasionally transmitted to humans in certain
environmental conditions.
• Caused by: A bacterium called Leptospira interrogans, or leptospira.
• Carriers of the disease: Wild or domestic animals, including rodents, cattle, pigs, and
dogs, water buffaloes, goats, horses, and sheep.

National Organ and The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has issued a warning
Tissue Transplant against private websites and social media posts promoting and offering organs for trade.
Organization (NOTTO) About National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO):
• It is a national level organisation set up under the Directorate General of Health Services,
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• It functions as the apex centre for all India activities of coordination and networking
for procurement and distribution of organs and tissues and registry of organs and tissues
donation and transplantation in the country.

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7. DEFENSE AND SECURITY
7.1 Drugs Menace in India
Context:
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has taken a significant step in combating the drug menace by disposing of a massive
1,44,000 kilograms of illegal drugs.
Factors behind drug menace in India:
• Geographical Reasons:
 Death Crescent and Death Triangle: India's
geographical location sandwiched between the two,
makes it an ideal route for the transportation of heroin
and opium.
✓ Death triangle is infamous for production of morphine
and heroin whereas Death crescent produces opium.
 Proximity to Sea: India shares borders with several
countries that are major drug producers and transit
points, including Afghanistan and Myanmar.
 Porous Borders: It infiltrates the country through the
international, land and maritime borders, with the
western international border along Pakistan being a focal point.
Image Source: India Today
✓ Drug trafficking through sea routes in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, estimated to account for around
70% of the total illegal drugs smuggled into India.
• Technological Reasons:
 Digital tools and drones: Drugs are now being smuggled across these borders using new digital tools and drones.
Also, drug gangs now use couriers, packages, and the mail to sneak drugs in and deliver them.
 Darkweb: The increased use of couriers or postal services is directly linked to increased Dark Web activity in India
which is used to buy illicit substances.
• Organized Crime:
 Nexus between drug traffickers, organized criminal networks and terrorists: Terrorists exploit established
trafficking routes, collaborating with well-entrenched criminal groups to infiltrate borders with arms and
explosives, exacerbating security challenges.
• Corruption: Corruption among law enforcement and other government officials has further facilitated drug trafficking.
• Socioeconomic Reasons:
 Lack of Education: Poor aspirations of the youth, which are not fulfilled due to low quality of education leave them
disillusioned and susceptible to drugs.
 Vicious Cycle: The drug addicts from poor families, in order to meet the expenses of their daily dose, get entangled
in drug-pedaling.
• Smuggling of Synthetic Drugs and Precursor Chemicals: India manufactures a lot of synthetic drugs and precursor
chemicals which are smuggled out of the country.
• Poor Law Enforcement: India's law enforcement agencies are understaffed, lack specialized training and
equipment, and are often unable to detect or interdict drug shipments.
Impact of Drug Abuse in India:
• Smuggling of Weapons and Financing of Terror Activities: The international borders of the country used by drug
traffickers are used for smuggling in weapons as well as terrorists into the country.
• Law and Order Issues: The wide availability of narcotics and drugs contributes to increased domestic demand, leading
to dysfunctional behavior and creating law and order problems in society.

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• Economic Impact: The substantial economic toll from drug abuse includes losses in production and resources diverted
for caring and rehabilitating drug addicts.
• Facilitation of Organised Crime: Drug trafficking facilitates other organised criminal enterprises such as human
trafficking and narco terrorism, all of which use the same networks and routes to smuggle people, arms and contraband.
• Loss of Demographic Dividend: Substance abuse leads to the Increase in violence and crime, removal of inhibitions
and impairing judgment, individual productivity and potential.
• Psychological Impact: It gives rise to conflicts within families, causing immense emotional distress for all its
members.
• Government Response to Counter Drug Menace: The Ministry of Home Affairs is cracking down on drugs in three
different ways.
 Strengthening institutional structures.
 Empowerment of all agencies related to control of narcotics and strengthening the coordination among them
 Launching an awareness campaign.
Other measures are listed below:
• Legislative:
 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985: It prohibits the production/manufacturing/cultivation,
possession, sale, purchasing, transport, storage, and/or consumption of any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance.
 Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988: Under the act, It is illegal
for a person to produce/manufacture/cultivate, possess, sell, purchase, transport, store, and/or consume any
narcotic drug or psychotropic substance.
• Institutional Measures:
 Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): It is responsible for coordination in illicit drug control as well as compiling the
cases of drug trafficking in the country.
About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB):
• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The • The NCB is the chief law enforcement and intelligence
nodal Ministry for drug demand reduction has taken the agency of India responsible for fighting drug trafficking
following steps: and the abuse of illegal substances.
 National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction • It enables the full implementation of the Narcotic Drugs
(NAPDDR) for 2018-2025: It aims at reduction of and Psychotropic Substances Act (1985).
adverse consequences of drug abuse.
 Scheme for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse: Financial assistance is given to Voluntary
Organizations and other eligible agencies for setting up/running Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts.
• Other Preventive Government Measures:
 Increased Patrolling and Surveillance: Intensive preventive and
interdiction efforts along known drug routes and strict surveillance and
enforcement at import and export points.
 Empowering of Border Guarding Agencies: The border guarding
agencies have been empowered to take action under the Narcotic Drugs &
Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
 Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign: It incorporates a comprehensive approach
towards drug reduction.
 Narco Co-ordination Centre (NCORD): It provides a common platform for
concerted actions by all the Drug law enforcement agencies and other
stakeholders.
Way Forward:
• Sharing of Intelligence: There is an urgent need to develop a system for sharing of information which would help the
enforcement agencies connect the distributors to the source of supply.
• Focus on Source of Supply: Enforcement agencies should focus mainly on tracking the network deeply and
prosecuting producers and suppliers, rather than the current focus on distributors and peddlers.
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• Special Skills, Dedicated Units: There is a need to develop special skills within state police organisations dealing with
drugs.
• Establishment of de-addiction Centres and Camps: The government agencies can establish district wise de-
addiction centres and camps to help the affected youth. Rehabilitation and post care counselling can save many lives.
• Comprehensive Approach: Exploring comprehensive approaches to treatment, rehabilitation, and harm
reduction.
• Role of Civil Society: It can run awareness programmes for students, youth clubs, etc to make healthy choices in life
and to stay away from drugs.
SHORT NEWS
7.2 Suspension of Operations (SoO)
Agreement
Context: Recently, the Manipur Chief Minister said that
the Centre would ensure the implementation of the
Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki
insurgent groups in the hill area.
About Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement:
• The suspension of operations (SoO) agreement
was sealed in 2008 with the aim of starting a political
dialogue with the militant groups in Manipur.
• 25 out of 30 Kuki insurgent groups in Manipur are
under tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) with
the Government of India and the state.
Key Points under Suspension of Operations (SoO) About Defense Acquisition Council (DAC):
Agreement: • The DAC is the highest decision-making body in the
• Security forces, including state and central forces, are Defence Ministry for deciding on new policies and
capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy
not to launch any operations, nor can the
and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard.
underground groups.
• The Minister of Defence is the Chairman of the
• The insurgent signatories shall abide by the Council.
Constitution of India, the laws of the land and the • It was formed, after the Group of Ministers
territorial integrity of Manipur. recommendations on 'Reforming the National
• They are prohibited from committing all kinds of Security System', in 2001, post Kargil War (1999).
atrocities, extortion, among others.
About Rafale Marine Aircraft:
• The militant cadres are to be confined in designated
• It will come with associated ancillary equipment,
camps identified by the Government.
weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew
• Arms are deposited in a safe room under a double-
training and logistic support.
locking system. The groups are given arms only to
 Their procurement from the French Government is
guard their camps and protect their leaders.
on an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) basis.
7.3 Rafael for Indian Navy o 26 Rafale-M fighters include 22 single seater
Context: Recently, the Defence Acquisition Council jets and four twin-seater trainers.
(DAC) approved proposals to procure 26 Rafale Marine o IAF operates 36 Rafale jets customised for
aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines Indian requirements procured under a €7.87 bn
for the Indian Navy. deal signed in April 2016.
• Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by About Scorpene submarines:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. • Submarines will be procured under Buy (Indian)
category and will be built by the Mazagon Dock
Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

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• The MDL is already building six Scorpene class About CERT-In:
submarines under Project-75 under transfer of • CERT-In is the national nodal agency for
technology from Naval Group which was a $3.75- responding to computer security incidents as and
billion deal signed in October 2005. when they occur.
7.4 Cluster Munitions • Mandate:
Context: The United States has decided to send cluster  Collection, analysis and dissemination of
munitions to Ukraine to help its military push back information on cyber incidents.
Russian forces.  Forecast and alerts of cyber security incidents
About Cluster Munition:  Emergency measures for handling cyber security
• Cluster munition is a bomb that opens in the air and incidents
releases smaller “bomblets” across a wide area.  Coordination of cyber incident response activities.
• The bomblets are designed to destroy tanks and About Guidelines on Information Security Practices:
equipment, as well as troops, hitting multiple targets • Aim: To ensure an open, safe and trusted and
at the same time. accountable Internet for its users.
• Cluster munitions have had a high dud rate. • Need: India’s digital landscape has witnessed
 Dud Rate: It means that thousands of the smaller tremendous growth, with over 80 crore Indians
unexploded bomblets can remain unexploded and (Digital Nagriks) actively utilizing the Internet and
can kill and maim people decades later. cyberspace.
• Range: Strike targets 15 to 20 miles (24 to 32 • Applicability:
kilometers) away.  All Ministries, Departments, Secretariats, and
Convention on Cluster Munitions: Offices specified in the First Schedule to the
• Adopted in 2008, enforced in 2010 Government of India (allocation of business) Rules,
• It prohibits all use, production, transfer and stockpiling 1961, along with their attached and subordinate
of cluster munitions. offices.
• It establishes a framework to support the victim assistance,  Public sector enterprises
clearance of contaminated sites, risk reduction education,
and stockpile destruction. • Appointment of Chief Information Security
• It has been signed by more than 120 countries. The US, Officer: Government organizations should appoint a
Russia and Ukraine haven’t signed on. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) along with
• Secretary-General of the United Nations is the Depositary of a dedicated cybersecurity team, independent of the
the Convention. IT operations team.
7.5 Guidelines on Information Security MILITARY EXERCISES IN NEWS
Practices: CERT-In
Context: Recently, the Indian Computer Emergency
Exercise Participants Venue
Response Team (CERT-In) issued “Guidelines on
Information Security Practices” for government entities JIMEX 23 Japan-India Visakhapatnam
for a safe and trusted Internet. Maritime Exercise (Andhra Pradesh)

SALVEX Indian Navy – US Kochi (Kerala)

Navy (IN – USN)

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8. SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
8.1 Euthanasia
Context:
Recently, a 62-years-old woman approached senior administrative officials seeking permission for euthanasia on
failing to remove illegal possession from her property.
About Euthanasia:
• Etymology: The word ‘euthanasia’ is a product of two Greek
words ‘eu’ meaning ‘good’ and ‘thanatos’ meaning ‘death’.
• Euthanasia refers to the practice under which an individual
intentionally ends their life to get relief from an incurable
condition, or intolerable suffering.
• Euthanasia falls under the category of assisted dying, which
also includes assisted suicide.
 Euthanasia is when an individual ends another person’s life
painlessly whereas under assisted suicide a physician
assists a patient in ending their life usually by lethal
injection.
Types of Euthanasia:
• Active Euthanasia: It involves an active intervention to end
a person’s life with substances or external force, such as
administering a lethal injection.
• Passive Euthanasia: It refers to withdrawing life support or
treatment that is essential to keep a terminally ill person alive.
• Voluntary Euthanasia: It takes place with the consent of the
patient.
• Involuntary Euthanasia: It is administered without the
patient’s consent.
Indian Judiciary on Euthanasia:
• Aruna Ramchandra Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011): In
this case, the Supreme Court had held that passive euthanasia
can be allowed under exceptional circumstances.
• Common Cause vs. Union of India (2018): The Supreme
Court allowed passive euthanasia while recognising the
living wills of terminally-ill patients who could go into a
permanent vegetative state, and issued guidelines
regulating this procedure.
 Living Will: A living will is a legal document that specifies
the type of medical care that an individual does or does not
want in the event they are unable to communicate their
wishes.
 It is also known as an advance directive.
• In 2023 the Supreme Court modified the guidelines to
make the right to die with dignity more accessible.
Customary Religious Practices: Image Credits: Hindustan Times
• Prayopavesa (literally resolving to die through fasting) is a practice in Hinduism that denotes the suicide by fasting
of a person who has no desire or ambition left, and no responsibilities remaining in life.

100
• A similar practice exists in Jainism, termed Santhara.
• In Tamil culture, it is called Vatakkiruttal and Sokushinbutsu in Buddhism.
Global Trends:
• Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium: These Countries allow both euthanasia and assisted suicide for anyone who
faces “unbearable suffering” that has no chance of improvement.
• Switzerland: Switzerland has banned euthanasia but allows assisted dying in the presence of a doctor or physician.
• Canada: Canada had announced that euthanasia and assisted dying would be allowed for mentally ill patients by March
2023; however, the decision has been widely criticized, and the move may be delayed.
• United States: USA has different laws in different states. Euthanasia is allowed in some states like Washington,
Oregon, and Montana.
• United Kingdom: The United Kingdom considers it illegal and equivalent to manslaughter.

Arguments for Euthanasia Arguments against Euthanasia

• Autonomy and Personal Choice: Euthanasia allows
individuals who are suffering from a terminal illness
or unbearable pain to have control over their own
lives and deaths.
• Alleviating Suffering: It provides a compassionate
option for individuals who are experiencing immense
physical or emotional pain that cannot be effectively
managed. It offers a means to end their suffering in a
humane and dignified way, preventing prolonged
agony.
• Quality of Life: It can provide an alternative for
individuals who feel that their quality of life has
deteriorated to an unbearable extent.
• Resource Allocation: It can potentially reduce the
financial burden on families and healthcare systems.
• Sanctity of Life: Many religions and ethical systems consider life to
be sacred and believe that intentionally ending one's own life or
aiding in another's death is morally wrong.
• Slippery Slope: Concerns are raised that vulnerable populations,
such as those with disabilities or mental illnesses, may be at risk of
coercion or abuse if assisted suicide becomes more widely
available.
• Medical Ethics: The medical profession is based on the principle of
"do no harm." Assisting in suicide can be seen as conflicting with
this principle, as it involves intentionally causing or hastening
death, which goes against the traditional role of healthcare
providers as healers and caregivers.
• Palliative Care Alternatives: Critics argue that instead of
providing the option of euthanasia, more emphasis should be
placed on improving palliative care services.

Institutional Recommendations:
• The Law Commission of India in its 196th Report
recommended that there must be a law made to
protect terminally ill patients who refuse medical
treatment, artificial nutrition, or hydration from
Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code.
Way Forward:
• Public Discourse and Education: Public education
campaigns, debates, and forums can help raise
awareness, promote understanding, and address
concerns related to end-of-life choices.
• Legal Framework: Establishing a comprehensive
legal framework is essential which outlines the
conditions for accessing euthanasia.
• Safeguards and Protections: Any legislation
surrounding euthanasia must include robust
safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Medical Ethics and Professional Guidelines:
Collaboration between policymakers, medical
Suicide v/s Euthanasia:
• Suicide & euthanasia are conceptually separate. Whether by
injuring, intoxication or just about any method, a person
committed suicide. Thus, suicide is a deliberate act on the part
of the person who commits it.
• Euthanasia, on the other side, involves another individual taking
measures to stop the existence of another individual.
Does the Right to Live under article 21 of the Indian Constitution
include the Right to Die too?
• P Rathinam Vs Union of India(1994): The judiciary debated
whether the punishment for attempting to commit suicide
(section 309 of IPC) was right or wrong.
 In this case, the SC upheld that the liberty to die comes under
the liberty to live. Thus, section 309 of the IPC was observed
to be constitutionally invalid.
• Gian Kaur Vs State of Punjab (1996): The Supreme Court (SC)
stated that the right to life enshrined in the Constitution does not
mandate the right to die because suicide or someone choosing
to die is an unnatural way of putting an end to one’s life.
• SC brought the validity of section 309 back and made an attempt
to suicide an offence again.

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 professionals, and ethics committees is necessary to develop guidelines and protocols for healthcare practitioners.
• Palliative Care: Enhancing palliative care options can offer alternative choices for those considering euthanasia.

Q. How does the Indian judiciary view and address the issue of euthanasia, and what are the key legal considerations
and decisions made in relation to euthanasia in India?

8.2 World Population Day and India Population Policy

Context:
Recently, World Population Day was observed on 11th July.
Objective: To draw the attention of the masses to the urgency of population control and to encourage them to work
together to re-establish harmony and unity with the natural environment.
Analysis of India’s Population Trend:
• According to a new United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report, India has overtaken China to become the
world’s most populous country, with more than 1.4 billion citizens, in April 2023.
 As much as 68% of India’s population belongs to the 15-64 years category, and 26 per cent in the 10-24 years
group, making India one of the youngest countries in the world.
 The percentage of the elderly population has been increasing from 6.8% in 1991 to 9.2% in 2016.
• Factor for Slow Rate of Growth of Population: Increased use of contraceptive methods, spacing of pregnancies,
access to health care and the impetus to family planning, besides increasing wealth and education, has contributed to
the rate of growth of population
• Decline in Fertility Rate in India: According
to the Sample Registration System survey
conducted yearly by the Indian government,
the birth rate declined steadily from 2011 to
2020.
 As per data from the fifth and latest
National Family Health Survey, for 2019-
21, India’s fertility rate has dropped to 2.0,
or two births per married woman.
 This is below 2.1, the replacement level of
fertility, or the rate at which a generation
replaces itself.
• However, the number of people in the country
is still expected to continue to rise for the next
few decades, hitting its peak of 1.7 billion by
2064.
Concerns Related to High Population:
• Adverse Economic Consequence: Rampant
poverty, rising inequality and widespread
unemployment and underemployment.
 Sustainable development becomes a
challenge as excessive resource
exploitation, environmental deterioration
and degradation are all directly related to overpopulation.
• Governance Challenge: Due to an increase in life expectancy and the resultant rise in the elderly population,
healthcare and social security costs have increased.
• Negative Social Consequences:
 Low Participation of Women in the Labour Force: World Bank data shows that female labour participation in
India plunged from 32 per cent in 2005 to 19 per cent in 2021.

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  Low Usage of Contraceptives: About half of all Indians still don’t use modern methods of contraception. The burden
of contraceptive usage falls disproportionately on women, while condom usage remains unacceptably low at less
than 10 per cent.
• Loss of Identity: Fear of loss of identity of ethnic minorities and migrants may also arise from overpopulation.
 It might fuel communalism and cause rifts in the social fabric based on religion and place of origin.
• Environmental and Health Danger: Due to overpopulation and resultant environmental damage, infectious diseases
evolve and spread easily. Eg: Covid-19
 Malnutrition and several illnesses are caused by a low standard of living.
• Regional Variations in Fertility: Population heavy states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar continue to have very high
fertility rates of 2.4 and 3 respectively.

Steps taken to Regulate Population in India:

• First Five-Year Plan: In 1952, India became the first country in the world to implement a population control
programme. It emphasised the use of natural family planning devices.
National Population Policy:
National Population Policy, 1976 National Population Policy, 2000
• Increase the marriage age from 15-18 years for • It provided a policy framework for advancing goals and
girls and from 18 to 21 years for boys. priorities to various strategies in order to meet India's
• Freeze the population figures at the 1971 level reproductive and child health needs and achieve TFR by
until the year 2001 for purposes of 2010.
representation in the national parliament as well as • Aim: To address a variety of issues related to maternal
for allocation of central assistance, devolution of health, child survival, and contraception, as well as to make
taxes, and so forth to the States. reproductive health care more accessible and affordable to
• More attention to the education of girls. everyone.
• Involvement of all ministries/departments of • Objectives
government in the family planning program.  Temporary Objective: The provision of birth control
• Increase in monetary compensation for devices was included as a temporary goal. It also
sterilization. included the development of a health-protection
• Institution of group awards as incentives for framework and the recruitment of health-care workers.
various organizations and bodies representing the  Mid-term Objective: By 2010, the total fertility rate
people at local levels. (TFR) had to be reduced to 2.1, which was the
• More attention to research. replacement level.
• Greater use of motivational media, particularly in  Long-term Objective: The goal is to achieve population
rural areas, for increasing acceptance of family stabilisation by 2045.
planning.  The population must be stabilised at a level that is
harmonious in terms of economic, social, and
environmental development and protection.
National Population Policy 2000: Key Achievements
• The Total Fertility Rate has declined from 2.9 in 2005 to 2.0 in 2019 (SRS).
• 28 out of 36 States/UTs have already achieved the replacement level fertility of 2.1 or less.
• The Crude Birth Rate has declined from 23.8 to 20.0 from 2005 to 2018 (SRS).
• Population Control Bill, 2019:
 It proposed a two-child policy per couple and aimed to incentivise its adoption through educational benefits, free
healthcare, better employment opportunities, home loans, and tax cuts.
 Bill was withdrawn in 2022: The policy to control and regulate the number of children violates such
constitutional rights as Article 16 (equal opportunity in matters of public employment) and Article 21
(protection of life and liberty).

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Government Scheme to Regulate Population:
• Home Delivery of Contraceptives Scheme: It aims to mobilize ASHA workers for doorstep delivery of contraceptives.
• Ensuring Spacing at Birth Scheme: ASHA workers provide counselling to newly married couples.
• Mission Parivar Vikas: It aims to increase access to Other countries' population control laws:
contraceptives and family planning services in certain high • China: It has taken the lead in instituting a strict one-
fertility districts. child policy for families.
• Clinical Outreach Teams Scheme: It provides family • Kenya launched family planning campaigns with the
planning services through mobile teams from accredited goal of matching population size to available resources.
organizations in far-flung areas. • Russia: It is experiencing a population decline due to
high mortality rates, which are likely due to factors such
• National Family Planning Indemnity Scheme: It insures as drugs and alcohol.
its clients in case of death, complication and failure • Article 22 of the 1969 Declaration on Social Progress
following sterilization. and Development: It ensures that couples have the right
to choose freely and responsibly the number of children
Way Forward: they will have.
• Role of Government: They should focus on high-fertility
districts in overpopulated states instead.
Role of State Government:
 Indian government has identified 146 high-fertility
districts, and most are in the north Indian states of • Assam: Population and Women's Empowerment
Policy of Assam, 2017.
Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar
 Candidates with two children would only be eligible
Pradesh.
for government employment and existing government
• Empowerment of Women: More gender equal societies employees were directed to follow the two-child
have lower fertility rates and improved demographic family norm.
indicators. • Uttar Pradesh’s law commission, 2021, came up
 NFHS 5 points out that girls who study longer have with a proposal where any person having more than
fewer children and also take up employment. two children would be barred from getting
 As women become more empowered, they are also government subsidies.
better valued as members of the society, thus reducing
the felt need for a male child. The success of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign in Haryana is a case in point.
• Capacity Development: Two-thirds of India’s total population is between the ages of 15 and 64.
 Education, skill development and creating opportunities, especially for the youth of disadvantaged sections and
women, will hold the key to the country using the demographic dividend to its advantage in the next 20 years.
• Emulating the Success of Southern States: Fertility reduction was successful in five southern states defies
conventional wisdom that literacy, education, and development are required for population stabilisation.
 Southern governments actively encouraged families to have only two children, followed by sterilisation.
 Male vasectomy, which is far safer than female sterilisation, should be promoted by national and state policies.
• Increase Family Planning Expenditure: India’s per-capita gross domestic product can rise an additional 13% by 2031
if family planning policies are actively prioritised.
 This can prevent 2.9 million infant deaths and 1.2 million maternal deaths and save households Rs 77,600 crore
(20%) of out-of-pocket health expenditure on childbirth and child hospitalisation.

8.3 Strengthening Palliative Care In India

Context:
Recently, the Union Government has released the operational guidelines for the management of non-communicable
diseases (NCDs), acknowledging the increasing burden of such diseases as the country’s population continues to grow.
• This emphasizes the need for palliative care services to individuals affected by NCDs.
About Palliative Care:
• Palliative care is a specialised branch of medicine that focuses on enhancing the quality of life and alleviating
suffering for individuals with life-limiting illnesses.
• Approach:

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  Comprehensive approach: Improve patients' well-being by addressing their physical, psychological, spiritual,
and social needs.
 Proportional actions: Prevent over-medicalization and the financial burden on families while prioritising quality of
life.
 Counselling support: Provides support to families and caregivers, including bereavement support after the patient's
death.
• Applicability: Heart failure, kidney failure, certain neurological diseases, cancer, etc.
Need for Palliative Care In India:
• Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases: Diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory diseases
have seen a steep rise in prevalence.
• High Cancer Incidence: With nearly 1.4 million people diagnosed with cancer in India each year, there is a substantial
need for palliative care services.
• Addressing Rural Healthcare Needs: Two-thirds of India's population resides in rural areas, where access to
healthcare services, including palliative care, can be limited.
• Increase in Elderly Population Worldwide: As per the WHO, by 2030, with 1 in 6 people being aged 60 or over, there
will be a significant demand for palliative care services.
 At this time the share of the population aged 60 years and over will increase from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion.
Challenges in the Existing Program for Palliative Care:
• National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD):
 NP-NCD was launched in 2010 to address the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
 Originally called NPCDCS, it aimed to provide promotive, preventive, and curative care for chronic diseases like
cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.
 In an ideal scenario, palliative care should take over curative care for advanced-stage diseases.
Gaps in the Revised NP-NCD Guidelines: Other Challenges to Palliative Care:
• Limited Focus on Non-Cancer Illnesses: • Limited Accessibility: It has largely been available at
 The guidelines mention palliative care mainly in relation tertiary healthcare facilities in urban areas.
to cancer, overlooking the higher need for palliative care  Due to this skewed availability of services, it is
in non-cancer illnesses. accessible to only 1-2% of the estimated 7-10
million people who require it in the country.
 The Global Atlas of Palliative Care in 2020 emphasised
• Poor Implementation: Despite the presence of
the broader scope of palliative care beyond cancer. government programs like the National Programme
• Exclusion of Chronic and Debilitating Conditions: for Healthcare of Elderly, access to palliative care
 In the previous operational guidelines (2013-2017), remains inadequate.
chronic and debilitating conditions were included under • Role of NGOs: NGOs such as Pallium India,
Karunashraya, and CanSupport try to fill the gap but
palliative care. face limitations due to resource constraints
 The revised guidelines fail to encompass these compared to the government.
conditions, narrowing the scope of palliative care. • Neglected Pediatric Palliative Care: The guidelines
• Lack of Emphasis on Home-Based Care: primarily focus on cancer, overlooking the urgent need
for palliative care for children with various chronic
 The previous guidelines acknowledged the importance of diseases.
home-based palliative care services.
 The revised guidelines overlook home-based care, with palliative care delivery starting only from the district
hospital.
• Inadequate Delivery at Primary Healthcare Level:
 Palliative care service delivery in the revised guidelines starts only from the district hospital, bypassing the health
and wellness center and sub-center levels.
• Gaps in the Implementation of the NPPC:
 The guidelines highlight the linkage of 11 programs to promote the convergence of services for non-communicable
diseases (NCDs).

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  One of these programs is the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC).
✓ The NPPC was announced in 2012 with the aim of enhancing palliative care services.
 However, the program has faced challenges due to the lack of a dedicated budget and awareness.
Way Forward:
• World Health Assembly Resolution: Implement the 2014 World Health Assembly Resolution 67.19 on Palliative care
by integrating palliative care into national health policies.
• Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure: There is a need to invest in building robust palliative care services at the
grassroots level, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all individuals in need.
• Training and Education: Providing specialized training programs to healthcare professionals in palliative care will
help address the shortage of trained personnel and
About Non-Communicable Disease (NCD):
enhance the delivery of services.
• Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as
• Access to Essential Medications: Facilitating improved chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the
access to opioids and other essential medications for pain result of a combination of genetic, physiological,
management is crucial for effective palliative care. environmental and behavioural factors.
• Collaboration and Integration: Strengthening • The four major NCDs are: Cardiovascular diseases
collaboration between healthcare professionals, (CVDs), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and
diabetes which share four behavioural risk factors –
specialists, and palliative care teams can ensure a unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and use of
coordinated approach to patient care and the continuity of tobacco and alcohol.
support. Status of NCDs in India:
• Public Awareness and Acceptance: Promoting • A study by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
awareness and acceptance of death as a natural part of life estimated that the proportion of deaths due to NCDs in
India have increased from 37.9% in 1990 to 61.8% in
can help foster a more compassionate and supportive 2016.
environment for palliative care. • According to WHO, over 60.46 lakh people died due
• Rehabilitation and Social Support: Recognizing the to NCDs in India in 2019.
holistic needs of patients and their families, integrating
rehabilitation and social support services within palliative care programs can enhance overall well-being.
8.4 Social Stock Exchange
Context:
SEBI recently granted its approval for introducing Social Fund Raising by Social Enterprises in India:
Stock Exchange (SSE) as a separate segment on BSE. • At present, the social-development sector in India receives
funding through multiple sources spanning corporate social
Henceforth, around 20 different social organisations have
responsibility (CSR), philanthropy, government funding and
registered under the SSE platform of National Stock retail charity.
Exchange(NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE). • An SSE would attempt to bring coherence across diverse
platforms with uniform frameworks of funding, utilisation,
More on News: impact-creation, measurement, disclosures, and reporting.
• With an aim to enhance the ability of social enterprises
and voluntary organisations to raise capital through
debt, equity and/or mutual funds, India’s Finance Minister
announced plans to set up an India-based SSE in 2019.
What is a Social Stock Exchange (SSE)?
• The SSE functions as a separate segment within the
existing stock exchange and helps social enterprises
raise funds from the public through its mechanism.
• The India SSE is functioning as a separate segment under
NSE and BSE.
• The SSE will list only securities that raise money for
‘non-for-profit’ or ‘for-profit’ ‘social enterprises.’

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• The goal is to take capital markets
closer to the masses and meet
various social welfare objectives
related to inclusive growth and
financial inclusion.
Not-for-Profit Organization may raise
funds on SSE through:
• Issuance of Zero Coupon Zero
Principal Instruments to
institutional investors and/or non-
institutional investors. ZCZP bonds
differ from conventional bonds as it
entails zero coupon and no principal
payment at maturity.
• Donations through Mutual Fund schemes as specified by SEBI;
• Any other means as specified by SEBI from time to time.
Eligibility to be recognised as a social enterprise (SE):
• Social Intent: Any non-profit organisation (NPO) or
for-profit social enterprise (FPSEs) that establishes the
primacy of social intent would be recognised as a
social enterprise (SE), which will make it eligible to be
registered or listed on the SSE.
• Registration: It is mandatory that the NPO is registered
with the SSE for facilitating the issuance.
• Fixed Tenure:The instrument must have a specific tenure and can only be issued for a specific project or activity.
• Expertise: It must demonstrate the requisite expertise through their performance in similar projects in the past.
• Criteria listed under Regulations of SEBI’s ICDR (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018
entail that enterprises must be
Enterprises not to be recognised as SSE:
 Serving to eradicate either hunger, poverty, • Corporate foundations, political or religious
malnutrition and inequality; organisations or activities, professional or trade
 Promoting education, employability, equality, associations, infrastructure and housing companies
empowerment of women and LGBTQIA+ communities; (except affordable housing) would not be identified as an
SE.
 Working towards environmental sustainability;
• NPOs would be deemed ineligible if dependent on
 Protection of national heritage and art or bridging the corporations for more than 50% of its funding.
digital divide, among other things.
 At least 67% of their activities must be directed towards attaining the stated objective.
How will the SSE help social enterprises? Best Global Global Practices:
• Easing out Hurdles in Accessing Capital: The SSE will • The UK’s Social Stock Exchange serves as a
provide much-needed capital to social enterprises that often directory of socially impactful companies, providing
struggle to access traditional funding sources. visibility to potential investors.
• Supporting Social Businesses : The SSE will increase the • Canada’s Social Venture Connexion acts as a
“trusted connector,” linking social businesses with
visibility of social enterprises, attracting both retail and
interested impact investors and service providers.
institutional investors interested in supporting socially
impactful ventures.
• Widening the Investor Base: The SSE would try to unify numerous platforms with consistent funding, utilisation,
impact generation, measurement, transparency, and reporting procedures.
• Safeguarding Interests of Investors: It ensures that the interest of the investors is safe guarded by mandatory
disclosure of social impact on an annual basis.

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• Creating a Parallel Social Economy: SSEs allow ethical investors to invest in businesses aligned with their values,
creating a parallel social economy.
• Proliferation of Giving Culture: SSC is expected to play a pioneering role in building social capital. It will create a
giving culture in India by motivating all especially those who are reluctant in giving donations to charities.
Conclusion:
• The establishment of a Social Stock Exchange in India marks a transformative leap in social finance, empowering
social businesses and impacting investors to address critical challenges while attracting much-needed capital.
• The government in this respect should provide for SAMBHAV: Socially Aligned Market for Beneficial and Impactful
Ventures, to create an enabling environment for SSEs and promote social finance in India.

8.5 Progress on Household Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) 2000-2022
Context:
A new report released by UNICEF and WHO, " Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
2000-2022: Special focus on gender" presents updated national, regional and global estimates for WASH in households
for the period 2000 to 2022.
Right to Water and Sanitation:
About WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene): • The United Nations officially declared access to water
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) is a term that and sanitation as a human right to reinforce people’s
right to clean and decent toilets.
refers to a set of initiatives and practices aimed at
• This established the significance of Water, Sanitation,
promoting access to clean water, proper sanitation, and and Hygiene (WASH) for not only better health
good hygiene practices. outcomes, but overall human dignity.
Key Findings from the report:
• Lack of Water Supply: Globally, 1.8 billion people live in households without water supplies on the premises.
• Lack of Private Space: Among 51 countries with available data, women and adolescent girls in the poorest households
and those with disabilities are the most likely to lack a private place to wash and change.
• Loss of Lives: 1.4 million lives are lost each year due to
Current Measures by India to improve sanitation and
inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene. hygiene:
• Disproportionate Impact on Women: Women and girls • Flagship Programmes: Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and
aged 15 and older are primarily responsible for water Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) aim to provide safe and
collection in 7 out of 10 households, compared with 3 in adequate drinking water to every household in India.
10 households for their male peers. • Atal Bhujal Yojana: It requires 33 percent women
members in Water Use Associations (WUA) at the Gram
 Loss of Education: Additional time spent on domestic
Panchayat level.
chores can also limit girls’ chances of completing • SPM-NIWAS: An apex institution for drinking water and
secondary school and gaining employment. sanitation of international repute, undertake academic
 Poor Quality of Life: women and girls make longer activities, research work, etc.
journeys to collect it, losing time for work, and leisure, • Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM): The MHM
and putting themselves at risk of physical injury and guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Drinking Water and
Sanitation to make adolescent girls capable of continuing
dangers on the way.
their education and ending the taboo around
 Vicious Cycles of Poverty: Unsafe water, toilets, and menstruation.
handwashing at home robs girls of their potential, • Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya (SBSV)
compromises their well-being, and perpetuates cycles programme: Provide gender-segregated toilet facilities
of poverty. for girls and boys in government elementary and
secondary schools.
 Health Risks: Inadequate WASH services increase
health risks for women and girls and limit their ability to safely and privately manage their periods.
 Increased Vulnerabilities: They face additional health risks because they are vulnerable to harassment, violence,
and injury when they have to go outside the home to bring water.

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Status of Health and Hygiene in India:
• Poor Accessibility: As of 2020, over 165 million Indians did not have access to clean water, 600 million lived in
water-stressed regions, and 63% of households did not have water.
• Water-scarce Regions: Water scarce regions in India which are dependent on government and municipal water
tankers receive a maximum of 25L per person per day, or 125L for a family of five. In contrast, median and high-
income households use 200L–600L per person per day.
• Water Contamination: Nearly 70% of India's fresh water is contaminated.
• Stunting and Wasting: Despite efforts to reduce the risks of unsanitary livelihood, India still has higher rates of
stunting and wasting among children under five due to poor sanitation.
 The overall prevalence of wasting in India is estimated at 18.7% in India and stunting at 35.5% as per (NFHS)-5
(2019-2021) data.
• Data Discrepancies: Although India was declared open-defecation-free (ODF) in 2019, several reports show that open
defecation persists in ODF regions with large number of defunct toilets
• Women-centric Issues:
 Lack of Knowledge: Ground reports indicate a lack of menstrual hygiene knowledge.Even though ASHA workers
continue to raise awareness, there are cases where 80 percent of women and girls in villages continue to practice
unhygienic practices.
 Paucity of Hygiene Management at the Workplace: In addition to other barriers, the lack of clean, separate
women's toilets in urban workplaces discourages women from working.
 Lack of Gender Tracking System: Even while WASH policies are gender-sensitive or gender-transformative in their
design and planning, they fail to measure the gendered impact of the policy.
Way Forward: for India:
• Basic WASH facilities: Improve access to basic sanitation facilities and clean water, and to provide adequate menstrual
hygiene facilities in the public places.
• Focus on Healthcare: Increasing the number of trained healthcare providers, improving the availability and
affordability of essential medicines and supplies.
• Women-led Transformation: Role of Communities, especially women and girls, should help design and implement
sanitation and hygiene programmes.
• Awareness and Sensitization Drives: Regularity of sanitation-related awareness and sensitization drives in
communities needs to be increased so that there is an attitudinal change even at the household level.
• School Curriculum: Incorporating the significance of WASH into school curriculum is one way to ensure that
educators, students, and administrators continue to focus on the issue.

SHORT NEWS

8.6 Swachh Survekshan 2023  To create awareness about the importance of

Context:
The on-ground assessment of cleanliness of cities as a
part of the Swachh Survekshan 2023 has begun.
About Swachh Survekshan:
• Swachh Survekshan, conducted since 2016, is the
world’s largest urban sanitation and cleanliness
survey and is the part of the Swachh Bharat
Mission-Urban.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs (MoHUA)
• Primary Goal:
 To encourage large scale citizen participation and
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working together towards making towns and cities
better places to reside in.
• Swachh Survekshan 2023 is the eighth annual
edition of the ranking.
• Theme for 2023: Waste to Wealth for Garbage Free
Cities.
• The assessment is to be conducted in 4 phases as
compared to 3 phases in earlier editions. The survey
would give priority to the principle of 3Rs – Reduce,
Recycle and Reuse.
• Assessment Parameters:
1. Cleanliness of public spaces and toilets
2. Collection of feedback from residents
 3. Performance of municipalities in waste collection,
segregation and processing.
About Swachh Bharat Mission:
• It is a country-wide campaign initiated by the Government of India in 2014 to eliminate open defecation and
improve solid waste management.
• It is a restructured version of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan launched in 2009.
• Phase 1 of the Swachh Bharat Mission lasted till October 2019.
• Phase 2 is being implemented between 2020–21 and 2024–25.
• The mission aimed to achieve an "open-defecation free" (ODF) India by 2 October 2019, the 150th anniversary
of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi through construction of toilets.
• The mission is split into two parts:
1. In rural areas "SBM - Gramin" is financed and monitored through the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
2. In Urban areas "SBM - urban" is overseen by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

Performance The Ministry of Education has released the report on Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for
Grading Index 2.0 states/UTs.
About Performance Grading Index:
• Devised by: Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education
• Aim: To assess the performance of the school education system at the state/UT level by
creating an index for comprehensive analysis.
• First released: for the year 2017-18
PGI 2.0
• The new PGI structure covers 73 indicators, focused more on qualitative assessment
besides including digital initiatives and teacher education.

Children and The United Nations has removed India from its annual report-‘Children and Armed Conflict’,
Armed Conflict: UN citing “measures taken by the government to better protect” them.
Report Key Findings of ‘Children and Armed Conflict’: UN Report:
• Globally in 2022, children continued to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict.
• 2,496 Children were detained for actual or alleged association with armed groups including
those designated as terrorist groups by the United Nations.

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9. ART & CULTURE
9.1 Antiquities and Art Treasure Act
Context:
Recently, the United States handed over 105 trafficked antiquities to India.
More on News:
• The artifacts represent a wide geographical spread in terms of their
origin in India – with 47 from Eastern India, 27 from Southern India,
22 from Central India, 6 from Northern India, and 3 from Western
India.
• These antiques are made of terracotta, stone, metal, and wood -
spanning a period from the 2nd-3rd century CE to the 18th-19th
century CE.
 For example: Terracotta Yakshi plaque belonging to the 1st
century BC; a red sandstone Dancing Ganesha from the 9th century; and a 10th century
Kubera.

What are Antiquities?

• Antiquity refers to any object or work of art that reflects science, art, literature, religion, customs, morals,
or politics from a bygone era.
• This can include coins, sculptures, paintings, epigraphs, detached articles.
• As per, the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972(AATA), an “antiquity” is an article or object that is at
least 100 years old.
 If it is a manuscript or record of any scientific, historical, literary or aesthetic value, it should be at least
75 years old.

Constitutional, Legislative and International Provisions Related to Indian Heritage:

• Constitutional:
 Classification of subjects: In India, Schedule seven of the Constitution contains the following provisions relating
to Indian heritage :
Union List (Item 67) State List( Item 12) Concurrent List (Item 40)

• Ancient and historical • Libraries, museums and other similar • Archaeological sites and
monuments and records, and institutions controlled or financed by remains other than
archaeological sites and remains, the State; ancient and historical those [declared by or under
[declared by or under law made monuments and records other than law made by Parliament] to be
by Parliament] to be of national those declared by or under law made by of national importance.
importance. Parliament to be of national
importance.
• Directive Principles of State Policy: Article 49 puts obligation on the State to protect every monument or place or
object of artistic or historic interest, declared by or under law made by Parliament to be of national importance.
• Fundamental Duty: Article 51A of Constitution states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to value and
preserve the rich heritage of our culture.
• Legislative:
 1947: The Antiquities (Export Control) Act was passed to prevent antiquities from being exported without a license.
 1958: The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act was enacted to safeguard ancient
monuments and archaeological sites from destruction and misuse.
 1972: The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 (AATA), implemented from April 1, 1976.

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  This license is granted by the Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI). Salient Features of The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act,
1972 (AATA):
• India’s Obligations towards International Conventions • Definition of Antiquities and Art Treasures: The Act
related to Heritage: defines what constitutes antiquities and art treasures.
 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and • Regulation of Export: The Act prohibits the export of
Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of antiquities and art treasures unless it is done under a
Ownership of Cultural Property, 1977 valid license issued by the government.
 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible • Process of Registration: Under section 14(3) of the
AATA, “Every person who owns, controls or is in
Cultural Heritage, 2005 possession of any antiquity” shall register such antiquity
 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the before the registering officer “and obtain a certificate in
Diversity of Cultural Expressions, 2006 token of such registration.”
• Sale of Antiquities: Antiquities can be sold only by a
Mechanism of Bringing Back Antiquities to India: licensed person.
There are three categories of antiquities which has been • Penalties: Selling antiquities specified for sale only by
moved out of India: the Central government and failure to declare all the
• Antiquities taken out of India pre-independence; antiquities in one’s possession at the time of the expiry of
a license are offenses.
• Those which were taken out since independence until
• All these attract the same penalty of a six-month jail
March 1976, i.e. before the implementation of AATA; term or fine or both, besides confiscation.
• Antiquities taken out of the country since April 1976.
• For items in the first two categories, requests have to be raised bilaterally or on international fora.
 For Example, the Maharashtra government in 2022 announced it was working to bring back the sword of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from London.
• Antiquities in the second and third categories can be
retrieved easily by raising an issue bilaterally with proof
of ownership and with the help of the UNESCO
convention.
Challenges in Conservation of antiquities:
• Lack of Strategy: As per CAG report, ASI lacks strategy or
road-map (long term/medium term) to fulfil its mandate.
The conservation activities were being undertaken on an
ad-hoc/annual basis.
• Repatriation Issues: Retrieving stolen antiquities from
foreign countries can be a lengthy and complex process,
involving diplomatic negotiations and legal
challenges.
• Illegal trafficking and looting: India is rich in cultural
heritage, making it a target for illegal trafficking and
looting of antiquities.
 Global Financial Integrity estimates that illegal trade in paintings, sculptures, and other artefacts generates $6
billion annually.
• Inadequate law enforcement:
 The National Crime Records Bureau reported that between 2008 and 2012, 4,408 items were stolen from 3,676
ASI-protected monuments nationwide, but only 1,493 could be intercepted by police.
• Red Tapism: Lengthy and complex bureaucratic processes can hinder the proper documentation, conservation, and
preservation of antiquities.
• Encroachment and Urbanisation: Historical sites and archaeological sites are sometimes encroached upon or
destroyed due to rapid urbanisation and development projects.
• Underfunding and Resource Constraints: The conservation and management of antiquities require significant
financial resources and skilled personnel, which may not always be available.

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  After 2017-18, increase in ASI’s overall expenditure and its expenditure on heritage protection activities (40 percent
of total expenditure) was moderate.
 As per CAG, ASI’s expenditure on excavation and exploration activities was still less than one per cent.
• Climate and Environmental Factors: Natural elements, such as weather and pollution, can pose threats to the
preservation of antiquities.
Way Forward: National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities
• Strengthening Legal Framework: Enact and enforce (NMMA):
robust laws to combat the illegal trafficking and export of • The NMMA was launched in 2007 to document the
country’s monuments and antiquities.
antiquities.
• It will help in the creation of a database of all
• Improved Law Enforcement: Invest in specialised antiquities and can be referred to readily in case of
training for law enforcement officers to identify and fraudulent dealings or theft.
combat antiquities smuggling. • It was initially set up for a period of 5 years from 2007 to
• Digital Documentation: Utilise modern technology like 2012. It was extended for a further 5 years till 2017 and
3D scanning and digital documentation to create detailed later merged with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
records of antiquities. This aids in research, conservation,
and repatriation efforts.
• Improved Archaeological Surveys: Conduct systematic and regular archaeological surveys to identify and document
sites, which can be vulnerable to looting or encroachment.
• Heritage Conservation Zones: Establish specific zones around important heritage sites where development and
construction are strictly regulated to protect the cultural heritage.
Q. What are the challenges faced by India in preserving and protecting its antiquities and art treasures, and what measures has the
country taken to address these challenges? Additionally, how does India demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding its cultural
heritage on an international level?

SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

Rudragiri Hillock Rudragiri hillock, unveils a combination of prehistoric rock paintings from the Mesolithic period
and exquisite artwork from the Kakatiya dynasty.
About Rudragiri Hillock:
• Location: Rudragiri Hillock is located amidst the Eastern Ghats in Guntur district of Andhra
Pradesh.
• These served as living quarters for people during the Mesolithic age around 5000 B.C., and
they bear witness to the luminous rock paintings of that era.

Stitched The Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy signed a MoU to revive ancient stitched
Shipbuilding shipbuilding methods.
Method (Tankai About Stitched Shipbuilding Method (Tankai method):
method) • It is a 2000-year-old technique of shipbuilding, where ships are constructed by stitching
wooden planks together rather than using nails, offering flexibility and durability, making
them less susceptible to damage from shoals and sandbars.

Namda Art Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Namda craft of kashmir is being successfully
revived and the first batch of Namda art products for export to the UK has been shipped.
About Namda Art:
• Fabric: Namda are felted rugs that are made by enmeshing wool fibers with water, soap
and pressure and then embroidering the resultant fabric. Low quality wool mixed with a
small quantity of cotton is used to manufacture namdas.
• Floor covering and mattress: These are extensively used in Kashmiri households as an
effective and inexpensive floor covering and mattress.

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 • Types: They are usually of two types, plain and embroidered. Formerly, woolen yarn was
used for embroidery, but now acrylic yarn (cashmelon) is in use.

Lambani As part of the third G20 culture working group (CWG) meeting in Hampi, a Guinness world
Embroidery Art record was created for the largest display of Lambani items titled with ‘Threads of Unity’.
About Lambani Embroidery:
• It is an intricate form of textile embellishment characterised by colourful threads, mirror-
work and stitch patterns.
• Practised in: several villages of Karnataka.
• Technique: It involves stitching together small pieces of discarded fabric to create a
beautiful fabric.

Global Peace Index • The GPI ranked 163 independent states and territories according to their level of
2023 peacefulness.
• Released by: Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)
• The average level of global peacefulness deteriorated by 0.42 per cent.
• Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world since 2008.
• India has occupied the 126th spot in the rankings.

Hul Diwas Jharkhand celebrates June 30 as ‘Hul Diwas’, commemorating the sacrifice of Adivasis in their
fight against British colonial authorities.
About Hul Diwas:
• The literal meaning of ‘Hul’ – is revolution which began in 1855.
• Leaders: It was led by two brothers Sidhu and Kanhu
• Region of rebellion: The rebellion took place in the Damin-i-Koh region.
 ‘Damin-i-Koh’ means the ‘skirts of the hills’; it falls in present-day Jharkhand around the
Rajmahal Hills.

Meira Paibis The Indian Army's Spear Corps accused women activists in Manipur of obstructing routes and
interfering in security operations amid ongoing rioting and unrest in the state.
About Meira Paibis of Manipur:
• The Meira Paibis, also known as Imas or Mothers of Manipur, are Meitei women who
represent a powerful moral force in Manipur.

National Maritime Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, reviewed the project process of National
Heritage Complex Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
About National Maritime Heritage Complex (NHMC):
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• Purpose: To highlight the robust maritime history and vibrant coastal tradition of our
country.
• Estimated Cost: Rs. 4500 crore
• Funding Source: Public and Private institutes, organisations and CSR.

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10. ETHICS
Note to Students: UPSC in its syllabus of Paper 4 has included Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public
Administration: Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance;
The topic of Rules of the Game v/s Spirit of the Game has been included in the ethics section to guide students
about applying the subject's reading and picking themes to make their own example. It will ultimately lead to better
answers and higher marks in GS 4 paper.

10.1 Rules of the Game v/s Spirit of the Game

Context:
In the recently concluded Ashes test series, cricket fans have discussed Johny Bairstow's (English Player) dismissal in the
second test. It has sparked outrage, with people condemning the move as antithetical to the spirit of the game.
Background:
• It was the 52nd over, and England was playing 193/6. Jonny
Bairstow decided to leave the ball, and it went to wicketkeeper
Alex Carey.
• At this moment, Jonny Bairstow looked at his feet inside the
crease and then moved ahead to change strike as he assumed
the over was complete.
• But, suddenly, Alex Carey decided to stump Jonny Bairstow while
it was pretty clear that Jonny Bairstow was going towards the
other end of the pitch.The decision went to the third umpire, who
announced Jonny Bairstow was out.
Result:
It resulted in boos from the English fans in attendance and a heated discussion on social media about the incident. It
escalated to such a level that the leaders of both countries began trolling each other on social media.
The current conflict relating to Johny Bairstow's dismissal is based
on the actions of what is the right thing to do when the Rules of the What does the rule say?
Game are not in consonance with the Spirit of the Game. • As per the MCC's dead ball law, law 20.1.1.1 states,
"The ball becomes dead when it is finally settled in
Arguments in Favour of Dismissal:( Rules of the Game > Spirit of the hands of the wicketkeeper or of the bowler."
the Game): • Law 20.1.2 also states, "The ball shall be
• Equality: Adherence to laws promotes equal treatment of all considered dead when it is clear to the bowler's
players; a successful competition should provide a level playing end umpire that the fielding side and both batters
field; in the case of the above incident, even the Australian at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.”
batsmen are bound by the same laws.
• Justice: It involves giving a person what he/ she is due; fairness should not be subservient to fair play.
The Australian player used the rules available to both sides, and the batsmen's complacency should not be the reason
for their loss.
• Objectivity: Rules are inherently objective, which means making a decision based solely on the facts, without
regard to one's feelings or personal biases. The rules prevent any unfair advantage to batsmen and should be adhered
to.
• Removes Ambiguity: The absence of rules may lead to anarchy and confusion, which will take away the
professionalism of sports. It should be the responsibility of the international players to adhere to the highest
standards of professionalism.
• Brings Deterrence: The basic assumption of making rules are that awarding punishment inculcates fear of doing a
wrong act and that the severity of punishment is directly proportional to the inhibitory effect.
• Uniformity in Behaviour: The penalty of giving out is not discriminatory since it prevents other batsmen from doing
the same and helps in conducting the game in a fair way.

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• Trust and Credibility: The trust of the audience and the viewership is based on the professional standards of the
game; adherence to rules promotes credibility and leads to increased viewership.
• For example, Favouring players in similar situations may lead to corruption and unholy nexus between the Umpires
and the host countries, undermining the credibility of the game.
Arguments against Dismissals ( Spirit of the Game
> Rules of the Game):
• Laws/ Rules must be Ethics in Action: Most laws
are there to promote the spirit of the game while the
game is played; if it is inconsistent with the core
belief, then the existence of the law in itself is in
question.
• Laws/ Rules are limited and can't be
comprehensive; it is impossible to cover all the
situations under the ambit of the law; hence the spirit
of the game should be the guiding factor in such
situations.
• For example, the dismissal in such a manner is akin
to hitting on the break in boxing as the referee steps
in. There are moments when players are expected to
act in a gentlemanly, respectful manner despite the
gladiatorial competition.
• Role of Individuals: In acting, interpreting and
enforcing a law, there is required a certain degree
of idealism which a law can't assure.
• In the present scenario, the Australian Captain went
ahead with the decision, whereas in a similar
situation in 2011, MS Dhoni called back Ian Bell after
he was given out.
• The Integrity of the Player: The decision to run out
a batsman who is not taking any undue advantage
questions the integrity of the player; integrity
means doing the right thing even when the
results are not going your way.
• The Twisting of Laws to get desired results to take the skill out of the question and getting a batsman out involves a
certain level of competence; in this case, the absence of skill can be called into question.
• End v/s Means: Spirits of the game entails the joy of playing the game which includes pure and simple enjoyment of
the sport. Winning at any cost destroys the core concept of the "joy of playing".
• Only in Letter, Not in Spirit: Adherence to the rules of the game can prescribe only the minimum expected standards.
This leads to the narrowing of quantitative dimensions and leads to procedural compliance alone.

What Should be Done?

In situations where there are discrepancies between the rules of the game and the spirit of the game, the conscience of
an individual assumes significance. It helps to recognise the ethical dimensions that need to be adopted for the most
appropriate course of action.
What is Conscience?
• Conscience describes two things – what a person believes is right and how a person decides what is right. More than
just 'gut instinct', our conscience is a 'moral muscle'.

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• It becomes the criterion we use to determine whether or not our acts are ethical by informing us of our beliefs and
ideals.
Relevance of Conscience:
• It helps an individual to interpret the prescribed rules with prudent and practical
consideration.
 For example, a situation where a batter is taking undue advantage can be
separated from cases where there is no malafide intent.
• It helps in identifying outdated laws and creates a case for their revision.
 For example, in the current scenario, when the batsman is not seeking any
unfair advantage, the third umpire can decide and suggest the captain take back
his appeal.
• Supplements the role of rules in upholding the values of the spirit of the game.
 The rules can also include fair play points for the teams who play the sport in
its true spirit.
• Conscience depends upon and also enhances the discretionary power of the
individual. Therefore, it becomes important to ensure that who enjoys a position
of power, influence or authority.
 It is necessary that the people in power should educate their conscience in
accordance with their responsibility.
 Captains of both teams can meet before the series to decide the minimum
common standards to which both teams will adhere during the course of the
game.

Conclusion: In cases where individual conscience is in conflict with the law, the law
should prevail, but in instances where the law fails the test of morality, it is incumbent
upon decision-makers to change such laws.

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11. PERSONALITY IN NEWS
Lokmanya Tilak • Recently, the Prime Minister paid tributes to Lokmanya Tilak on his Jayanti.
• The epithet ‘Lokmanya', means the beloved of the people.
• News Papers: Kesari (“The Lion”), The Mahratta.
• Literary Works: Gita Rahasya, ‘The Arctic Home in the Vedas’.
• Mahatma Gandhi called him“the Maker of Modern India”, and Jawaharlal Nehru described him
as “the Father of the Indian Revolution”.

Chandra • Prime Minister paid tributes to freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad on his birth anniversary.
Shekhar Azad • Becoming Azad: When apprehended by the police at age 15 while participating in Mohandas K.
Gandhi’s noncooperation movement (1920–22) , he gave his name as Azad ( “Liberated”) and
his address as “prison.”
• Organization and contribution: Member of Hindustan Republican Association.He was
involved in the Kakori Conspiracy(1925) and murder of a British police officer(1928) .

Robert • About: He was an American theoretical physicist and science administrator best known for
Oppeheimer serving as the Institute for Advanced Studies director and as the Los Alamos Laboratory's
director (1943–45) during the development of the atomic bomb.
• Manhattan Project: The Manhattan Project was the codename for the American-led effort to
develop a functional atomic weapon during World War II.

Syama Prasad The Prime Minister has paid tributes to Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee on his birth anniversary (6th
Mukherjee July).
• Birth: July 6, 1901 in Calcutta.
• Political Career and Leadership Roles:
 1944: He became president of Hindu Mahasabha in 1944.
 1951: In 1951, Mukherjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
• Books Written:
1. A Phase of the Indian Struggle
2. Pledge for an Integrated India
3. Sane Advice to Save India
4. Awake Hindusthan

Alluri Sitarama The President paid tribute to the freedom fighter Alluri Sitramam Raju on his 125th birth
Raju anniversary.
• Birth and Early Life:
 Born on July 4, 1897, in present-day Andhra Pradesh.
 He was Deeply disturbed by the sufferings of countrymen under British rule.
• Role as a Freedom Fighter:
 He is also referred to as Manyam Veerudu (Jungle Warrior), rallied thousands of poor
Adviasis and kindled the spirit of freedom among them.
 Fought against the oppressive Madras Forest Act, 1882.
• Death: Rama Raju was caught and martyred by Britishers on May 7, 1924. His remains are buried
at Krishnadevi Peta in Visakhapatnam.

Mihir Bhoj • Recently, the Gurjar community in Haryana had planned to unveil a statue of Mihir Bhoj, calling
him a Gurjar Pratihar Samrat (king).

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 • Both Gurjars and Rajputs assert that Raja Mihir Bhoj is their ancestor, which has led to a
conflict.
• Ruler and Dynasty: Mihir Bhoj was the ruler of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty in the 9th
century.
• Capital: Kannauj.
• Titles: Varaha and Prabhas, in honor of Vishnu.
• Gwalior Prashasti: Inscription detailing Mihir Bhoj's achievements

Rani Durgavati Recently, the Government in Madhya Pradesh launched the six-day Rani Durgavati Gaurav Yatra.
• Born: In 1524 in Mahoba’s Chandela dynasty- the region came under present-day Uttar
Pradesh.
• She was married to Dalpat Shah, the son of the Gond King Sangram Shah of the kingdom of Garha-
Katanga.
• During her reign, Durgavati fought with Baz Bahadur, the sultan of the neighbouring Malwa who
was eventually defeated by Akbar.
• Abul Fazl- the court historian of Akbar who wrote Akbarnama, described Durgavati as a
combination of beauty, grace and manlike courage and bravery.

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12. PLACES IN NEWS

Katchatheevu Island

Location: It is an island in the Palk Strait, 14 nautical miles

from Rameshwaram, and has for long been a bone of contention
between India and Sri Lanka.

Ukraine Port of Odessa

Recently, Russia struck Ukraine’s port of Odesa with missiles.

About Odessa Sea Port:
• Odessa is Ukraine's largest seaport on the Black Sea.
• It export 10% of the world's wheat, 12 to 17% of maize,
and half of the world's sunflower oil.

Crimea Bridge
Recently, the Crimea bridge suffered damage when one of its
sections was blown up.
About Crimea Bridge:
• The Kerch Bridge, also known as Crimea Bridge, is the
only direct link between the transport network of Russia
and the Crimean peninsula.
• The bridge that passes over the Kerch Strait was
inaugurated in 2018.
• The Kerch Strait is located in Eastern Europe, It serves as a
waterway that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of
Azov. Image Source: NYPOST

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 Iraq
Indian government is looking at resuming operations of state-
run ONGC Videsh Ltd’s (OVL) hydrocarbon exploration block
in Iraq, which has been under force majeure since 2003.
About IRAQ:
• Location: Iraq is located in Western Asia.
• Borders: Iraq shares borders with several countries:
 Turkey to the north
 Iran to the east
 The Persian Gulf and Kuwait to the southeast
 Saudi Arabia to the south
 Jordan to the southwest
 Syria to the west
• Rivers: Two major rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, flow
through Iraq.They converge near the Persian Gulf in the
Shatt al-Arab.

Kaas Plateau
Recently, a new study of the sediments from a seasonal lake
in the Kaas Plateau has indicated a major shift in the Indian
Summer Monsoons towards dry and stressed conditions
with low rainfall during the Early-Mid–Holocene, around 8664
years BP.
About Kaas Plateau
• Location: Kaas Pathar is a plateau made from volcanic
rocks in the Satara district of Maharashtra.
• Kaas Plateau is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site,
under the name the Western Ghats.
• The plateau of Kaas experiences a natural cycle of extreme
conditions.
o It becomes wet water-logged cool in monsoon Image Source: Researchgate
rains, very dry, barren hot summer (45 degree
C) and dry winter (5 degree C).

Solomon Islands
Leaders of the Solomon Islands and China promised to expand
relations that have fuelled unease in the U.S and Australia about
China’s influence in the South Pacific.
About Solomon Islands:
• Location: Southwestern Pacific Ocean.
• Capital: Honiara
• The climate is tropical oceanic—that is, hot and humid but
relieved by cool winds and abundant, year-round rainfall.

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 Pangong Tso Lake
China is rushing to complete a bridge across the Pangong Tso,
connecting the north and south banks.
About Pangong Tso Lake:
• Location: Pangong Tso is an endorheic lake (landlocked)
that is partly in India’s Ladakh region and partly in Tibet. Its
total area is over 600 sq km.
• It is formed from Tethys geosyncline.
• Nearly two-thirds of the lake is controlled by China, with just
about 45 km under Indian control.
• The LAC, running north-south, cuts the western part of the
lake, aligned east-west.

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13. SCHEMES IN NEWS

Schemes Ministry About/Features

Scheme for Expansion Ministry of Home Aim: To expand and modernise Fire Services in the States.
and Modernization of Affairs Funding: Budget: Rs 5,000 crore. State Governments contribute
Fire Services in the 25% (10% for NEH States) of the total project cost from their budget.
States

Mission Organic Value Ministry of Agriculture
Chain Development and Farmers Welfare
for North Eastern for implementation
Region
Recently a meeting was organized to review the progress of Phase-
III of the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North
Eastern Region (MOVCDNER).
• Aim: To develop end to end organic value chains in North
Eastern States.
• It is a Central Sector Scheme, a sub-mission under National
Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
• Beneficiary States:
 Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Ministry of Social • Amalgamation of earlier scheme: National Action Plan for
Yojana Justice and Senior Citizens (NAPSrc) was revamped, renamed as Atal
Empowerment VayoAbhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) in 2021.
• It is an umbrella Scheme which includes Integrated
Programme for Senior Citizens and Rashtriya Vayoshri
Yojana.
• Objectives: To improve the quality of life of the Senior Citizens
by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care
and entertainment opportunities.

SAMARTH Ministry of Textiles SAMARTH is a demand driven and placement-oriented umbrella

skilling programme in the textile sector.
Aim: To incentivize and supplement the efforts of the industry in
creating jobs in the organized textile and related sectors,
covering the entire value chain of textiles, excluding spinning and
weaving.

Scheme to Support Ministry of Women Aim: To provide medical, financial and infrastructure support to
Minor Rape Victims and Child victims in cases where the sexual assault results in pregnancies.
Development

Credit Guarantee Ministry of Fisheries, Objective: To facilitate credit flow to Micro, Small & Medium
Scheme for Livestock Animal Husbandry, Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Livestock sector without the need for
Sector and Dairying collateral security.
Target Beneficiaries: The scheme supports first-generation
entrepreneurs and underprivileged sections of society in the
Livestock sector.

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PM-PRANAM Scheme Ministry of Chemicals PM-PRANAM stands for (Prime Minister’s Programme for
& Fertilizers Restoration, Awareness, Generation, Nourishment and
Amelioration of Mother Earth).
Aim: To incentivise states to use alternative, non-chemical
fertilisers.
It was first announced in the 2023-24 Budget with a total outlay
of ₹3,70,128.7 crore.
Time Period: 2022-23 to 2024-25

Green Credit Scheme Ministry of Objective: To create a market-based mechanism for undertaking
Environment, Forest environment-friendly activities such as afforestation programmes,
and Climate Change water conservation by providing additional incentives in the form of
green credits.

Special Assistance to Ministry of Finance Under the scheme, special assistance is being provided to the States
States for Capital in the form of a 50-year interest-free loan up to an overall sum of
Investment 2023-24’ ₹1.3 lakh crore during the financial year 2023-24.
Scheme It was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.

Seva Bhoj Scheme Ministry of Culture • Objective: Under the Scheme Central Goods and Services Tax
(CGST) and Central Government’s share of Integrated Goods
and Services Tax (IGST) paid on purchase of specific raw food
items by Charitable Religious Institutions shall be
reimbursed as Financial Assistance by the Government of India.
• It is provided to those institutions who provide
Food/Prasad/Langar (Community Kitchen)/Bhandara free
of cost without any discrimination to Public/Devotees.
• It is a Central Sector scheme.

Advance Ministry of Commerce Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) implements the
Authorisation Scheme and Industry Advance Authorisation Scheme under the Foreign Trade Policy.
• It allows duty-free import of inputs, which are physically
incorporated in an export product.
• In addition to any inputs, packaging material, fuel, oil, and
catalyst which is consumed / utilized in the process of
production of export products, is also allowed.
• Eligibility of Inputs: Determined by Sector-specific Norms
Committees based on input-output norms.

SWAMIH Investment Ministry of Finance • The Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing
Fund (SWAMIH) Investment Fund I is a social impact fund
specifically formed for completing stressed and stalled
residential projects.
• Launched in: 2019
• Managed by: SBICAP Ventures Ltd., a State Bank Group
company.
• Lender of last resort for distressed projects: The Fund will
consider first-time developers, established developers with
troubled projects, developers with a poor track record of stalled
projects, customer complaints and NPA accounts.

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14. MISCELLANEOUS
14.1 1st IIT Campus Abroad
• The first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus outside the country will be set up in Tanzania.
• The admission criteria will be decided by IIT-Madras, and degrees will be conferred by the institute.
• IIT-Madras will be responsible for planning pedagogical strategies for the offshore campus.
• The move is also in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends that “high-performing
Indian universities will be encouraged to set up campuses in other countries”.
AWARDS IN NEWS

Awards About

PEN Pinter Prize • British children’s writer and performance poet Michael Rosen has been awarded the
prestigious PEN Pinter Prize 2023.
• Established in: 2009
• It is given in memory of Nobel-laureate playwright Harold Pinter.
• Criteria for the annual award: Nationality must be From the UK, Ireland, or
Commonwealth countries.

National Geoscience • The National Geoscience Awards-2022 were presented by the President of India.
Awards • Instituted by: The Ministry of Mines, Government of India
• Aim: To honour individuals and teams for extraordinary achievements and outstanding
contributions in various fields of geosciences.



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TEST YOURSELF
Polity & Governance (c) All three (d) None of the above

1. Which of the following countries have not Answer key: 1 -(d), 2 - (c) , 3 - (b), 4 - (a), 5 - (c)
criminalized marital rape?
1. Ghana 2. India INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
3. Indonesia 4. Jordan 1. Which of the following is/are members of
5. Nigeria ‘Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)’?
Select the correct answer using the code given 1. Kazakhstan 2. China
below: 3. Kyrgyzstan 4. Iran
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2, 4 and 5 only 5. Tajikistan 6. Uzbekistan
(c) 3 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Select the correct answer using the code given
below:
2. With reference to ‘Rule 267’, consider the (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2, 4 and 5 only
following statements: (c) 1, 4, 5 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
1. Any member of the Rajya Sabha can issue a
notice to the Chairperson for a discussion on 2. With reference to the ‘North Atlantic Treaty
any subject under Rule 267. Organisation’, consider the following statements:
2. The Rule gives special power to a Rajya Sabha 1. Finland became the 31st member of NATO.
member to suspend the pre-decided agenda 2. Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) is an
of the House, with the approval of the alliance of NATO.
Chairman. Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Which of the following countries are associated
3. ‘Right to Silence’ is enshrined in: with the ‘International North South Trade
(a) Article 19 (b) Article 20 Corridor’?
(c) Article 21 (d) Article 25 1. Azerbaijan 2. Belarus
3. Bulgaria 4. Armenia
4. ‘NeSDA Portal’ deals with which of the following 5. India
areas? Select the correct answer using the code given
(a) e-Governance (b) Space Exploration below:
(c) Sports (d) Health Care (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3 , 4 and 5
5. Which of the following statements is/are correct
about ‘Reservation In India’? Answer Key: 1 - (d), 2 - (c) , 3 - (d)
1. In the National Legal Services Authority of
India (NALSA) v Union of India (2014) case, the Economy
Supreme Court ruled that transgender
persons have a right to reservation. 1. Consider the following statements regarding ‘GST
2. Vertical reservations are aimed at addressing Council’:
social asymmetry arising out of caste 1. It was set up by the President as per Article
hierarchy. 279A (1) of the Constitution.
3. Horizontal reservation cuts across all vertical 2. The members of the Council include the
groups to provide affirmative policies for Union Finance Minister (chairperson), the
disadvantaged groups within categories. Union Minister of State (Finance) from the
Select the correct answer using the code given Centre.
below:
(a) Only one (b) Only two

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 3. Each state can nominate a minister in-charge (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct
of finance or taxation or any other minister as and Statement-II is the correct explanation
a member. for Statement-I
Which of the statements given above is/are (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct
correct? and Statement-II is not the correct
(a) Only one (b) Only two explanation for Statement-I
(c) All three (d) None of the above (c) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is
correct
2. Consider the following statements: (d) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is
1. Price Stabilization Fund was established in incorrect
2014-15 to absorb extreme volatility in Answer key: 1 - (c) , 2 - (d), 3 - (c) , 4 - (b)
selected commodity prices.
2. In the budget of 2018-19, “Operation Greens” Environment
was announced.
Which of the statements given above is/are not 1. Consider the following statements regarding
correct? ‘Ambergris’:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Statement-I: Ambergris originates from the
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 digestive system of protected sperm whales.
Statement-II: It is a rare substance used to
3. Consider the following statements: produce perfumes with musk notes.
Statement-I: India has ranked 43rd in the Global Which one of the following is correct in respect of
Competitiveness Index 2023 released by the the above statements?
International Institute for Management (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct
Development (IMD). and Statement-II is the correct explanation for
Statement-II: Denmark, Ireland and Switzerland Statement-I
took the top three places in world competitiveness (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct
ranking. and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for
Which one of the following is correct in respect of Statement-I
the above statements? (c) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct correct
and Statement-II is the correct explanation for (d) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is
Statement-I incorrect
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct
and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for 2. Consider the following Pairs:
Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is National Park Location
correct
(d) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is 1. Kuno National Park Madhya
incorrect Pradesh

4. Consider the following statements regarding ‘ 2. Bannerghatta National Tamil Nadu

National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Park
progress of Review 2023’:
Statement-I: India witnessed 13.5 crore people 3. Great Himalayan Jammu &
moving out of multidimensional poverty between National Park Kashmir
2015-16 and 2019-21 with fastest reduction in
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh. Which of the above given pairs is/are not
Statement-II: India has registered a significant correctly matched?
decline of 9.89 percentage points in number of (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
India's multidimensionally poor from 24.85% in (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
2015-16 to 14.96% in 2019-21.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of
the above statements?

127
3. With reference to ‘Anthropocene epoch’, 3.
consider the following statements:
1. The Anthropocene epoch as a term was
coined by Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer
in 2000.
2. It denotes the present geological time
interval, in which the Earth’s ecosystem has
gone through radical changes due to human
impact.
3. The phenomena associated with this epoch
include global warming, sea-level rise, ocean
acidification, mass-scale soil erosion, the
advent of deadly heat waves. 4.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two
(c) All three (d) None of the above
Answer Key: 1 - (b), 2 - (b), 3 - (c)
Science & Technology
1. Consider the following statements:
1. Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission
as well as second attempt to achieve a soft
landing of a robotic lander on the moon's
surface.
2. Chandrayaan-2 mission partially failed after 5.
its lander and rover couldn’t execute a soft-
landing on the Moon.
Which of the statements given above is/are not
correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. With reference to ‘Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA)’ ,
consider the following statements:
1. It consists of public and private companies, Answer Key: 1 - (d), 2 - (c) , 3 - (a), 4 - (d), 5 - (d)
research institutions, and standards with a
focus on the development of 6G technology in DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Indi(a) 1.
2. To support the advancement of 6G
technology, the government has allocated a
grant of 240.51 crores through the Telecom
Technology Development Fund scheme.
Select the correct answer using the code given Answer Key: 1 - (a)
below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
With reference to ‘National Research Foundation
(NRF) Bill, 2023’, consider the following
statements:
1. It proposes to set up the Science and
Engineering Research Board (SERB).
2. It aims to set up the National Research
Foundation as an apex body with the Prime-
Minister as its Ex officio President.
Which of the statements given above is/are not
correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Consider the following statements:
1. El Salvador is the first country in the world to
adopt Bitcoin - the largest cryptocurrency by
market capitalization - as its legal tender.
2. Cryptocurrencies and central bank digital
currencies are both blockchain-based digital
currencies
Which of the statements given above is/are not
correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
With reference to ‘Non-Fungible Tokens
(NFTs)’,consider the following statements:
1. Anything that can be converted into a digital
form can be an NFT.
2. NFT works on blockchain as it gives users
complete ownership of a digital asset.
Which of the statements given above is/are not
correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
The "Suspension of operations (SoO) agreement "
often seen in the news is related to:
(a) Manipur (b) Jammu & Kashmir
(c) Arunachal Pradesh (d) Mizoram

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SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 4. Consider the following statements regarding
1. With reference to ‘Euthansia’,consider the ‘Global Peace Index’:
following statements: Statement-I: It is released annually by the
1. In Aruna Ramchandra Shanbaug v. Union of Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
India (2011), the Supreme Court had held Statement-II: India has occupied the 125th spot
that passive euthanasia can be allowed under in it.
exceptional circumstances. Which one of the following is correct in respect of
2. Switzerland has banned euthanasia but the above statements?
allows assisted dying in the presence of a (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct
doctor or physician. and Statement-II is the correct explanation
Which of the statements given above is/are for Statement-I
correct? (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only and Statement-II is not the correct
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is
Answer Key: 1 - (c) correct
(d) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is
Art and Culture incorrect
Answer Key: 1 - (b), 2 - (c) . 3 - (c) , 4 - (d)
1. Consider the following Pairs:
PLACES IN NEWS
Art form State

1. Namda Art Arunachal Pradesh 1. Consider the following Pairs:

2. Kalighat Paintings West Bengal Island Country

3. Pattachitra Andhra Pradesh 1. Katchatheevu Maldives
Which of the above given pairs is/are not
correctly matched? 2. Belle Island India
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
3. Kalimantan Indonesia
(c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the above given pairs is/are not
2. With reference to ‘Mesolithic Era’ ,consider the correctly matched?
following statements: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
1. In India, it spanned from 9,000 (B)(C) to (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
4,000 (B)(C)
2. It is characterized by the appearance of 2. With reference to ‘Kaas Plateau’, consider the
Microliths (small bladed stone tools). following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are 1. A recent study of sediment of Kaas Plateau
correct? has revealed a significant change in the Indian
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Summer Monsoons during the Early-Mid-
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Holocene, approximately 8664 years ago.
2. It is located in the Western Ghats.
3. With reference to ‘ Santal rebellion or Hul’, Which of the statements given above is/are
consider the following statements: correct?
1. The rebellion took place in the lush Damin-i- (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Koh region. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. It was led by two brothers Sidhu and Kanhu.
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

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3. Consider the following Pairs: (d) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is
incorrect
Lake State

1. Pangong Tso Ladakh 2. Which of the following is the objective of the PM-
PRANAM scheme?
2. Kolleru Tamil Nadu 1. To Promote installation of Solar Pumps and
Grid connected solar and other Renewable
3. Vembanad Lake Haryana Energy Power Plants (REPP)
2. To save the soil and promote sustainable,
Which of the above given pairs are correctly
balanced use of fertilisers.
matched?
3. To mitigate the problem of stubble burning in
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Select the correct answer using the code given
below:
Answer Key: 1 - (a), 2 - (c) . 3 - (a)
(a) Only one (b) Only two
(c) All three (d) None of the above
SCHEMES IN NEWS
3. The ‘Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana’ is under the
1. Consider the following statements: aegis of:
Statement-I: SWAMIH is a Category-II AIF (a) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
(Alternate Investment Fund) debt fund registered (b) Ministry of Women and Child Development
with SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of (c) Ministry of Cooperation
India). (d) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Statement-II: The Fund is sponsored by the
Ministry of Finance. 4. Which sectors are targeted by the ‘SAMARTH
Which one of the following is correct in respect of scheme’?
the above statements? 1. Textile 2. Automobile
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct 3. Mining 4. Metallurgy
and Statement-II is the correct explanation Select the correct answer using the code given
for Statement-I below:
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct (a) 3 and 4 only (b) 2 only
and Statement-II is not the correct (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1 only
explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is Answer Key: 1 - (b), 2 - (a), 3 - (a), 4 - (d)
correct

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