M.S.

Shashank

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 M.S.Shashank

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

1.1. Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) .......................................................................................................... 6
1.2. Role of Governor and Need for Reform ............................................................................................................ 6
1.3. Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 ................................................................................................ 8
1.4. Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules of 2021 .................................................................................................. 9
1.5. CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 ................................ 9
1.6. Sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes ......................................................................................................... 11
1.7. Supreme Court Legal Services Committee ...................................................................................................... 12
1.8. Minority Status and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) .................................................................................. 12
1.9. Free Legal Aid in India ..................................................................................................................................... 13

2. Economy ............................................................................................ 14
2.1. PLI 2.0 for Steel Sector .................................................................................................................................... 14
2.2. India’s GDP Growth ......................................................................................................................................... 15
2.3. Livelihood in Rural India .................................................................................................................................. 16
2.4. India’s Palm Oil Imports .................................................................................................................................. 17
2.5. Switzerland’s Decision to Eliminate Import Duties ......................................................................................... 18
2.6. Direct Tax Collection in India .......................................................................................................................... 19
2.7. States’ Startup Ranking for 2022 .................................................................................................................... 20
2.8. Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2024 ............................................................................................................. 21
2.9. Investment Models ......................................................................................................................................... 22
2.10. 16th Finance Commission ............................................................................................................................... 23

3. International Relations ....................................................................... 25

3.1. India-South Korea (RoK) Relations .................................................................................................................. 25
3.2. Expansion of BRICS.......................................................................................................................................... 26
3.3. One Year of India-Australia ECTA .................................................................................................................... 27
3.4. Red Sea Trouble .............................................................................................................................................. 28
3.5. India-Saudi Arabia Hajj Agreement ................................................................................................................. 29
3.6. India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime ........................................................................................................ 29
3.7. India and Czech Republic Ties ......................................................................................................................... 30
3.8. China-Taiwan Relations................................................................................................................................... 30
3.9. Iran-Pakistan Conflict ...................................................................................................................................... 31
3.10. 19th NAM Summit .......................................................................................................................................... 32

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

4.1. Non-Invasive Formaldehyde Sensor ............................................................................................................... 33
4.2. Many-body physics ......................................................................................................................................... 34
4.3. Aditya L1 Mission ............................................................................................................................................ 35
4.4. Superconductivity in LK-99 ............................................................................................................................. 35

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 M.S.Shashank
4.5. Voice Cloning................................................................................................................................................... 36
4.6. Direct to Cell Satellite...................................................................................................................................... 37
4.7. Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project ............................................................................................................ 37
4.8. National Quantum Mission ............................................................................................................................. 37

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

5.1. Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code ........................................................................................................... 39
5.2. Child Marriage ................................................................................................................................................. 39
5.3. Andhra Pradesh Launches Caste Census......................................................................................................... 40

6. Health ................................................................................................ 41
6.1. Management of Tuberculosis (TB) .................................................................................................................. 41
6.2. Revising Growth Standards to Measure Malnutrition .................................................................................... 43
6.3. Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 .................................................................................... 44

7. Education ........................................................................................... 45
7.1. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023 ..................................................................................... 45
7.2. Centre Issues Guidelines For Coaching Institutes ........................................................................................... 46
7.3. SHRESHTA........................................................................................................................................................ 47

8. Agriculture ......................................................................................... 48
8.1. Supreme Court concern on GM mustard ........................................................................................................ 48
8.2. Yellow Rust ...................................................................................................................................................... 49
8.3. Aromatic Crops and Floriculture ..................................................................................................................... 49

9. Environment ...................................................................................... 50
9.1. Self Pollination in Parisian Pansies .................................................................................................................. 50
9.2. Climate change impact montane birds bird species: Study ............................................................................ 51
9.3. Green Hydrogen .............................................................................................................................................. 51
9.4. Coal Gasification.............................................................................................................................................. 52

10. Internal Security................................................................................. 53

10.1. Maritime Security............................................................................................................................................ 53
10.2. Cyber Kidnapping ............................................................................................................................................ 55
10.3. Vijay Raghavan Committee ............................................................................................................................. 55

11. Geography & Disaster Management ................................................... 56

11.1. Lonospheric Observations in Antarctica ......................................................................................................... 56
11.2. Northeastern India: Historical Linkages .......................................................................................................... 56
11.3. 2024: A Leap year............................................................................................................................................ 57
11.4. High Resolution Landslide Risk Map for India ................................................................................................. 58

12. History- Art & Culture......................................................................... 59

12.1. Tansen Samaroh.............................................................................................................................................. 59
12.2. Sunehri Bagh Masjid ....................................................................................................................................... 59
12.3. WB seeks classical language status for Bangla ............................................................................................... 59

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 M.S.Shashank
12.4. Kashmiri Language .......................................................................................................................................... 60
12.5. Kalaram Temple .............................................................................................................................................. 60
12.6. Guruvayur Temple .......................................................................................................................................... 60
12.7. Ayodhya Ram Mandir...................................................................................................................................... 61

13. Awards .............................................................................................. 62

13.1. Best Innovation Award .................................................................................................................................... 62
13.2. Indian of the Year Award ................................................................................................................................ 62
13.3. Assam Baibhav Award ..................................................................................................................................... 62
13.4. Scope Excellence Award.................................................................................................................................. 62
13.5. Bharat Ratna ................................................................................................................................................... 63
13.6. Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award, 2024 ........................................................................................... 63
13.7. Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2023 ................................................................................................. 64
13.8. Puberty Athlete of The Year ............................................................................................................................ 64

14. Persons & Appointments .................................................................... 64

14.1. Arvind Panagariya ........................................................................................................................................... 64
14.2. Nadia Calvino .................................................................................................................................................. 64
14.3. Ravindra Kumar Tyagi ..................................................................................................................................... 65
14.4. Rashmi Shukla ................................................................................................................................................. 65
14.5. Raghuram Iyer ................................................................................................................................................. 65
14.6. Senthil Pandian ............................................................................................................................................... 65
14.7. Tshering Tobgay .............................................................................................................................................. 65

15. Government Initiatives....................................................................... 66

15.1. SMART 2.0 ....................................................................................................................................................... 66
15.2. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)..................................................................................................... 66
15.3. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U).............................................................................................. 67
15.4. PM YASASVI Scheme ....................................................................................................................................... 67
15.5. Yuva Sangam ................................................................................................................................................... 68
15.6. Torkham border .............................................................................................................................................. 68
15.7. PRERANA Program .......................................................................................................................................... 69

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

16.1. World Braille Day ............................................................................................................................................ 69
16.2. National Birds Day ........................................................................................................................................... 69
16.3. Earth’s Rotation Day ....................................................................................................................................... 69
16.4. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas ................................................................................................................................... 70
16.5. World Hindi Day .............................................................................................................................................. 70
16.6. National Human Trafficking Awareness Day................................................................................................... 70
16.7. National Youth Day ......................................................................................................................................... 70
16.8. National Startup Day ....................................................................................................................................... 71
16.9. National Girl Child Day .................................................................................................................................... 71
16.10. International Day of Education ....................................................................................................................... 71

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 M.S.Shashank
16.11. National Voters Day ........................................................................................................................................ 71
16.12. National Tourism Day...................................................................................................................................... 72
16.13. Republic Day.................................................................................................................................................... 72
16.14. International Customs Day.............................................................................................................................. 72

17. Miscellaneous .................................................................................... 73

17.1. Project Veer Gatha 3.0 .................................................................................................................................... 73
17.2. Poila Boisakh ................................................................................................................................................... 73
17.3. Peninsular Hill Trout........................................................................................................................................ 73
17.4. European Bison ............................................................................................................................................... 73
17.5. Buxa National Park .......................................................................................................................................... 74
17.6. Atal Setu .......................................................................................................................................................... 74
17.7. Chilika Lake...................................................................................................................................................... 74
17.8. Henley Passport Index (HPI) 2024 ................................................................................................................... 74
17.9. India’s Shortest Humped Cattle Breed............................................................................................................ 75
17.10. E-SAKSHI Mobile Application .......................................................................................................................... 75
17.11. ISOPOD ............................................................................................................................................................ 75
17.12. Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary .......................................................................................................................... 76
17.13. GI Tags from Odisha ........................................................................................................................................ 76
17.14. Baltic Sea ......................................................................................................................................................... 77
17.15. Operation Sarvashakti .................................................................................................................................... 77
17.16. SARATHI App ................................................................................................................................................... 78
17.17. Laughing Gull ................................................................................................................................................... 78
17.18. E-SCR portal..................................................................................................................................................... 78
17.19. Eurasian Otter ................................................................................................................................................. 78
17.20. Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024 ........................................................................................................................ 78
17.21. Aigai79
17.22. Belgorod Region .............................................................................................................................................. 79
17.23. Atal Setu .......................................................................................................................................................... 79

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 M.S.Shashank

1. Polity & Governance

1.1. Aadhaar-Based Payment System o This aligns with broader initiatives to enhance
(ABPS) the digital infrastructure of the country.

Concerns with ABPS Payments

Why in News?
• Over- Reliance: Over-reliance on technical tools
has resulted in problematic implementation, with
• Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
beneficiaries devoid of a proper recourse for
Employment Guarantee Scheme
corrections in the system.
(MGNREGS) payments are made mandatory through
• Authentication Issues: There have been instances
an Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS).
where individuals faced difficulties with biometric
authentication due to factors such as poor
What is the Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS)?
connectivity, technical glitches, or errors in the
• Under ABPS, workers’ 12-digit Aadhaar numbers
Aadhaar database.
are linked with their job cards as well as their bank
o Errors in any step of the process result in
accounts.
payment failures.
• ABPS uses the worker’s Aadhaar number as
their financial address.
Conclusion
• Aadhaar must be mapped with the National
• The Ministry of Rural Development has said that it
Payments Corporation of India (NCPI) database;
may consider an exemption from ABPS on a case-
and finally, the bank’s institutional identification
to-case basis for gram panchayats if there are
number must itself be mapped with the NPCI
technical issues.
database.
• MGNREGS remains a vital demand-driven welfare
• The system was first made mandatory with effect
scheme that helps the rural poor and its
from February 1, 2023 but, through several
implementation must not be dependent upon a
extensions, the Centre allowed it until December
technological system.
31, 2023.
• The Ministry could conduct social audits to
• The ABPS became mandatory from January 1, 2024.
ascertain the extent of the problem before insisting
on ABPS.
Benefits of Payments through ABPS
• Easy and Secure Authentication: Aadhaar provides
a unique identification method through biometric 1.2. Role of Governor and Need for Reform
authentication (fingerprint or iris scans), making
transactions secure and reducing the risk of fraud.
Why In News?
• Convenient: Aadhaar-based payment systems
eliminate the need for physical cards or documents
• The Kerala government has filed an amended
for financial transactions.
petition with the Supreme Court seeking directions
o Users can authenticate themselves using their
for the Governor to clear pending bills immediately.
Aadhaar number and biometrics, making the
process more convenient.
More in News
o It ensures the payment of beneficiaries into
• Kerala has also sought the intervention of the top
their bank accounts, even in case of frequent
court to interpret the phrase “as soon as possible”
change of bank account by the beneficiary.
in the first proviso to Article 200 of the
• Reduced Leakages in Subsidy Programs: Aadhaar is
Constitution on the timeline applicable to the
often linked to various government subsidy and
disposal of the Bills presented to the Governor
welfare programs, ensuring that the benefits reach
the intended beneficiaries directly.
About Governor
• Promotion of Digital Payments: Integration of
• The Governor is the Executive Head of the State
Aadhaar into payment systems contributes to the
within the meaning of Article 153 and 154 of the
government’s push for a less-cash economy by
Constitution of India.
promoting digital transactions.

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 M.S.Shashank
o Article 153. The Governor: There shall be a
Governor for each State. Provided that nothing
in this Article shall preventthe appointment of
the same person as Governor for two or more
States.
o Article 154. Executive power of State : (1) The
executive power of the State shall be vested in
the Governor and shall be exercised by him
either directly or through officers subordinate
to him in accordance with this Constitution.
o Article 163: There shall be a Council of
Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head
to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise
of his functions, except in so far as he is by or
under this Constitution required to exercise his
functions or any of them at his discretion.
Powers related to passage of bill
• Article 200 of the Constitution lays down that when
a Bill, passed by a State Legislature, is presented to
the Governor for their assent, they have four Commission reports
alternatives —
o may give assent to the Bill;
o may withhold assent to the Bill, that is, reject
the Bill in which case the Bill fails to become
law;
o may return the Bill (if it is not a Money Bill) for
reconsideration of the State Legislature; or
o may reserve the Bill for the consideration of
the President.
Emerging Issues
• In recent years, the bitterness between states and
Governors has been largely about the selection of • The Punchhi
the party to form a government, deadline for
proving majority, sitting on Bills, and passing
negative remarks on the state administration.
• Ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court
raise concerns about the conduct of some Conclusion and Way Forward
Governors.
• Several States were facing the similar situation
where the Governors were keeping the Bills • The Supreme Court must now come up with an
pending for inordinate periods and without
exercising the power under Article 200 of the
Constitution, thus rendering the State Legislatures
ineffective.
o There is no limit set for how long a Governor
can withhold assent to a Bill.
• The frictions have become especially acute in
several states over the last few years.
Observations of Court
• In judgement, Shamsher Singh vs State of Punjab
(1974), the Supreme Court said that President and
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Governor shall “exercise their formal
constitutional powers only upon and in
accordance with the advice of their Ministers save
in a few well-known exceptional situations
• In NCT of Delhi v. Union of India (2018), a
Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court
emphasised the need to identify the “moral values
of the Constitution” based on a notion of
“constitutional culture”.
o It said that the “constitutional morality
places responsibilities and duties on
individuals who occupy constitutional
institutions and offices”
• In Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India
(2006), after finding that the Governor abused
power in recommending Presidential rule in Bihar,
the Supreme Court said that the motivated and
whimsical conduct of the Governor is amenable to
judicial review.
• The Sarkaria Commission Report
(1988) highlighted that “some Governors have
failed to display the qualities of impartiality and
sagacity expected of them”.
o It recommended that respective chief
ministers should be consulted before
appointing a governor.
o In dealing with a State Bill presented to him
under Article 200, the Governor should not act
contrary to the advice of his Council of
Ministers merely because, personally, he does
not like the policy embodied in the Bill
Commission (2010), had
recommended that the Governor should take a
decision with respect to a Bill presented for their
assent within a period of six months.
• It is time to think about the behaviour of
Governors in Opposition-ruled States.
authoritative decision so that uncooperative
Governors do not use grey areas to their
advantage.
• It must also be clarified whether ‘withholding
assent’ is a final act of rejection of a Bill or it needs
a follow-up action in the form of returning the Bill
with a message for reconsideration by the House,
• However, federalism is a basic feature of the
Constitution and the Governor’s office should not
undermine the powers of elected governments in
the States.
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 M.S.Shashank
1.3. Press and Registration of Periodicals
Act, 2023
Why In News?
• Recently, draft Rules, 2024 have been proposed to
implement the provisions of the Press and
Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023.
KEY FEATURES OF THE BILL INCLUDE:
Registration of periodicals:
Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867
• The Act provides for the registration of
newspapers, periodicals, and books.
• It also provides for the cataloguing of books.
• The Act provides that a declaration specifying the • The Bill allows the Press Registrar General to
printer/ publisher be made to the District
Magistrate (DM). The DM sends the declaration to
the Press Registrar, who then issues a certificate of • The registration may be suspended due to:
registration.
Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023
• The Bill provides for the registration of periodicals,
which include any publication containing public
news or comments on public news.
• Periodicals do not include books or scientific and • The Press Registrar General may cancel the
academic journals.
• The Bill allows the publisher of a periodical to
obtain a registration certificate by filing an online • Registration may also be cancelled if:
application with the Press Registrar General and
specified local authority.
Foreign periodicals:
• An exact reproduction of a foreign periodical may
be printed in India only with the prior approval of
the central government.
• The manner of registration of such periodicals will
be prescribed.
Press Registrar General:
• The Act provides for the central government to
appoint a Press Registrar who maintains a register
of newspapers.
• The Bill provides for the Press Registrar General of
India who will issue registration certificates for all
periodicals.
• Other functions of the Press Registrar General
include:
(i) maintaining a register of periodicals,
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(ii) making guidelines for the admissibility of
title of periodicals,
(iii) verifying circulation figures of prescribed
periodicals, and
(iv) revising, suspending, or cancelling
registration.
Registration of a printing press:
• The Act requires a printing press to be declared
before the DM.
• The Bill allows for information regarding printing
presses to be submitted to the Press Registrar
General through an online portal.
Suspension and cancellation of registration:
suspend a periodical’s registration for a minimum
period of 30 days which can extend to 180 days.
(i) registration obtained by furnishing false
information,
(ii) failure to publish periodicals continuously,
and
(iii) giving false particulars in annual
statements.
registration if the publisher does not correct such
defects.
(i) a periodical has the same or similar title as any
other periodical,
(ii) the owner/ publisher has been convicted of a
terrorist act or unlawful activity, or for acting
against the security of the state.
Penalties and appeal:
• The Bill empowers the Press Registrar General to
impose penalties for:
(i) publishing periodicals without registration
(up to five lakh rupees),
(ii) failing to furnish annual statement within
the specified time (up to Rs 20,000 on first
default).
• If a periodical is published without registration, the
Press Registrar General may direct its publication to
be stopped.
8
 M.S.Shashank
• Not complying with such direction within six 1.5. CEC and Other ECs (Appointment,
months will be punishable with imprisonment of up
to six months.
• Any person may appeal against the refusal to issue
a registration certificate, suspension/ cancellation
of registration, or imposition of penalty. Why in News?
• Such appeals may be filed before the Press and
Registration Appellate Board within 60 days. • The Supreme Court declined a request for an
1.4. Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules of
2021
Why In News?
• The Centre has amended the Central Civil Services
(Pension) Rules of 2021.
About the amended rules
• Rule 50 of the Central Civil Services (Pension)
Rules, 2021 allows the grant of family pension
following the death of a government servant or
retired government servant.
• The amendment was formulated by
The Department of Pension and Pensioners’
Welfare (DoPPW) in consultation with
the Ministry of Women and Child
Development taking into consideration
representations received.
• It allows women government employees and
pensioners to nominate their children for
receiving family pension over their spouse, if at the
time of their death, any proceedings for divorce,
domestic violence, or dowry demands happen to
be pending against the said spouse.
o Till now, the rules provided for the family
pension to first go to the surviving spouse and
the children became eligible to receive it only
after the death of the spouse.
Purpose:
• Several women officials and pensioners were
asking if it was possible to nominate children
before the spouse in cases where divorce
proceedings are under way or domestic violence
cases are pending against the spouse.
• This amendment is progressive in nature and
would empower women employees/pensioners
significantly.”
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Conditions of Service and Term of
Office) Act, 2023
interim stay on the Chief Election Commissioner
and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment,
Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act,
2023.
About
• The Act replaces the Election Commission
(Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners
and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.
o The Act set the salary of the CEC and ECs at the
same level as a Supreme Court judge.
o It did not provide for their appointment
process, which continued to be decided by the
President.
Background
• In 2023, while examining the appointment of the
CEC and ECs, the Supreme Court declared that their
appointment should not be done solely by the
Executive.
• The Court noted that the ECI should be
independent of Executive control.
• It mandated a selection process, which would hold
until Parliament made a law.
o The Court directed that the appointment
should be done by the President on the
recommendation of a Selection Committee.
o The Selection Committee will consist of: (i) the
Prime Minister, (ii) the Leader of Opposition in
Lok Sabha, and (iii) the Chief Justice of India.
Article 324 of Constitution
• Article 324 of the Constitution states that the
Election Commission will comprise the Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of
Election Commissioners (ECs), as the President may
decide.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is
responsible for managing the preparation of
electoral rolls and conducting elections to
Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of
the President and Vice-President.
• The Constitution specifies that the President will
appoint the CEC and ECs, subject to the provisions
of an Act of Parliament.
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 M.S.Shashank
Key Features of the CEs and ECs Appointment Act,
2023
• Election Commission: The Election Commission
will consist of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
and other Election Commissioners (ECs). The
President will periodically fix the number of ECs.
• Appointment of the Commission: The
Commission will be appointed by the President,
upon the recommendation of the Selection
Committee.
o The Selection Committee will comprise
the Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister, and
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha (or leader
of the single largest opposition party).
o A Search Committee headed by the Cabinet
Secretary will suggest five names to the
Selection Committee.
o The Selection Committee may consider any
person other than those suggested by the
Search Committee.
• Eligibility criteria: The CEC and ECs must: (i) be
persons of integrity, (ii) have knowledge and
experience in the management and conduct of
elections, and (iii) be or have been Secretary (or
equivalent) to the government.
• Term and reappointment: Members of the
Election Commission will hold office for six years, or
until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is
earlier.
o Members of the Commission cannot be re-
appointed.
o If an EC is appointed as a CEC, the overall period
of the term may not be more than six years.
• Salary and pension: The salary, allowances, and
other conditions of service of the CEC and ECs will Conclusion
be equivalent to that of the Cabinet Secretary.
• Removal: The Bill retains the manner of
removal of CEC and ECs as specified in the
Constitution.
o The CEC may be removed in the same manner
and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court
Judge.
o ECs may be removed only upon the
recommendation of the CEC.
Concerns of the Act
• Independence of the Election Commission: The
Constitution envisages the Election Commission
(ECI) as an independent body that is responsible for
conducting free and fair elections.
o Several provisions in the Bill may undermine
the independence of the ECI.
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Selection Committee is Dominated by the
Government: The Selection Committee will consist of
the Prime Minister, a Cabinet Minister, and the Leader
of Opposition in Lok Sabha which means majority of
members are from the government of the day.
• Validity of Selection Committee: The Act upholds
the validity of the Selection Committee even if
there is a vacancy or defect in constituting the
Committee.
• Role of Search Committee: The Selection
Committee selects names from a panel of five
people suggested by the Search Committee.
o The Selection Committee may go beyond the
names suggested by the Search Committee,
and choose any other candidate which may
undermine the role of the Search Committee.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only a person who is or has been
at a rank equivalent to Secretary to the government
will be eligible.
o By limiting the eligibility criteria of the CEC and
ECs to civil servants, the Bill may exclude other
qualified individuals from such posts.
• Salaries: The Act equates the salary of the CEC and
ECs to that of the Cabinet Secretary of the
government. Earlier, it was equated to the salary of
the Supreme Court Judge.
o Both salaries are currently equivalent but they
are regulated differently.
o The salary of a Cabinet Secretary salary is fixed
by the government upon the recommendation
of the Central Pay Commission which allows the
greater control of the Executive in determining
the salary of the CEC and ECs.
• The CEC and EC Appointment Act 2023 shows
reform in the selection process for the ECI, but it
also raises concerns about the potential hijacking of
the process of appointment of CEC & EC in the
hands of the executive.
• The suggested alterations could potentially impact
the autonomy and operations of the Election
Commission of India .
• The independence of the Election Commission is
paramount to guarantee impartiality and integrity
in the execution of electoral processes.
• Addressing these concerns and upholding the non-
partisan nature of the Election Commission is
essential for maintaining public trust in the
electoral system and ensuring fair and unbiased
elections.
10
 M.S.Shashank

1.6. Sub-categorisation of Scheduled o The thrust of it has been that even among the
Castes marginalised, there are communities that have
lesser access to basic facilities.
• Unequal Representation: Some communities are
Why in News?
more backward and have less representation than
others.
• The Union government has formed a committee to
o For instance, the Madiga community has
ensure equitable distribution of benefits to
claimed that the benefits, including that of
Scheduled Castes (SCs) across the country.
reservation, meant for the SC category had
o The sub-categorisation of SCs comes after the
been cornered by the Mala community, with
Prime Minister’s promise to look into the
the Madigas being left out.
demand raised by the Madiga community of
• Legal Standpoint: A five-judge Bench headed
Telangana.
by Justice Arun Mishra has affirmed the
competence of the States to give preferential
Sub-Categorisation within Scheduled Castes
treatment to the weakest among the Scheduled
• It is to identify and help the most backward among
Castes without depriving other castes of any
the SCs.
benefit.
• In the last two decades, multiple states like Punjab,
o The Court has noted that the Scheduled
Bihar, and Tamil Nadu have tried to bring in
Castes list contains many castes and cannot
reservation laws at the state level to sub-categorise
be treated as a homogeneous group.
SCs.
• Equitable Distribution of Benefits: The Union
• In the last two decades, States like Punjab, Bihar,
government has formed a committee of
and Tamil Nadu have tried to bring in reservation
Secretaries to evaluate and work out a method for
laws at the State level in a bid to sub-categorise
the equitable distribution of benefits, schemes,
Scheduled Castes.
and initiatives to the most backward communities
amongst the over 1,200 Scheduled Castes across
Legality of Sub-categorisation
the country.
• E. V. Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh
Arguments against sub-categorisation within
(2004): The Supreme Court through its 5-Judge
Scheduled Castes
Bench held that once a community is included in
the Presidential List for Scheduled Castes under
• These are primarily based on the legal and
Article 341 of the Constitution, they become part of
practical challenges associated with it.
a single larger class of people, casting a wide net for
• Legal Challenges: The Supreme Court held that
the purposes of reservation.
the State did not have the power to unilaterally
o It held that the State did not have the
sub-categorise communities in the list of SCs or
legislative power to create sub-classifications
Scheduled Tribes (STs).
within this single class and that such an action
o The Constitution has provided that these lists
would violate the Right to Equality.
can only be made by Parliament and notified
• However, all plans are held up in courts as the
by the President.
Supreme Court forms its larger Constitution
• Data of socio-economic status: The population
Bench (in Davinder Singh Case) to decide the
data related to SC, ST, and OBC categories are not
matter.
updated since the 2011 census.
o The issue of sub-classification in reservations
o It hampers the objective and scientific basis
has been pending before a 7-Judge Constitution
for sub-categorisation.
Bench for nearly two years without a hearing.
• Untouchability: The social and educational
backwardness cannot be applied to Scheduled
Arguments favouring sub-categorisation within
Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The special
Scheduled Castes
treatment is given to the SCs due to untouchability
with which they have suffered since ages.
• Graded Inequalities: The principal argument for
sub-categorisation of SCs has been the graded
Conclusion
inequalities among SC communities.
• The Constitution of India does not prohibit the
Parliament to sub-categorise SCs but it needs to

©AKS www.aksias.com 11
 M.S.Shashank

justify by the government that this move would be

a 100% count of all castes – a caste census of each Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987
community and sub-community and their • Enacted to establish a statutory foundation for
respective socio-economic data. legal aid programs, the Act aims to provide free and
• The government should focus on the equitable competent legal services to eligible groups,
distribution of benefits, schemes and initiatives to including women, children, SC/ST and EWS
SCs population in India, as mandated by the categories, industrial workers, disabled persons,
Constitution and other Statutory provisions. and others.
• NALSA, constituted in 1995, oversees and
1.7. Supreme Court Legal Services evaluates the implementation of legal aid
programs and formulates policies to ensure the
Committee availability of legal services.
Why in News?
State and District Legal Services Authorities
Justice BR Gavai has been nominated as the Chairman • The Act also led to the establishment of State Legal
of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee Services Authorities (SLSA) and District Legal
(SCLSC), which offers free legal services to Services Authorities (DLSA), headed by High Court
underprivileged individuals in cases under the Chief Justices and District Judges, respectively.
jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. • These bodies aim to provide legal aid, conduct Lok
Adalats, organize legal awareness camps, and
Details facilitate the dissemination of legal services and
• The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
information at the district and taluk levels.
(SCLSC) holds a crucial role in providing free and
competent legal services to vulnerable sections of Conclusion
society. • The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and its
subsequent institutions, including the Supreme
Mandate of SCLSC Court Legal Services Committee, work toward
• Established under Section 3A of the Legal Services
making legal aid accessible and ensuring justice for
Authorities Act, 1987, the SCLSC's primary objective all, especially for those who might face economic or
is to offer free and competent legal services, other barriers in accessing legal services.
specifically in cases falling under the jurisdiction of
the Supreme Court.
• The committee comprises a sitting Supreme Court 1.8. Minority Status and Aligarh Muslim
judge as the chairman and members appointed by University (AMU)
the Chief Justice of India (CJI) possessing prescribed
experience and qualifications. Why in News?
• A seven-judge Bench of the Supreme Court (SC) is
Composition and Nominations hearing the dispute over the minority character
• The NALSA Rules, 1995, outline the specifics of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
regarding the numbers, qualifications, and
experiences required for SCLSC members. About AMU
• The CJI appoints the Secretary to the Committee, • Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a Muslim reformer,
and the Committee, in consultation with the CJI, can in 1877 founded the Muhammadan Anglo-
appoint officers and other employees as per the Oriental College (MAO College) at Aligarh to
prescribed norms. address Muslim educational backwardness while
protecting Islamic values.
Legal Services and Constitutional Obligations • MOA not only imparted Western education but
• The Indian Constitution, particularly Article 39A, also emphasized Islamic theology.
emphasizes the state's responsibility to ensure • The Aligarh Muslim University Act, 1920 (AMU
justice and provide free legal aid to citizens, Act) was passed to incorporate the MAO college
ensuring justice isn't denied due to economic or and the Muslim University Association into AMU.
other disabilities.
• Articles 14 and 22(1) also stress the need for Dispute over the minority character
equality before the law and provisions for • In 1951, the AMU Act was amended, removing
informing individuals about the grounds for arrest. compulsory religious education for Muslims and

©AKS www.aksias.com 12
 M.S.Shashank
the exclusive Muslim representation mandate in
the University Court.
• The legal dispute began in 1967 when the SC in S.
Azeez Basha versus Union of India (UOI),
reviewed the 1951 and 1965 amendments.
o The petitioners argued that since Muslims
established AMU, they had the right to
manage it.
o However, a five-judge SC bench upheld the
amendments, reasoning that AMU was
neither established nor administered by
the Muslim minority, highlighting the Act’s
enactment through Central legislation.
o This ruling triggered nationwide protests,
leading to the amendment of the AMU Act
in 1981, affirming the university’s minority
status.
o In 2005, AMU reserved 50% of
postgraduate medical seats for Muslim
candidates.
• The Allahabad High Court struck down the
reservation policy in Dr Naresh Agarwal vs UOI
(2005) holding the 1981 amendment
unconstitutional.
Case in Supreme Court
• The apex court is addressing two issues —
the criteria for determining the minority status of
an educational institution and whether an
institution established under a statute can enjoy
such status.
• While the petitioners argue that AMU is entitled to
the minority status, the UOI is now endorsing the S.
Azeez Basha verdict.
o The judgment in this case will set a precedent
impacting the rights and legal recognition of all
minority institutions.
What constitutes a ‘minority character?
• Article 30 in Part III, of the Indian Constitution •
states the right of minorities to establish and
administer educational institutions.
• Features of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution:
o Article 30(1) says that all minorities, whether
based on religion or language, shall have the
right to establish and administer educational
institutions of their choice.
o Article 30(1A) deals with the fixation of the •
amount for acquisition of property of any
educational institution established by minority
groups.
o Article 30(2) states that the government
should not discriminate against any
educational institution on the ground that it is
©AKS www.aksias.com
under the management of a minority, whether
based on religion or language, while giving aid.
• These institutions enjoy exemptions from the
implementation of SC, ST, and OBC reservations in
both admissions and employment. They can
reserve up to 50% of seats for students from their
community.
• In the T.M.A Pai Foundation (2002) case, the SC
clarified that a ‘minority’ is to be determined by the
concerned State’s demography, not the national
population.
1.9. Free Legal Aid in India
Why in News?
• Supreme Court judge Justice BR Gavai has been
nominated as the Chairman of the Supreme Court
Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).
Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
• The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee was
constituted under Section 3A of the Legal Services
Authorities Act, 1987, to provide free and
competent legal services to the weaker sections of
society, in cases falling under the top court’s
jurisdiction.
• Section 3A of the Act states that the Central
Authority (the National Legal Services Authority or
NALSA) shall constitute the committee.
o It consists of a sitting SC judge, who is the
chairman, along with other members
possessing the experience and qualifications
prescribed by the Centre.
o Both the chairman and other members will be
nominated by the CJI.
Constitutional Backing
Article 39A states, “The State shall secure that the
operation of the legal system promotes justice, on
a basis of equal opportunity, and shall, in
particular, provide free legal aid, by suitable
legislation or schemes or in any other way, to
ensure that opportunities for securing justice are
not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or
other disabilities.”
Articles 14 (right to equality) and 22(1) (rights to
be informed of grounds for arrest) also make it
obligatory for the State to ensure equality before
the law and a legal system that promotes justice
based on equal opportunity.
13
 M.S.Shashank
Legal Services Authorities Act
• Establishment: In 1987, the Legal Services
Authorities Act was enacted to give a statutory
base to legal aid programmes.
• Eligible Groups: It aims to provide free and
competent legal services to eligible groups,
including women, children, SC/ST and EWS
categories, industrial workers, disabled persons,
and others.
• Monitoring Body: Under the Act, NALSA was
constituted in 1995 to monitor and evaluate the
implementation of legal aid programmes and to •
lay down policies for making legal services
available.
• Implementation: A nationwide network has been
envisaged under the Act for providing legal aid and
assistance.
o It also disburses funds and grants to State
Legal Services Authorities and NGOs for
implementing legal aid schemes and
programmes.
2. Economy
2.1. PLI 2.0 for Steel Sector
Why in News?
• The government is working on Production Linked
Incentive (PLI) scheme 2.0 and to ensure adequate
raw material supply for the steel sector in 2024.
Present status of Steel Industry in India
• India currently ranks as the World’s 2nd Largest
Producer of Crude Steel, surpassing Japan in
2018.
• The cumulative production of crude steel
was 94.01 Million Tonnes (MT), during April-
November 2023.
• The consumption of finished steel
jumped 14% to 86.97 MT on an annual basis
during April-November 2023.
• The installed steel manufacturing capacity of
India is around 161 MT.
• Finished steel imports into India showed a growth
of 18% to 5.87 MT in January-November 2023
from 4.96 MT in the same period of 2022.
• Exports from India showed a decline of 20% to 6
MT in January-November 2023 from 7.46 MT in
the same period of 2022.
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• State Legal Services: In every state, State Legal
Services Authorities (SLSA) were established to
implement NALSA’s policies and directions, give
free legal services to people, and conduct Lok
Adalats.
o An SLSA is headed by the Chief Justice of the
respective High Court and includes the senior
HC judge as its Executive Chairman.
o While the HC Chief Justice is the patron-in-
chief of the SLSA, the CJI is the patron-in-chief
of NALSA.
District Legal Services: Similarly, District Legal
Services Authorities (DLSAs) and Taluk Legal
Services Committees were established in districts
and most taluks.
o Each DLSA is chaired by the District Judge of
the respective district.
o The Taluka or Sub-Divisional Legal Services
Committees are headed by a senior civil
judge.
Concerns of Steel Sector in India
• Raw Material Availability and Cost: The steel
industry heavily depends on the availability and
cost of raw materials such as iron ore and coking
coal.
o India remains dependent on imports to meet
90% of its coking coal requirement. In 2023 so
far, the imports have been between 70-80 MT.
• Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Inadequate
transportation facilities, inefficient logistics, and
power shortages, hinder the smooth operation of
the steel industry. It also leads to increased
production costs.
• Global Competition: The steel industry is highly
competitive and Indian steel manufacturers face
stiff competition from international players.
o Dumping of steel products especially
from China and Vietnam in the past had major
impacts on the industry.
Potential of Steel Sector in India
• Automobile Industry Growth: The automotive
sector is a major consumer of steel. As India’s
middle class expands and consumer purchasing
power increases, there is a growing demand for
automobiles, contributing to the demand for steel.
14
 M.S.Shashank
• Urbanization: With a growing population and 2.2. India’s GDP Growth
increasing urbanization, there is a rising demand
for housing, commercial spaces, and urban
infrastructure. This trend contributes to a Why In News?
sustained demand for steel in construction and
real estate sectors.
Steps taken by Government
• Steel Scrap Recycling Policy: The Policy is for
promoting the scientific processing and recycling
of ferrous scrap.
• National Steel Policy 2017 (NSP 2017): India has
set the targets of achieving the total crude steel
capacity of 300 MTPA and total crude steel
demand/production of 255 MTPA by 2030-31.
• Policy for providing preference to Domestically
Manufactured Iron and Steel Products (DMI & SP
Policy) in government procurement which has
resulted in import substitution of ₹34,800 Crore
approximately.
• Brand India labeling: the Ministry of Steel has
undertaken the initiative of Made in India branding
of Steel produced in the country to differentiate
Indian quality steel from the others.
• Productivity Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for
steel: The Scheme was approved by the
Government in 2021, with a financial outlay of
₹ 6,322 crores.
o Objective: To promote domestic
manufacturing of ‘Specialty Steel’ within the
country by attracting capital investment,
generate employment and promote
technology up-gradation in the steel sector.
o Features: It includes 3 slabs of incentives,
participation only by companies registered in
India, commitment to thresholds of
investment and incremental production
given in the scheme guidelines.
Way Ahead
• Technology Upgradation: Efforts are needed to
push for the use of artificial intelligence and newer
technologies among industry players to boost steel
output while also reducing carbon emissions.
• Protect domestic market: Strong measures are
required from the government to check the surge
in imports which is affecting the domestic market.
• Efficient utilization of resources: India possesses
significant reserves of iron ore and coal, key raw
materials for steel production. Efficient utilization
of these resources can contribute to the growth
and competitiveness of the steel sector.
©AKS www.aksias.com
• India’s real GDP growth in 2023-24 is estimated
at 7.3%, compared to 7.2% a year ago, as per the
NSO.
Key highlights of the NSO estimates
• GVA growth for the farm sector is estimated to
more than halve from 4% a year ago to 1.8% this
year, as is the case for Trade, Hotels, Transport,
Communication and Services whose GVA uptick is
estimated to moderate to 6.3% from 14% in 2022-
23.
• The share of private final consumption
expenditure in GDP is expected to drop this
year to the lowest in at least three years at 56.9%
from 58.5% in 2022-23.
• The investment rate is likely to pick up to
nearly 30% of GDP, driven by government capex,
higher consumption growth is vital for private
investments to take on the onus of spurring the
economy.
• Manufacturing GVA growth is estimated to
accelerate to 6.5% in 2023-24 from just 1.3% a
year earlier, while mining GVA is expected to
rise 8.1%, from 4.6% in 2022-23.
• Real GDP or GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices in
the year 2023-24 is estimated to attain a level
of ₹171.79 lakh crore, as against the Provisional
Estimate of GDP for the year 2022-23 of ₹160.06
lakh crore, released on 31st May, 2023.
India’s GDP Growth
• India’s economic growth story has been
impressive, with its nominal GDP reaching an
estimated $3.5 trillion in 2024 and $7.3 trillion by
2030(IMF).
• However, maintaining this high growth trajectory
faces several challenges, demanding proactive
measures.
15
 M.S.Shashank
Challenges
• Global headwinds: Slowing global growth, rising • Financial sector reforms: Strengthening banks,
interest rates, and geopolitical tensions can
dampen foreign investment and trade, impacting
India’s export-oriented sectors.
• Domestic impediments: Infrastructure bottlenecks,
bureaucratic hurdles, and skill shortages hinder Way Forward
efficient production and investment.
• Rural distress and uneven growth: Low agricultural
income and slow job creation in rural areas lead to
lower aggregate demand and hamper overall • Focusing on inclusive growth, environmental
economic expansion.
• Financial sector woes: Stressed assets in the
banking system limit credit availability for
businesses and individuals, affecting investment
and consumption.
• Environmental concerns: Balancing economic
growth with environmental sustainability requires
addressing rising pollution levels and ensuring Why in News?
responsible resource utilization.
Measures
• Boosting infrastructure investment: Investing in
railways, highways, ports, and digital
infrastructure improves connectivity, reduces
logistics costs, and attracts investment.
• Ease of doing business: Streamlining regulatory
processes, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and
improving transparency incentivize investment
and boost private sector participation.
• Skill development and education: Prioritizing
education, skilling initiatives, and vocational
training equips the workforce with relevant skills
to meet industry demands and drive productivity.
• Revitalizing agriculture: Improving irrigation
facilities, providing technical assistance, and
©AKS www.aksias.com
fostering agritech innovation can enhance
agricultural productivity and income for farmers.
resolving bad loans, and promoting financial
inclusion improve credit flow and support
economic growth.
• Addressing challenges and implementing
effective measures are crucial for sustaining
India’s high GDP growth.
sustainability, and creating a conducive
environment for domestic and foreign investment
are key drivers of future economic prosperity.
2.3. Livelihood in Rural India
• At a group discussion held by Life Skills
Collaborative, most of the rural youth when
questioned about their aspirations for the future
they preferred staying in their village.
About
• With the prevalent trend of urbanisation — the UN
projects that almost 50% of the Indian population
will be living in urban areas by 2047— it is crucial
not to overlook those who choose to stay behind in
villages.
Rural Livelihood
• Main source of income: Farming is the main source
of rural livelihoods, with children from many rural
families supplementing their family’s income by
working on family-owned farms.
• Changing Trends: The rural economy is
experiencing a major occupational shift, the
National Sample Survey Office data recorded 34
million farmers leaving their farms and transitioning
to other sectors such as construction during 2004-
05 and 2011-12.
o This highlights the need for not only making
agriculture an aspiring vocation among rural
youth, but also creating alternative
employment opportunities.
• Current vocational education: In rural India the
current vocation education is intermixed with
Industrial Training Institutes to upskill rural
populations, but with little to no placement
opportunities.
16
 M.S.Shashank
o Presently, rural education scarcely focuses on
skill development, if learning is infused with
rural life skills in schools, rural education will • Digital India: The Digital India initiative aims to
have the potential to nurture a generation
capable of thriving.
Initiatives by Government of India to Upskill Youth in
Rural India
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
(PMKVY): Launched in 2015, PMKVY is a flagship
skill development scheme that aims to enable a
large number of Indian youth to take up industry-
relevant skill training to help them secure a better
livelihood.
o The scheme provides short-term training
programs in various sectors, including
agriculture, healthcare, construction, and
more.
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya
Yojana (DDU-GKY): DDU-GKY is a part of the
National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) and
focuses on the rural poor youth.
o It aims to transform rural poor youth into
economically independent and globally
relevant workforce through market-driven
training programs.
• National Rural Livelihoods Mission
(NRLM): NRLM, launched in 2011, aims to reduce
poverty by promoting diversified and gainful self-
employment and wage employment opportunities
in rural areas.
o It includes skill development as a key
component to enhance the livelihood options
for rural youth.
• Skill Development Initiatives under
MGNREGA: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) includes
provisions for skill development and wage
employment in rural areas.
o States may allocate a portion of their
MGNREGA funds for skill development
programs.
• Rural Self-Employment Training Institutes
(RSETIs): RSETIs are institutions established to
provide training and skill development to rural
youth, especially those from economically weaker
sections.
o These institutes aim to promote self-
employment and entrepreneurship in rural
areas.
• Skill Development in Agriculture: Various
initiatives focus specifically on skill development in
the agricultural sector, including training programs
©AKS www.aksias.com
on modern farming techniques, use of technology
in agriculture, and agribusiness skills.
bridge the digital divide in rural areas by providing
digital literacy and skills training.
Way Ahead
• To control migration of these youth to urban areas
in search of meaningful employment, it becomes
imperative to provide vocational training to
students to imbibe relevant rural skills.
• Effective rural education should be tailored such
that technical as well as life skills, needed to
empower youth in these areas, become accessible
to them through formal education.
• Educational evidence from other developing
economies suggests — such as Mexico’s tele-
schools and Bhutan’s well-being-infused
curriculum.
o The tele-schools provide lessons on subject
matters as well as values, thereby providing a
much higher level of access to value-based
secondary education for remote areas where
secondary schools are scarce.
o This has shown to have trickling benefits in the
local economy with improved attitudes and
increased aspirations among children and
parents.
• By offering rural populations skills in fields
like agricultural mechanisation, pollution
monitoring, nursing and digital technologies via e-
learning, rural India can boost employability in both
traditional and non-traditional trades, leading to a
vibrant economy.
2.4. India’s Palm Oil Imports
Why in News?
• India’s palm oil imports rose in December to their
highest in four months.
Palm Oil
• It’s an edible vegetable oil that comes from the
fruit of oil palm trees, having the scientific
name Elaeis guineensis.
• The oil palm tree is native to West and Central
Africa. It also grows extensively in Malaysia and
Indonesia.
• Palm oil, obtained from the fruits, is used in
making soaps, cosmetics, candles, biofuels, and
lubricating greases and in processing tinplate
and coating iron plates.
17
 M.S.Shashank
• Palm kernel oil, from the seeds, is used in About European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
manufacturing such edible products as • It is the intergovernmental organisation of Iceland,
margarine, ice cream, chocolate confections, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
cookies, and bread, as well as many • It was set up in 1960 by its then seven Member
pharmaceuticals. States for the promotion of free trade and
economic integration between its members.
Indian import of palm oil • Trade with India: In 2022, the combined EFTA-
• India is the largest importer of palm oil in Asia, India merchandise trade surpassed USD 6.1
accounting for 15% of global imports, followed billion.
by China (9%), Pakistan (4%) and Bangladesh o The primary imports to the EFTA States
(2%). consisted of organic chemicals (27.5%), while
• India buys palm oil mainly from Indonesia, machinery (17.5%) and pharmaceutical
Malaysia and Thailand. products (11.4%), constituted the main
exports to India.
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a special About India’s Trade and Economic Partnership
focus on the North east region and the Andaman Agreement (TEPA) with EFTA
and Nicobar Islands. • Talks on the trade deal began in 2008 and
• Funding: A financial outlay of Rs.11,040 crore has negotiations resumed again in 2016.
been made for the scheme, out of which Rs.8,844 • The latest round of negotiations covered trade in
crore is the Government of India share goods and services, rules of origin, Intellectual
and Rs.2,196 crore is State share. property rights (IPR), trade and sustainable
• Under this scheme, it is proposed to cover an development, sanitary and phytosanitary
additional area of 6.5 lakh hectares for oil palm till measures, technical barriers to trade, trade
the year 2025-26 and thereby reaching the target remedies, and customs and trade facilitations.
of 10 lakh hectares ultimately.
• Objective: To augment the availability of edible oil How does Switzerland’s Policy Effect India’s Gains
in the country by harnessing area expansion and under EFTA?
increasing crude palm oil production to reduce the • Effect on Negotiations: Switzerland’s decision
import burden. changes the dynamics of the negotiations as it has
• The salient features of NMEO-Oil palm are: profound implications for India’s gains from the
o Assistance for planting material, ongoing India-EFTA trade agreement.
o Inputs for intercropping up to gestation period • Increase in Market Competitiveness: Switzerland
of 4 years and for maintenance, is India’s top export destination in EFTA and the
o Establishment of seed gardens, micro import duty abolition means that Indian products
irrigation, vermicompost units, solar pumps, would face a higher degree of competition in
harvesting tools, custom hiring center cum Switzerland despite a FTA with EFTA.
harvester Groups, • No gains in Agricultural Exports: Exporting
o Farmers and officers training, and for agricultural produce to Switzerland remains
replanting of old oil palm gardens etc. challenging due to the complex web of tariffs,
quality standards, and approval requirements.
2.5. Switzerland’s Decision to Eliminate o EFTA, including Switzerland, has shown no
inclination to make agriculture tariffs zero on
Import Duties most basic agricultural produce.
o Consequently, with zero industrial tariffs and
Why in News?
the difficulty in exporting agricultural produce
• As per the Global Trade Research Initiative
to Switzerland, India’s prospective gains in
(GTRI), Switzerland’s policy to allow tariff-free
merchandise exports are effectively nullified.
entry from all countries limit gains for India under
• Trade Deficient with Switzerland: In FY2023,
the proposed trade agreement with European Free
India’s imports from Switzerland stood at $15.79
Trade Association (EFTA).
billion, in stark contrast to its exports of $1.34
• Switzerland has abolished tariffs on products,
billion, leading to a substantial trade deficit of
including chemicals, consumer goods, vehicles,
$14.45 billion.
and clothing.

©AKS www.aksias.com 18
 M.S.Shashank
o Switzerland’s policy will widen this trade Overview of Direct Tax Collection in India
deficit further. • Widening the tax base has been one of the key
Conclusion
• The trade agreement in the current format will not •
help Indian exports and will result in higher
imports and wider trade deficit.
• India must navigate these negotiations with a
focus on balancing trade, protecting domestic •
interests, and securing a fair and beneficial
agreement.
2.6. Direct Tax Collection in India
Why in News?
• The net Direct Tax collection is 80.61% of the total
Budget Estimates of Direct Taxes for F.Y. 2023-24.
What is Tax?
In order to garner income for the government to
finance social projects, tax is collected from individuals
and corporations via direct tax and indirect tax.
• Direct tax is the tax that is paid directly to the
government by the person or company on whom it
is levied.
o Income tax, wealth tax, corporation tax, and
property tax are some examples of direct tax.
• Indirect taxes are those that are collected by
intermediaries from individuals and corporations
who bear the burden of the tax and passed on to
the government.
o Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an example of
indirect tax.
o Corporation tax forms a large chunk of the
government’s tax revenue.
Taxes as the Source of Income of the Government
• Revenue receipts can be of two types — non-tax
revenue and tax revenue.
o Tax revenue is the income gained by the
government through taxation.
• Tax revenue forms a part of the Receipt Budget,
which in turn is part of the Annual Financial
Statement of the Union Budget.
o The Union Budget is classified into Revenue
Budget and Capital Budget.
• Total tax revenue as a percentage of GDP indicates
the share of the country’s output collected by the
government through taxes.
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action plan areas for the last several years but
achievement has fallen short of targets.
There is a need to enlarge the tax base as well
as taxpayer base through both policy as well as
enforcement action by bringing into the tax net
high net worth assesses and potential tax payers.
The focus has to be on bringing in new
taxpayers, rather than putting a heavier burden
on payers who are already in the tax net by
targeting sectors that are currently untaxed,
especially the informal/unorganised sectors.
Significance of Growth in Direct Tax Collection
• Fiscal Stability: A growing direct tax collection
contributes to fiscal stability by reducing reliance
on borrowings and ensuring a sustainable
revenue stream. This is crucial for maintaining a
balanced budget and avoiding fiscal deficits,
which can have adverse effects on the overall
economy.
• Fund Allocation for Developmental
Schemes: The higher-than-expected revenue also
means the Centre can direct some proceeds
towards developmental schemes without having
to worry about breaching the fiscal deficit.
• Signal of Economic Growth: Increasing direct tax
collection is often associated with economic
growth. As individuals and businesses earn higher
incomes and profits, direct tax revenues tend to
rise.
• Creditworthiness: Higher direct tax collections
can positively impact a country’s creditworthiness
in the international financial markets.
• Budgetary Planning: Reliable and growing direct
tax revenues provide the government with a
more predictable source of income, facilitating
better budgetary planning and execution of
government programs.
Measures Taken by Government for the Growth of
Direct Taxes
• Tax Reforms: The government periodically
introduces reforms to simplify the tax structure,
reduce compliance burdens, and enhance
transparency.
• Digital Initiatives: Initiatives such as the Goods
and Services Tax (GST) and the use of online tax
filing systems aim to streamline tax administration,
reduce manual errors, and improve overall
efficiency.
• Taxpayer Education and Awareness: Public
awareness campaigns and educational programs
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 M.S.Shashank
have been conducted to inform taxpayers about
their rights, obligations, and the benefits of
complying with tax regulations.
• International Cooperation: India has actively
participated in international initiatives for the
exchange of tax-related information. Collaboration
with other countries helps in tracking and taxing
income generated abroad by Indian residents,
reducing the scope for tax evasion.
• Simplification of Tax Laws: Efforts have been
made to simplify and rationalize tax laws to make
them more comprehensible for taxpayers.
o Clarity in tax laws can contribute to better
compliance and reduce disputes between
taxpayers and tax authorities.
Startup Ecosystem in India
Way Ahead • It consists of ‘a network of interconnected entities,
• Taxes are vital resources whose maximisation and organisations, and resources that support the
mobilisation is of importance to governments to growth, development, and success of Startups
finance the development needs of the poor and within a specific geographic location’.
under-privileged sections of society and • Over the past seven years (2015-2022), there has
important sectors of the economy. been an:
• This is possible through the expansion of the tax
base and taxpayer base.
• Tax administration to professionalise the
administration and make it taxpayer friendly also
needs to be pursued with vigour to improve the
administrative efficiency and compliance.

2.7. States’ Startup Ranking for 2022 Regulating Startups in India

Context • Regulatory reforms are needed to enhance ease of

• The Department of Industrial Policy & doing business, ease of raising capital and reduce
Promotion released the Startup Ranking of
States for 2022 recently.
About
• States’ Start-up Ranking was launched in
February 2018 to achieve the vision of building a
robust startup ecosystem in the country.
• A total of 33 states and Union territories took part
in the assessment, categorised into five groups:
best performers, top performers, leaders,
aspiring leaders, and emerging start-up
ecosystems.
• State’s Performance in Startup Ranking (2022):
compliance burden for the startup ecosystem.
These include:
o Startups can be registered as a private
limited company, partnership firm, or a
limited liability partnership.
o The startup should not be more than 10 years
old.
o The turnover should be less than 100
crores in any of the previous financial years.
o A certificate of an eligible business from
the Inter-Ministerial Board of Certification of
DPIIT is a prerequisite for availing the tax
benefits.
o The Ministry of Labour & Employment has
allowed the startups to self-certify
compliance under various Labour Laws.

Significances of Startups
• Creating Wealth and Employment: Startups are
contributing economically, creating wealth, and
generating employment.
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 M.S.Shashank
o Majority of the Startups have been growing o Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS); and,
at a rate of more than 35% for the last two o Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).
years. • Other Initiatives:
o About 50% of DPIIT recognised Startups are o Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
from Tier II & Tier III cities. o Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship
• Impacts on Society: Startups are creating a Development Program
manifold impact in society by introducing o Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
innovative solutions, creating large-scale o Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups
employment, contributing to economic growth, and MSMEs (PRISM)
and garnering huge demand from the private as • Make in India
well as government sector.
• Impact on Women: Over the past five years, the Conclusion and Way Forward
number of Startups in India that are driven by • The government is increasingly showing greater
women has increased by 4%. enthusiasm to increase the GDP rate of growth
o There is at least one-woman director in from grass root levels with introduction of liberal
about 49% of all DPIIT recognized firms. policies and initiatives for entrepreneurs like
‘Make in India’, ‘Startup India’, MUDRA etc.
Challenges associated with Startups in India • Continually refine and streamline regulatory
• High Competition: There are thousands of processes to make it easier for startups to register
startups, from e-commerce and fintech to and operate. Introduce policies that provide tax
healthcare and education, competing for funding, incentives, subsidies, and other financial support
talent, and customers in India’s startup ecosystem. for startups.
• Regulatory Hurdles: High taxes, stringent labour • Promote entrepreneurship education and skill
laws, and bureaucratic delays in obtaining licences development programs to equip aspiring
and permits are just a few of the regulatory entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and
obstacles startups in India must overcome. skills.
o Startups have a difficult time expanding and
scaling their businesses because of these 2.8. Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2024
obstacles, which can take time and money.
• Poor Infrastructure: A society’s or economy’s
inadequate or insufficient physical and Why in News?
organisational structures, systems, and facilities
are referred to as poor infrastructure. • The Indian government has introduced
o Poor infrastructure includes inadequate the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2024 under
healthcare and educational facilities, Section 176 of the Electricity Act 2003.
insufficient power supply, inadequate water • This amendment aims to simplify business
and sanitation, and inadequate transportation processes for starting captive power, energy
networks. storage, and green hydrogen projects.
• Management and Leadership Issues: Despite
getting the recognition of Best and or Top About
Performers, the Indian states still face challenges
in incubation and mentorship support, fostering • Exemption in license requirement: The rules allow
innovation and entrepreneurship, and planning for consumers which have specified energy load and
a sustainable future. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to establish, operate
and maintain their dedicated transmission lines
Related Initiatives themselves without the requirement of license.
• The DPIIT has implemented various flagship o The rule covers those companies / persons
schemes under the Startup India initiative to who have loaded more than 25
support Startups at various stages of their megawatt and 10 megawatt on inter-state
business cycle to enable them to graduate to a and intra-state transmission networks.
level where they are able to raise investments or • New formula to reduce open access charges: It
seek loans for a steady and healthy sustenance, prescribed, if a person availing General Network
like: Access (GNA) or Open Access, the additional
o Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS); surcharge shall be linearly reduced and get

©AKS www.aksias.com 21
 M.S.Shashank
eliminated within four years from the date of grant
of access.
• Cost reflective tariff: There shall not be any gap
between approved Annual Revenue Requirement
and estimated annual revenue from approved
tariff except under natural calamity conditions.
o Such a gap, created if any, shall not be more
than three percent of the approved Annual
Revenue Requirement.
Significance
• Affordable electricity: The rules will ensure the
reduction of discom losses and increased
efficiency, leading to them being able to provide
better services to the consumers.
• Industrial development: Doing away with the
requirement of license for dedicated transmission
lines for industry will lead to ease of doing business
for the industry.
• Promotion of renewable energy: Rationalization
of open access charges will lead to faster adoption
of renewable energy by the industry and reducing •
emission.
2.9. Investment Models
Why in News?
• To encourage Public Private Partnership for Build-
Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects, the Ministry of
Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) organized a
conference with industry stakeholders in New
Delhi.
About
• At present, projects are being awarded
on Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC)
or Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) due to various
challenges in implementation of BOT Projects.
• Many initiatives have been taken for revival of BOT
projects and various schemes like Harmonious
Substitution, One Time Fund Infusion,
Rationalized Compensation, Premium Deferment
and allowing refinancing have been adopted in
the past.
• Around 53 BOT (Toll) Projects for a length of 5200
km worth Rs. 2.1 lakh crore have been identified
and bids for 7 projects with a Length of 387 km
worth Rs. 27,000 crore have been invited.
Investment models in India
• Infrastructure development has been a key
priority in recent years in India. Towards
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this Budget 2023-24 has allocated around Rs 10
lakh crore towards capital expenditure.
• India will still require $ 1.4 Trillion investment to
reach the goal of $ 5 Trillion economy, for which
various investment options have to be
undertaken.
• There are different investment models available
for infrastructure creation in India. The choice of
model depends on various factors;
o project’s nature,
o financial viability,
o risk allocation preferences, and
o government priorities.
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT):
• Private entity designs, builds, operates, and
maintains the infrastructure asset for a specified
concession period (usually 20-30 years).
• Revenue generated from the asset (tolls, user
fees, etc.) belongs to the private entity during
the concession period.
After the concession period, the asset is
transferred back to the government.
Advantages:
• Distributes risks and responsibilities between the
government and private sector.
• Leverages private sector efficiency and expertise.
• Reduces upfront government financial burden.
Challenges:
• Ensuring affordability of services to the public.
• Potential for disputes over contract terms and
performance.
• Managing risks like traffic or revenue shortfalls.
Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT):
• Similar to BOT, but the private entity also owns
the asset during the concession period.
• Provides more control and flexibility for the
private entity in project execution.
Advantages:
• Greater ownership incentive for private sector
investment.
• Faster project development and innovation
potential.
Challenges:
• Ensuring asset quality and maintenance
standards upon transfer.
• Balancing private interests with public needs.
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 M.S.Shashank
Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM):
• Government shares initial project costs with the
private entity.
• Regular annuity payments are made to the
private entity during construction and operation
phases.
• Revenue risk is shared between the government
and private entities.
Advantages:
• Reduces financial burden on the private entity
upfront.
• Ensures greater government control and oversight.
• More suitable for projects with longer gestation
periods or lower revenue potential.
Challenges:
• Requires careful risk assessment and allocation in
contracts.
• Government needs to ensure timely annuity
payments.
Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT):
• Government transfers existing infrastructure
assets to a private entity for operation and • Robust Public Private Partnership in development
maintenance for a specified concession period.
• Assets are transferred back to the
government after the concession period.
Advantages:
• Monetizes existing assets and generates revenue 2.10. 16th Finance Commission
for the government.
• Brings in private sector efficiency in operations
and maintenance.
• Funds can be used for new infrastructure
development.
Challenges:
• Ensuring asset quality and maintenance
standards at the time of transfer.
• Managing potential toll hikes or service quality
issues.
Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC):
• Engineering, Procurement, and Construction
(EPC) is a contractual arrangement commonly
used in large-scale and complex infrastructure
projects.
• It involves a single contractor taking on the • Its working is characterised by extensive and
responsibility for three key stages of a project:
Engineering, Procurement and Construction.
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Advantages:
• Single point of contact simplifies project
management and communication, as the owner
deals with only one contractor.
• Fixed price and fixed schedule provides cost
certainty and avoids potential cost overruns for
the owner.
• Faster project execution: Streamlines the process
by eliminating handovers between different
entities for design, procurement, and
construction.
Challenges:
• High upfront costs: Contractor requires advance
payment to cover all project stages.
• Dependence on contractor performance: Owner’s
success hinges on the contractor’s capabilities and
risk management.
Way Ahead:
• As per the Government of India’s ‘Vision 2047’
Plan, a large number of high-speed corridors are
envisaged to be developed.
of the road sector will play a pivotal role in
realizing this vision and will greatly contribute
towards Operation & Maintenance of a world class
National Highway Network in the country.
Why In News?
• The government appointed former Niti Aayog vice
chairman, Arvind Panagariya as the chairman of
the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
About Finance Commission
• It is a Constitutionally mandated body that is at
the centre of fiscal federalism.
• It is constituted by the President under article 280
of the Constitution, mainly to give its
recommendations on distribution of tax
revenues between the Union and the States and
amongst the States themselves.
intensive consultations with all levels of
governments, thus strengthening the principle of
cooperative federalism.
23
 M.S.Shashank
Composition
• As per the provisions contained in the Finance
Commission [Miscellaneous Provisions] Act, 1951 • The First Finance Commission was constituted
and The Finance Commission (Salaries &
Allowances) Rules, 1951, the Chairman of the
Commission is selected from among persons who
have had experience in public affairs, and the four
other members are selected from among persons
who–
o are, or have been, or are qualified to be
appointed as Judges of a High Court; or
o have special knowledge of the finances and
accounts of Government; or
o have had wide experience in financial matters
and in administration; or
o have special knowledge of economics
Functions
• It is the duty of the Commission to make
recommendations to the President as to—
• the distribution between the Union and the
States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to
be, or may be, divided between them and the
allocation between the States of the respective
shares of such proceeds;
• the principles which should govern the grants-in-
aid of the revenues of the States out of the
Consolidated Fund of India;
• the measures needed to augment the
Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the
resources of the Panchayats in the State on the
basis of the recommendations made by the
Finance Commission of the State;
• the measures needed to augment the
Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the
resources of the Municipalities in the State on
the basis of the recommendations made by the
Finance Commission of the State;
• any other matter referred to the Commission by
the President in the interests of sound finance.
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Developments
under the chairmanship of Shri K.C. Neogy in
1952.
o Fifteenth Finance Commissions have been
Constituted so far at intervals of every five
years.
o The Fifteenth Finance Commission was
constituted in 2017 against the backdrop of
the abolition of the Planning Commission (as
also of the distinction between Plan and non-
Plan expenditure) and the introduction of the
goods and services tax (GST), which has
fundamentally redefined federal fiscal
relations.
Challenges
• There have been fifteen so far. Each of them has
faced its own unique set of challenges.
• The reorganisation of the State of Jammu and
Kashmir into two Union Territories – one of Jammu
and Kashmir and one of Ladakh – presents a new
dynamic.
• On the whole the Finance Commission faces new
challenges in the process of the evolution of
federal polity.
Conclusion and Way Forward
• As an important Constitutional entity, the
Commission is committed to balancing competing
claims and priorities among all three tiers of
government in a credible manner.
o The 16th Finance Commission will recommend
the tax revenue sharing formula between the
Centre and the States for the five-year period
beginning April 2026.
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 M.S.Shashank
3. International Relations
3.1. India-South Korea (RoK) Relations
Why in News?
• General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff of
India, recently visited the Republic of Korea.
Background
• The deep-rooted connections between India and
South Korea (RoK) can be traced back to 48 AD, as
documented in the 13th-century Korean text
“SamgukYusa.”
o It tells the story of Princess Suriratna of
Ayodhya (later Queen Heo Hwang-ok), who
married King Kim-Suro of the ancient Gaya
Confederacy in Korea.
• Diplomatic relations established in 1973, further
strengthened to a “Special Strategic Partnership” in
2015.
o Year 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of the
establishment of formal diplomatic relations
between India and RoK.
Areas of Cooperation
Economic Cooperation:
• FDI: South Korea is the 13th largest foreign direct
investment (FDI) source in India, investing US$ 5.4
billion between April 2000 to December 2022, as
per Invest India.
o Companies like Samsung, LG, and
Hyundai have established manufacturing and
service facilities.
• Bilateral trade: It has grown significantly, reaching
over $17 billion in 2013 and exceeding $23 billion
in 2022.
• CEPA: India and Korea signed the Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2010,
further boosting trade and investment.
Technological Collaboration:
• Both countries are actively involved in knowledge
sharing and joint research initiatives in areas like
information technology, biotechnology, and
renewable energy.
• Collaboration in space exploration and satellite
technology is also gaining momentum.
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Security and Defense:
• Regular military exchanges and joint exercises to
enhance cooperation and understanding on regional
security issues.
• Partnerships in defense technology development and
procurement.
Cultural and Educational Exchange:
• Growing popularity of Korean pop culture (K-pop)
and dramas in India, fostering cultural understanding
and people-to-people exchanges.
• Increasing student mobility and academic
partnerships between universities in both countries.
Challenges
• Rising nationalism and protectionist tendencies in
both countries can pose challenges to further
economic integration.
• North Korea’s nuclear program remains a concern
for both India and South Korea, requiring
coordinated efforts for regional stability.
• The emerging coalition of North Korea, China, and
Russia poses a new serious challenge to
collaborative efforts between the two nations.
o Divergent stances may arise, necessitating a
nuanced appraisal of each party’s strategic
imperatives.
• A challenge is the absence of a shared vision for a
new comprehensive defence framework to
construct a novel and sustainable emerging regional
order.
• The unwavering focus of the Korean defence
establishment on profit-driven weapons sales to
India, devoid of strategic considerations, may prove
shortsighted in the face of fast-changing geopolitical
dynamics.
Measures
• Explore technological collaborations: Leveraging
their technological capabilities, India and South
Korea should aim to collaborate in developing
advanced defence systems and equipment.
• Explore opportunities: In an era where defence
against space warfare, information warfare, and
cybersecurity is paramount, both nations can
further explore opportunities for cooperation.
• Tech arena: Given Korea’s status as an advanced
high-tech digital superpower, vast opportunities
exist in the development of robust security
25
 M.S.Shashank
measures to effectively counter emerging threats in
the digital domain.
• Counter terrorism: Strengthening coordinated
efforts to counter terrorism aligns seamlessly with
the shared concerns of India and South Korea.
• Maritime security: There is potential for
collaboration in maritime security, including joint
patrolling and information sharing, given the
significant maritime interests both countries have in
the Indian Ocean.
• Peacekeeping and exercises: India and South Korea
can leverage their United Nations peacekeeping
expertise for collaborative efforts through sharing
insights and resources in peacekeeping operations.
Way Ahead
• The imperative for India and Korea is to transcend
the confines of bilateral cooperation, and embrace
a paradigm shift that cultivates a more profound
understanding of their roles in the swiftly evolving
global scenario.
• A strategic, balanced approach, coupled with
adaptability to the evolving geopolitical
landscape is key to unlocking a robust and enduring
defence collaboration.
• Overall, India and South Korea share a strong and
multifaceted partnership. Addressing existing
challenges and exploring new avenues of
collaboration will further strengthen this strategic
relationship in the years to come.
3.2. Expansion of BRICS
Why in News?
• Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United
Arab Emirates have joined BRICS as new full
members.
About
• It was done as per the decision adopted by the 15th
BRICS Summit in 2022.
• A proposal to admit six countries, including
Argentina, into the bloc with effect from January 1.
• Argentina’s new President announced withdrawing
his country from becoming a member of the BRICS.
About BRICS
• BRICS is an acronym that refers to a group of five
major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia,
India, China, and South Africa.
• The term was originally coined by economist Jim
O’Neill in 2001.
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• BRICS brings together five of the largest developing
countries of the world, representing around 41% of
the global population, around 24% of the global
GDP and around 16% of global trade.
• Origin: As a formal grouping, BRIC started after the
meeting of the Leaders of Russia, India and China in
St. Petersburg on the margins of the G8 Outreach
Summit in 2006.
o The grouping was formalized during the 1st
meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the
margins of UNGA in New York in 2006.
o The success of the meet led to the
crystallisation of an annual summit under
the aegis of BRIC.
o Initially, the grouping was termed BRIC
as South Africa was inducted in 2010 and
from there on it has been referred to
as BRICS.
• Summits: The governments of the BRICS states
have met annually at formal summits since 2009.
• Over a period of time, BRICS countries have come
together to deliberate on important issues under
the three pillars of:
o political and security,
o economic and financial and
o cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
• New Development Bank: Formerly referred to as
the BRICS Development Bank, is a multilateral
development bank established by the BRICS states.
o The Bank shall support public or private
projects through loans, guarantees, equity
participation and other financial instruments.
Significance of Expansion
• Strengthning the Group: BRICS currently
represents around 40% of the world’s population
and more than a quarter of the world’s GDP.
o With the additions, it will represent almost
half the world’s population, and will include
three of the world’s biggest oil producers,
Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran.
• Focus on Middle East: With the inclusion of Saudi
Arabia, Iran, the UAE, and Egypt, there is a
discernible Middle East focus, bearing geo-
economic, geostrategic, and geopolitical
implications.
• Representative of Developing Countries: The
addition of new members bolsters the BRICS group’s
influence as a representative body of the developing
world.
• Voice for Global Governance: The grouping now
represents a larger share of the world’s population
and economy.
26
 M.S.Shashank
o However, this only means that the group is
potentially a powerful voice for reform of the
arrangements for global governance and a
powerful actor in these arrangements.
Impact on India’s Position
• Chinese Dominance: Among the newly admitted
members, India regards each as a valuable
partnership to cultivate.
o Apprehensions have emerged regarding the
potential for the group to become more pro-
China, potentially overshadowing India’s
influence and concerns.
o Although China desires BRICS to embody an
anti-western stance, India’s perspective is
inclined toward maintaining the group as
a “non-Western” entity.
• Addressing the Challanges: For BRICS to maintain
long-term effectiveness, India and China must
address their border disputes and cooperate on
complex global matters, including allocating
resources for the growth of developing economies.
o If India aims to genuinely represent the voice of
the Global South, harmonizing these diverse
interests into a unified stance could present a
more formidable challenge than initially
anticipated.
Way Ahead
• As the BRICS operates based on consensus-driven
decision-making, attaining consensus among 10
countries characterized by diverse economies,
geographical locations, and interests proves to be
substantially more challenging than doing so among
the original five members.
• To ensure the continued effectiveness and
consistency of the institution, in the long run, BRICS
might opt to focus on easier-to-achieve objectives.
3.3. One Year of India-Australia ECTA
Why in News?
• The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and
Trade Agreement, recently completed one year.
About
• Negotiations are also underway for concluding
the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation
Agreement between the two countries but there is
no defined deadline at the moment.
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India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade
Agreement:
• The ECTA is a bilateral free trade agreement
signed between India and Australia on December 2,
2022. It came into effect on December 29, 2022.
• Objectives:
o Boost bilateral trade and
investment: Removing tariffs and trade barriers
aims to increase trade volume and create
opportunities for businesses in both countries.
o Enhance market access: The agreement
provides preferential access for Indian and
Australian goods and services in each other’s
markets.
▪ India has agreed to Negative listing after 5
years of coming into force of the
Agreement.
• Streamline customs procedures: Simplifying
customs processes aims to save time and costs for
businesses involved in cross-border trade.
• Promote regulatory cooperation: ECTA encourages
harmonization of technical standards and
regulations between the two countries.
Expected benefits for India
• Duty-free access for 96.4% of India’s exports to
Australia: This includes key sectors like textiles,
agriculture, and leather products.
• Exports: Exports are expected to increase by 10
billion by 2026-27 and the total bilateral trade is
expected to cross US $ 45-50 billion by 2035.
• Increased job creation: Increased trade is expected
to generate approximately 10 lakh new jobs in
various sectors in India.
• Greater foreign investment: Improved market
access and a more predictable regulatory
environment could attract more foreign investment
into India.
• Closer economic ties with Australia: ECTA
strengthens the economic partnership between
India and Australia, opening up new avenues for
collaboration.
Achievements so far
• According to official data, India’s exports to
Australia grew 14% year on year in value terms to
$5.87 billion between April and November 2023
while imports contracted 19% year on year to
$11.46 billion in the period.
• The trade deficit between the two countries was
$5.2 billion between April and November 2023 as
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 M.S.Shashank
against $8.6 billion in the corresponding period a
year ago.
• Exports to Australia on preferential lines grew by
17.8% in the same period and grew by 15.14% on
non-preferential lines.
• Meanwhile, agricultural exports to India from
Australia are 50% higher since the trade
agreement came into force.
Way Ahead
• While ECTA presents promising opportunities,
some challenges remain, such as differences in
regulatory standards and potential
implementation issues.
• Continued dialogue and collaboration between
both countries are crucial to maximize the benefits
of the agreement.
• Its successful implementation could pave the way
for further cooperation and contribute to regional
economic growth and development.
3.4. Red Sea Trouble
Why in News?
• A spate of attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea since
November by the Houthi militia of Yemen has
turned the quickest marine route linking Asia with
Europe through the Suez Canal unsafe.
About
• The attack has forced freighters to take a longer
transit around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa’s
southern tip, making shipments both dearer and
longer to deliver.
• It has compounded the woes of global trade as it
emerges from the aftermath of the pandemic, feels
the heat of the Russia-Ukraine war and grapples
with a global economic slowdown.
Importance of Red Sea Trade Route
• The Red Sea, stretching from Egypt’s Suez Canal to
the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait separating the
Arabian Peninsula from Africa, remains a key trade
route for global shipping and energy supplies.
o Opened in 1869, the Suez Canal is one of the
busiest canals in the world, carrying around 12%
of global trade. In 2022, 23,583 ships used this
route.
• Linking East and West: The Red Sea serves as a
bridge between the East and West, providing a
©AKS www.aksias.com
shorter and more direct route for maritime trade
between Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Strategic Importance: The Suez Canal, which
connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, is one
of the world’s most important artificial waterways,
facilitating global trade and reducing shipping times
and costs.
• Trade in Goods and Resources: The region is a
significant source of oil and natural gas, and the Red
Sea remains an important route for the
transportation of energy resources.
• Economic Impact: The trade routes through the Red
Sea support the economies of countries along its
shores by providing employment, stimulating
economic activity, and fostering international
relations.
• Political Significance: The control of key
chokepoints, such as the Bab el Mandeb and the
Suez Canal, has implications for global trade and
security.
o Political stability and cooperation among the
countries bordering the Red Sea are crucial for
ensuring the smooth flow of goods.
Impact on Indian trade
• After the attacks, major cargo shipping lines
decided they would not operate on this route.
Even small feeder vessels have of late stopped
plying in these waters.
o Commodities are the worst affected whether
it be chemicals, plastic, petrochemicals,
because margins are not there to absorb the
hike in freight.
• Almost 90% of western hemisphere cargo, both
inbound or shipped from India, that used to go
through the Red Sea is now getting re-routed
through the Cape of Good Hope.
o The remaining 10% of Indian import or export
cargo is either not moving or using a transit
facility.
• Elongation of Both import and export
cycles: Container Corporation of India is saying
about 25% of its containers are being held back by
Indian exporters.
o Besides the extra time taken on account of the
longer route, the developments could
make imports costlier and call for better
inventory management.
• Increase in freight cost: While all consignments are
likely to be impacted by the increase in freight
cost — by up to six-fold in some cases — and
the longer voyage time, the pinch would be felt
most by low-value, high-volume cargo as well as
perishables.
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 M.S.Shashank
• Final products: Also, the crisis could result in final
products turning expensive.
o For instance, the Red Sea crisis could come in
the way of any plans to reduce pump prices of
petrol and diesel.
• Energy security: Gross imports of crude oil and
petroleum products as a share of India’s gross
imports in value terms was 25.8% in 2022-23.
o In fact, India’s import dependence (based on
consumption) in the April-September 2023
period was 87.6%, according to the
government’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis
Cell.
What has been the response?
• The UN has said “no cause or grievance” could
justify Houthi attacks against freedom of navigation
in the Red Sea.
• The U.S. wants more support for the multinational
‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ it is spearheading
to keep the sea lanes open and free of threats.
• India is closely watching the situation, and the
Commerce Secretary is said to have held discussions
with officials and trade bodies.
3.5. India-Saudi Arabia Hajj Agreement
Why in News?
• India and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral agreement
under which India has been allocated a quota of
1,75,025 pilgrims for the annual Haj pilgrimage in
2024.
About
• Out of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India 1,40,020
seats being reserved for pilgrims to proceed
through Haj Committee whereas 35,005
pilgrims would be permitted to proceed through
private operators.
The Haj pilgrimage
• The Haj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca,
Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims.
• It is considered to be a mandatory religious duty
for all adult Muslims physically and financially
capable of doing so.
• The rites of pilgrimage are performed over five to
six days, in Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the
Islamic calendar.
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Steps to promote the Haj pilgrimage
• Haj Committee of India (HCoI): The HCI is a
statutory body constituted by the government to
oversee Haj operations. It works on organizing
various aspects of the pilgrimage, including
transportation, accommodation, and other
logistical arrangements.
• Lady without Mehram (LWM) category: It was
introduced in Haj 2018 by the Government of
India. In 2023, a historical high of more than 4000
women successfully applied under the LWM
category.
3.6. India-Myanmar Free Movement
Regime
Why in News?
• The Government of India is planning to end the Free
Movement Regime along the international border
with Myanmar and initiate a comprehensive smart
fencing system throughout the entire stretch.
About Free Movement Regime:
• Under the FMR, all the hill tribes, whether they are
citizens of India or Myanmar, can travel within 16
km on either side of the Indo-Myanmar Border
(IMB).
• They can cross the border by producing a border
pass with a one-year validity issued by the
competent authority and can stay up to two weeks
per visit.
• The FMR was implemented in 2018 as part of the
Central government’s Act East policy.
• FMR is implemented by both governments for the
people living along the IMB.
• This helps locals to get more culturally assimilated
with trans-border villages through weddings,
celebrating common festivals together and trans-
border trade.
• It is a reflection of the physical, ethnic, linguistic,
cultural and fraternal linkages among the trans-
border villagers.
• Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB):
o It runs for 1,643 km in the four states of
Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal
Pradesh.
o It runs from the tripoint with China in the
north to the tripoint with Bangladesh in the
south.
o Assam Rifles is tasked with guarding the IMB.
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3.7. India and Czech Republic Ties
Why In News?
• India signed bilateral cooperation agreements with
the Czech Republic at the Vibrant Gujarat summit.
Key Points
• India and Czech Republic have agreed to strengthen
mutual ties and tap into untapped potential for
innovation cooperation.
o Their collaboration is set to extend across
various areas, including new and emerging
technologies, automobiles, climate change,
and defence.
India-Czech Republic Bilateral Relations
• Historic Linkages: India’s relations with former
Czechoslovakia and with present Czech Republic,
have always been warm, friendly and have a long
history.
o In the medieval ages, the Kingdom of
Bohemia (now a part of Czech Republic)
traded with India in precious goods and Indian
spices.
o During the Czech National Revival- a cultural
movement which took place during the 18th
and 19th centuries with the purpose of
reviving the Czech language, culture and
national identity, prominent Czech scholars
got inspired by ancient Indian culture.
• Diplomatic relations: They were established with
Czechoslovakia on 18 November, 1947.
o After the dissolution of Czechoslovakia on 1
January 1993, India immediately recognized
the Czech Republic.
• Economic and Commercial Relations: The bilateral
economic relations gained momentum after the
Czech Republic gained entry into the European
Union in 2004.
o New mechanisms and diversified interaction
thereafter resulted in revival of bilateral trade
to more than US $ 3.16 billion in 2022, from
just US $ 86 million in 1993 as per Czech
statistics.
• Defence Cooperation: The bilateral Defence
Cooperation gained momentum with the signing of
MoU on Bilateral Defence Cooperation in October
2003.
o Accordingly, a Joint Defence Committee has been
set up.
o The Czech defence companies have been regularly
supplying military equipment to Indian armed
forces.
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• Science and Technology Cooperation: India and
Czech Republic are working in niche technologies
given the latter’s strength as the incubator of
Technologies in strategic sectors such as defence,
nuclear energy, cyber security, AI, Big Data,
nanotechnology, laser etc.
• In June 2017, ISRO launched Czech nanosatellite -
VZLUSAT-1 (size 20 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm and weight
2 kg), the first Czech technological satellite. Its
mission is to verify new products and technologies
on Earth’s orbit.
• Multilateral Cooperation: The Czech Republic
strongly supported India’s full membership of
the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) through its
constructive role in NSG and in EU deliberations.
• Educational and Tourism Cooperation: Indology
has a very old tradition in Prague, starting with the
establishment of a Chair in Sanskrit in the
prestigious Charles University in the 1850s.
o Indian languages like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil are
currently taught in this University.
o In January 2020 Czech Foreign Minister
announced an expansion in quota for fast track
visas for highly skilled/professionals from India.
o The Czech Republic is a popular destination for
Indian tourists.
• Indian Community: Approximately 9000 Indian
nationals- mostly IT professionals, business
personnel and students residing in the Czech
Republic.
3.8. China-Taiwan Relations
Why in News?
• The newly elected President of Taiwan is being
perceived as a major blow to China.
Background
• The island became a Japanese colony in 1895, after
the Qing empire lost the first Sino-Japanese war.
• Then in 1945, after Japan lost World War II, China
took the island.
• After Mao Zedong’s Communist Party won in 1949,
Chinese republicans of
the Kuomintang government fled to Taiwan,
where they ruled for several decades, and it has
since continued as the Republic of China (ROC).
Current Scenario
• China sees self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway
province that will eventually be under Beijing’s
control.
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 M.S.Shashank
• However, Taiwan sees itself as distinct from the
Chinese mainland, with its own constitution and
democratically-elected leaders.
Issues between China and Taiwan
• Sovereignty: China considers Taiwan as a renegade
province that must eventually be reunified with the
mainland.
o However, Taiwan has its own government,
military, and economy and considers itself a
sovereign state.
• Political Differences: Taiwan is a democratic
country, while China is a one-party communist
state.
o The differences in political ideology have
contributed to tensions between the two
countries.
• Military Threats: China has not ruled out the use of
force to reunify with Taiwan and has conducted
military exercises near the Taiwan Strait in the past,
which have increased tensions between the two
sides.
• Economic Competition: Both China and Taiwan are
economic powerhouses, and there is significant
competition between the two in terms of trade and
investment.
• Diplomatic Recognition: China has been using its
diplomatic clout to isolate Taiwan by convincing
other countries to cut ties with Taiwan and
recognize China instead.
• Taiwan’s International Status: Taiwan is not
recognized as a sovereign state by the United
Nations and is unable to join international
organisations.
• Cross-Strait Relations: There are also a number of
other issues that affect cross-strait relations,
including Taiwan’s relationship with the United
States, Taiwan’s national identity, and the
possibility of a peaceful reunification.
Taiwan Location
• Taiwan is an island separated from China by
the Taiwan Strait in the East China Sea, to the
northeast of Hong Kong, north of the Philippines
and south of South Korea, and southwest of
Japan.and has been home to various indigenous
tribes for centuries.
• It has been governed independently of mainland
China since 1949.
Recognition:
• Taiwan sees itself as a de jure sovereign state but it
is largely unrecognised by other countries.
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o Currently, 21 states recognize Taiwan as a
sovereign country.
• The United Nations (UN): It officially recognizes the
People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate
representative of Taiwan.
o This is based on the ‘One China’ policy, which
holds that there is only one China, of which
Taiwan is an integral part.
o As a result, Taiwan is not a member of the UN
and has no representation in most UN
specialised agencies.
• Stand of India: It officially recognizes the ‘One
China’ policy and maintains diplomatic relations
with the People’s Republic of China.
o India has not recognized Taiwan as a
sovereign state and instead refers to it as a
‘part of China’ which has remained consistent
over the years.
India on One China Policy
• China on the LAC: With India facing its own
problems with China on the LAC, there have been
suggestions that it should review its One China
Policy.
• India’s Bilateral relations with China and
Taiwan: India maintains its bilateral relations with
China including Vietnam, and separately with
Taiwan.
o India maintains ‘trade and cultural exchange’
offices in each other’s capitals.
• New Southbound Policy (NSP): It expands the scope
of countries covered in the Go South Policy.
o Through the policy, Taiwan has extended
engagement with Australia, New Zealand,
India, and its five South Asian neighbours.
Way Forward
• The future of China-Taiwan relations remains
uncertain, with the potential for significant
geopolitical implications. The situation is fluid and
continues to evolve.
• Both the countries need to maintain the Status
Quo based on the principle of peaceful
coexistence, negotiated settlement, and strategic
diplomacy.
3.9. Iran-Pakistan Conflict
Why in News?
• Pakistan has launched missile strikes into Iran under
Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar (Death to
Insurgents), following Iran’s missile strikes in
Pakistan.
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 M.S.Shashank

Where is Balochistan? dictator Gen Zia-ul-Haq. In this way the two

countries found themselves at opposite ends of the
• Balochistan is a region with a distinct cultural and sectarian divide.
historical identity, divided between three • The Baloch militant insurgency has been a long-
countries: Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. running source of tensions between Pakistan and
o The 909-km Iran-Pakistan border, known as Iran. Both the nations often accused each other of
the Goldsmith Line, stretches from a tripoint harboring separatist terrorists.
with Afghanistan to the northern Arabian Sea.
• The region takes its name from the Baloch India’s Stakes in the region
tribe. Roughly 9 million ethnic Baloch live on either
side of the line, in the Pakistani province of
Balochistan, and the Iranian province of Sistan and
Baluchestan.
• The largest portion of the region is in south-western
Pakistan. It is Pakistan’s largest province,
comprising 44% of the total landmass.
o It is arid, and the country’s least inhabited and
least economically developed region.

Issues of Balochistan
• Economic issues: The people of Balochistan had
long felt their region was neglected in terms of
development and political representation, fuelling
resentment towards the ruling establishment.
• Political issues: In Pakistan, the Baloch are an ethnic
minority physically and politically distant from the
Punjabi-dominated regime and also in Iran, the
majority-Sunni Baloch are a religious minority who
have been persecuted by the state.
• Demand for separate state: Their marginalization in
both countries in subsequent years fuelled several
separatist movements for a “Greater
Balochistan” nation state.
Militant groups involved
• Jaish Al-Adl (JAA): The Sunni separatist militant
group operates freely from Balochistan and is
fighting for independence in Iran’s Sistan and
Baluchestan province.
• Baloch Liberation Front and Baloch Liberation
Army: Both are Iran-based hideouts of two Baloch
militant groups deemed as “terrorist organizations”
by Pakistan.
Relations Between Iran and Pakistan
• Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, both
countries were firmly allied to the United States.
• In 1955, both of them joined the Baghdad
Pact, later known as the Central Treaty
Organization (CENTO), a military alliance modeled
on NATO.
• However an ultra-conservative Shiite regime took
power in Iran and Sunni -majority Pakistan was
undergoing its own Islamisation under military
• Traditionally India has stayed neutral in the conflicts
within the Middle East.
• However, the fragility of the Baloch frontier, China’s
strategic presence in Balochistan along with growing
role in the Gulf are of deep concern to India.
• Also India has invested in Chabahar port lying the
Makran coast of Sistan and Baluchistan Province is
of concern for India.
3.10. 19th NAM Summit
Why in News?
• The 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit
was held in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
Key discussions at the summit
• Israel-Hamas war: The leaders of NAM countries
have denounced Israel’s offensive in Gaza and
demanded an immediate ceasefire during the
summit.
o India urged establishing a free Palestinian state
and asked for a two-state solution where the
Palestinian people can live within a secure
border.
• India’s “Vishwa Mitra” initiative: India emphasized
its role as a friend to the world, or “Vishwa Mitra”
to global solidarity and cooperation in his address.
What is Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)?
• NAM is an alliance of developing nations that
refuses to identify with any major superpower
during the Cold War.

©AKS www.aksias.com 32
 M.S.Shashank
• History: It has its origins in the 1955 Bandung
conference in Indonesia during which
representatives from 29 Asian and African
countries, including many newly independent
states that had been colonized for years, discussed
common concerns.
• NAM was established and held its first conference
in 1961 in Belgrade, the capital of Yugoslavia.
• Founders: The movement’s founders are
President Sukarno of Indonesia, Prime Minister
Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Gamal Abdel Nasser of
Egypt, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, and President
Josip Tito of Yugoslavia.
• Secretariat: NAM does not have a permanent
secretariat or a formal founding charter, act, or
treaty. After the United Nations, NAM is the
second-largest grouping of nations.
• Members: Currently, NAM membership consists
of 120 countries: 53 from Africa, 39 from Asia, 26
from Latin America and the Caribbean, and two
from Europe. It also includes the non-UN member
state of Palestine, and 17 other observer
countries.
Challenges faced by NAM in today’s world
• Changing Geopolitical Dynamics: The geopolitical
landscape continues to evolve, with emerging
powers and shifting alliances. NAM is facing it
challenging to navigate these changes.
• Human Rights: Issues related to human rights and
governance like Crisis in Gaza have gained
prominence on the international stage. It is difficult
to balance the diverse political systems while
4. Science & Technology
4.1. Non-Invasive Formaldehyde Sensor
Why in News?
• Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics Laboratory,
Assam has developed a cost-effective sensor to
detect the formalin in adulterated fishes.
About sensor
• New non-invasive formaldehyde sensors can
detect adulterated fish at room temperature and
it is low-cost.
• Material used: It is made of Tin oxide-reduced
graphene oxide composite (rGO- SnO2).
o Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is used to
detect various toxic gasses and VOCs.
©AKS www.aksias.com
addressing concerns related to democracy, human
rights abuses, and good governance.
• Internal Differences: The NAM consisted of
countries with diverse political systems, economic
structures, and cultural backgrounds. Solving
internal differences and maintaining cohesion
within the movement is an ongoing challenge.
Relevance of NAM today
• Address economic Challenges: After the Cold War,
there is still an economic divide between
developed and developing countries. NAM has
significant relevance in today’s world as the
movement now shifts from a political concept to an
economic one.
• To ensure World Peace: The movement plays a key
role in maintaining world peace and preserving the
independence of every nation is equally relevant. It
acts as a catalyst to foster cooperation between
South nations.
• Development of nations: It also raises key issues of
economic, political, and social development to
achieve the desired results of moving from
developing to developed nations.
Way ahead
• Despite these challenges, the Non-Aligned
Movement has remained a forum for cooperation
and dialogue among its member nations,
contributing to diplomatic efforts, conflict
resolution, and the promotion of peace and
development.
o Tin oxide (SnO2) has high stability and high
sensitivity toward low concentrations of
formaldehyde.
• Process: Graphene oxide (GO) is synthesized
through a Wet chemical process and Tin oxide-
reduced graphene oxide composite (rGO-
SnO2) is synthesized by hydrothermal
route followed by calcination of the obtained
product.
Existing Invasive sensors
• Currently two types of formalin sensors are used
on a commercial level. They are Electrochemical-
based and Colorimetric-based.
o Electrochemical sensors are extensively used
but are expensive. Calorimetric sensors are
less expensive.
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 M.S.Shashank
• Concerns: Both methods are invasive in nature.
Also, low-level detection and selective detection
are two major issues with these sensors.
Significance of Non-Invasive sensors
• The development of 2D materials-based gas
sensors has created a new avenue of effective
detection of toxic vapors at room temperature.
• These sensors have the potential to detect the
formalin evaporated from adulterated food
products.
4.2. Many-body physics
Why in News?
• Many-body physics has emerged as a new area of
research in recent years.
About:
• Since 2019, methods of physics have been
applied to traffic, crime, epidemic processes,
vaccination, cooperation, climate inaction and
moral behavior, to name a few.
• A recent study modeled the dynamics of how
online hate communities form and develop, with
mathematical equations used to describe the
behaviour of shock waves in fluids.
Many-body physics:
• Many-body physics is a realm of exploration,
delves into the intricacies of interacting particles
and seeks to understand the emergent properties
that arise from their collective behavior.
o For example, a many-body physicist would be
interested in what happens to a group of
water molecules when water changes to ice,
rather than studying an individual water
molecule in great detail.
• Many-body physics concerns systems composed
of numerous interacting particles, ranging from
simple molecules to complex materials like
superconductors and biological systems.
Importance: Understanding many-body systems holds
potential for groundbreaking discoveries across
various fields:
• Materials science: Developing advanced
materials with tailored properties, like high-
temperature superconductors and efficient solar
cells.
• Nanotechnology: Manipulating matter at the
atomic and molecular level to create novel
devices and functionalities.
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• Biology: Unveiling the secrets of protein folding,
enzyme function, and cellular processes.
• Astrophysics: Simulating complex stellar
behavior and the formation of galaxies.
Key Challenges:
• The sheer complexity of interactions makes it
difficult to predict and analyze the behavior of
many-body systems analytically.
• Computational limitations often hinder
simulations of large and complex systems,
requiring innovative approaches.
• Bridging the gap between microscopic
interactions and macroscopic phenomena remains
a fundamental hurdle.
Approaches and Tools:
• Quantum mechanics: Provides the fundamental
framework for understanding the behavior of
interacting particles.
• Field theory: Mathematical techniques used to
describe many-body systems as interacting
quantum fields.
• Computational methods: Numerical simulations
utilizing powerful computers to explore the
behavior of these systems.
• Approximate methods: Techniques like
perturbation theory and variational approaches
provide insights even when exact solutions are
elusive.
Applications:
• Collective behaviours: Physicists explain collective
phenomena like bird flocking, fish schooling and
the spread of infectious diseases.
• Traffic: While different locations in the world have
different drivers, vehicles, and rules that govern
their movement on a highway, a physicist or a
mathematician might come up with some kind of
predictability in terms of the science.
• Study cultural evolution and social norms and
beliefs: At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville,
social physicists and mathematicians attempt to
“generalise and bring together” different theories
and models of social processes.
• Study online hate groups: Online hate
communities are opposed to something and are
distinct from other online communities as they
grow quickly.
o Scholars have called this volatile behaviour
“online turbulence”. In physics, ‘turbulence’
is fluid movement characterised by chaotic
changes in the pressure and velocity.
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 M.S.Shashank
4.3. Aditya L1 Mission
Why in News?
• Recently, ISRO performed a crucial manoeuvre to
bind Aditya-L1 into L1 orbit.
What is the Aditya-L1 mission?
• Aditya-L1 is the first space-based Indian
observatory to study the Sun.
• The solar mission will not see the spacecraft
actually go to the sun, it will instead create a space
observatory at a point from which the sun can be
observed even during an eclipse.
• The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around
the Lagrange point 1 (L1), around 1.5 million km
from the Earth, of the Sun-Earth system.
• The mission has a life of five years during which its
payloads are expected to provide the information
to understand the phenomenon of
o Coronal heating; coronal mass ejection;
pre-flare and flare activities and their
characteristics;
o Dynamics of space weather; and
propagation of particles and fields.
• It is equipped with seven payloads (instruments)
on board with four of them carrying out remote
sensing of the Sun and three of them carrying in-
situ observation.
What are the seven payloads?
• The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph
(VELC) will study the Corona, imaging and
spectroscopy, and Coronal mass ejections.
• The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope
(SUIT) will focus upon the Photosphere and
Chromosphere imaging- narrow and broadband.
It will also measure the solar irradiance
variations.
• The Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer
(SoLEXS) and High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray
Spectrometer (HEL1OS) will study the soft and
hard X-ray flares from the Sun over a wide X-ray
energy range.
• The Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment
(ASPEX) and Plasma Analyser Package For
Aditya (PAPA) will analyze the electrons and
protons in the Solar wind or particles. It will also
study the energetic ions.
• The Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital
Magnetometers will study the interplanetary
magnetic field at L1 point.
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4.4. Superconductivity in LK-99
Why in News?
• A group of scientists have reported finding a sign
of superconductivity in a material called LK-99 at
room-temperature.
What is a superconductor?
• A superconductor is a material that can conduct
electricity or transport electrons from one atom to
another with no resistance.
• This happens at temperatures between 240 K and
275 K, that is, approximately between –33
degrees Celsius and 2 degrees Celsius.
• This means no heat, sound or any other form of
energy would be released from the material when
it has reached the temperature at which the
material becomes superconductive.
Properties of superconductor
• Electronic effect: The material will transport an
electric current with zero resistance.
• Thermodynamic effect: The electronic specific
heat drops drastically at the superconducting
transition temperature.
o The specific heat is the heat required
to increase the temperature of the electrons
in the material by 1 degree Celsius drops.
• Spectroscopic effect: The electrons in the material
are forbidden from attaining certain energy levels,
even if they could when the material wasn’t a
superconductor.
• Meissner effect: A material transitioning to its
superconducting state, will expel any magnetic
field in its bulk to the surface. This expulsion is
called the Meissner effect.
Types of superconductors
• There are two types of superconductors,
depending on how they respond to a magnetic
field.
o Type I superconductors: If the magnetic field
applied to a superconductor becomes too
strong, the material will completely lose its
superconducting state and allow the field to
penetrate its body.
o Type II superconductors: When the magnetic
field strength crosses a threshold, the extent
of superconductivity inside the material will
gradually drop until, at a higher second
threshold, it vanishes completely.
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 M.S.Shashank
Applications
• Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) Trains:
Superconducting magnets enable the
development of Maglev trains, which use
magnetic repulsion to lift and propel the train
above the tracks, minimizing friction and allowing
for high-speed travel.
• Electric Power Transmission: Superconductors
can transmit electrical power with minimal loss,
making them ideal for applications where
efficiency is crucial.
• SQUIDS (Superconducting Quantum Interference
Devices) can be used to take magnetic
cardiograms based on magnetic fields generated
by electric currents in the heart.
• Power Grids and Fault Current
Limiters: Superconductors can be employed to
enhance the efficiency of power grids and act as
fault current limiters, preventing damage to
electrical equipment during power surges or
faults.
4.5. Voice Cloning
Why in News?
• Voice cloning through Artificial Intelligence
(AI) has created fears around the AI software as AI
voice cloning-related scams burgeoned.
About
• A report by Market US has revealed that the
global market for these voice cloning
applications stands at $1.2 billion in 2022 and is
estimated to touch almost $5 billion in 2032 with
a CAGR above 15-40%.
How are voice clones done?
• Once a scammer finds an audio clip of an
individual, all it takes is to upload their voice clip
to the online program that is able to replicate
the voice accurately barring some intonations.
• There’s a host of these applications online with
popular ones like Murf, Resemble and
Speechify.
o Recently, former Pakistani Prime Minister
Imran Khan’s political party used an AI-
generated speech from the now imprisoned
leader in an attempt to rally for votes.
Applications
• Preserving legacy: Can keep the voices of loved
ones alive for future generations.
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o Apple introduced a voice cloning feature in
iOS 17 intended to help people who may be in
danger of losing their voice to a degenerative
disease.
• Personalized experiences: Custom virtual
assistants, interactive storytelling, and more
immersive digital interactions.
• Gaming: Prominent tech companies also have a
hand in the AI voice game.
Recently, Meta launched SeamlessM4T, which
can understand nearly 100 languages from
speech or text and generate translations in real-
time.
• Accessibility: Can offer voice to those who have
lost it or will lose it due to illness or disability.
• Song creations: YouTube took a similar route and
announced Dream Track that allows them to
create song clips featuring AI vocals with
permission from pop stars like Demi Lovato, Sia
and John Legend.
• Creative applications: Enhancing storytelling,
audio games, and immersive experiences.
Issues
• Scams: In April 2023, a family living in Arizona,
U.S. was threatened to pay ransom for a fake
kidnapping pulled off by an AI cloned voice.
• Reporting issues: Several cases went unreported
and only some came to light.
• Fake news: Easy access to AI voice clones
also spawned disinformation.
o Harry Potter actress Emma Watson allegedly
read out a portion of the Mein Kampf.
• Privacy and consent: Concerns about
unauthorized recording and use of voices without
consent need to be addressed.
• Ethical considerations: Potential for exploitation,
manipulation, and emotional harm through
impersonation and misuse.
• Social implications: Impact on identity, trust, and
communication dynamics in the digital age.
• Hate speech: Recently, users started flocking to
free AI voice cloning tools to generate celebrity
hate speech.
o Conservative political pundit Ben Shapiro
allegedly made racist comments against
Democrat politician Alexandra Ocasio-
Cortez.
Measures
• Regulatory frameworks: Robust legal and ethical
guidelines are crucial to prevent misuse and
protect privacy.
o The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is
considering the adoption of a recently-
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 M.S.Shashank
proposed Impersonation Rule that will help
deter deceptive voice cloning.
• Technological safeguards: Watermarking and
other authentication mechanisms can help
identify and verify cloned voices.
• Public awareness and education: Educating the
public about voice cloning technology and its
potential risks is vital.
o The US Federal Trade Commission has also
launched a Voice Cloning Challenge which
asked the public to send in their ideas to
detect, evaluate and monitor cloned
devices.
• Responsible development and application:
Promoting ethical and transparent use of voice
cloning for positive societal impact.
Way Ahead
• The future of voice cloning hinges on responsible
development and utilization, balancing its
potential benefits with ethical considerations
and safeguards to avoid its misuse.
4.6. Direct to Cell Satellite
Why In News?
• Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched its first batch of
Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability
aboard the Falcon 9 spacecraft.
o A total of 21 Starlink satellites were sent
into low-Earth orbit from Space Launch
Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space
Force Base in California.
About Satellites
• The mission incorporated the deployment of the
initial six Starlink satellites equipped with Direct-
to-Cell capabilities.
• They have advanced modems onboard, known as
eNodeBs.
o These modems are similar to cell phone
towers but operating in space.
• It allows Starlink to deliver direct satellite
broadband connectivity on smartphones
anywhere on the planet.
• It will also connect internet of things (IoT) devices
with common LTE mobile standards.
• Benefits: It is expected to address challenges
related to geographical features that typically
hinder the provision of internet services.
o It will enable mobile network operators
around the world to provide seamless global
access to texting, calling, and browsing
©AKS www.aksias.com
wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal
waters.”
4.7. Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project
Why in News?
• An Indian delegation visited Mauna Kea, Hawaii,
USA and discussed challenges in the progress of
the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project and
ways to overcome them.
About
• The project has faced considerable challenges. The
upcoming projects have invited local opposition
on the grounds that building telescopes violates
religious and cultural customs.
• Alternate site: There are plans to construct the
TMT at an alternate site, on La Palma in Spain’s
Canary Islands, which is seen as the next best
choice.
Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project
• The TMT has been conceived as a 30-metre
diameter primary-mirror optical and infrared
telescope that will enable observations into deep
space.
• It is proposed as a joint collaboration involving
institutions in the US, Japan, China, Canada, and
India.
o Indian participation in the project was
approved by the Union Cabinet in 2014.
Indian contribution
• India expects to be a major contributor to the
project and will provide
o hardware (segment support assemblies,
actuators, edge sensors, segment polishing,
and segment coating),
o instrumentation (first light instruments), and
o software (observatory software and telescope
control systems) worth $200 million.
o Of the 492 precisely polished mirrors that the
telescope needs, India will contribute 83.
• The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP) is
leading the consortium of Indian institutions that
are involved with the TMT project.
4.8. National Quantum Mission
Why in News?
• The government will set up a coordination cell to
implement the National Quantum Mission
(NQM) with a focus on establishing four
technology hubs.
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 M.S.Shashank
About
• The NQM is expected to set up four mission hubs
in quantum computing, quantum
communication, quantum sensing and
metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
• It will essentially be a consortium of academia,
research and development labs and industry.
Mission Coordination Cell (MCC)
• The MCC will be set up as a coordinating
agency for the Mission and will work in
coordination with the Mission Secretariat, DST.
• It will function under the overall supervision and
guidance of Mission Technology Research Council
(MTRC).
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
• The government approved the National Quantum
Mission (NQM) in 2023 from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
• Aim: To seed, nurture and scale up scientific and
industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative
ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).
o This will accelerate QT led economic growth,
nurture the ecosystem in the country and
make India one of the leading nations in the
development of Quantum Technologies &
Applications (QTA).
• Objectives: The Mission objectives include
developing intermediate-scale quantum
computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8
years in various platforms like superconducting
and photonic technology.
o Satellite-based secure quantum
communications between ground stations
over a range of 2000 kilometers within India,
long-distance secure quantum
communications with other countries, inter-
city quantum key distribution over 2000 km
as well as multi-node Quantum networks with
quantum memories.
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o Developing magnetometers with high
sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic
Clocks for precision timing, communications,
and navigation.
o It will also support the design and synthesis
of quantum materials such as
superconductors, novel semiconductor
structures, and topological materials for the
fabrication of quantum devices.
o Single photon sources/detectors, and
entangled photon sources will also be
developed for quantum communications,
sensing, and metrological applications.
• Implementation: Setting up of four Thematic
Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and National R&D
institutes in the domains – Quantum Computing,
Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing &
Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.
o The hubs will focus on generation of new
knowledge through basic and applied
research as well as promote R&D in areas that
are mandated to them.
• Significance: NQM has the potential to elevate
the country’s Technology Development
ecosystem to a level of global competitiveness.
o The Mission would greatly benefit various
sectors including communication, health,
financial, energy with applications in drug
design, space, banking, security etc.
o The Mission will also provide a huge boost to
National priorities like Digital India, Make in
India, Skill India and Stand-up India, Start-up
India, Self-reliant India and Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG).
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 M.S.Shashank
5. Social Issues & Justice
5.1. Section 498A of the Indian Penal
Code
Why in News?
• The Supreme Court has held that one discordant
instance of bad behaviour could not be classified
as harassment or cruelty for dowry
under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code.
About Section 498A
• It deals with the offense of cruelty by a husband
or his relatives towards a married woman.
• This section was introduced to address the rising
instances of cruelty and harassment faced by
married women in the context of dowry.
• It defines cruelty as:
o any wilful conduct which is of such a nature
as is likely to drive the woman to commit
suicide or to cause grave injury or danger to
life, limb or health (whether mental or
physical) of the woman; or
o harassment of the woman where such
harassment is with a view to coercing her or
any person related to her to meet any
unlawful demand for any property or
valuable security or is on account of failure
by her or any person related to her to meet
such demand.
• Punishment: Whoever the husband or the
relative of the husband of a woman, subjects her
to cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment
for a term which may extend to three years and
shall also be liable to fine.
5.2. Child Marriage
Why in News?
• The Lancet study highlighted that Bihar, West
Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra
accounted for more than half of the total
headcount burden of child marriages in girls.
Child Marriage in India
• According to National Family Health Survey-5
(NFHS-5) 2019-21, women in the age group of
20-24 years who were married before they
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turned 18, are 14.7% in urban and 27% in rural
areas.
• Women aged 15-19 years who were already
mothers or pregnant at the time of the survey
were 3.8% (urban) and 7.9% (rural).
• The largest absolute increase in headcount was
observed in West Bengal.
Impact of Child Marriage
• Physical Health: Child brides often face
complications during pregnancy and childbirth
due to their immature bodies. This increases the
risk of maternal and infant mortality.
• Education: Once married, girls are less likely to
continue their formal education, limiting their
opportunities for personal and economic
development.
• Gender Inequality: Child marriage is often
rooted in gender inequality, reinforcing
traditional gender roles and norms.
o Boys can also be affected, as they may face
pressure to assume adult responsibilities
at an early age, impacting their own
personal development and well-being.
• Violence and Abuse: Lack of legal protection and
social support may leave child brides trapped in
abusive situations without recourse.
• Reproductive Rights: Child brides may have
limited control over their reproductive rights,
including family planning and the number and
spacing of their children.
• Cycle of Poverty: Child marriage is often linked
to poverty, creating a cycle where poverty leads
to child marriage, and child marriage
perpetuates poverty by limiting education and
economic opportunities.
Measures Taken by Government of India to
Eliminate Child Marriage
• Legal Framework: The Prohibition of Child
Marriage Act, 2006, is a dedicated legal
framework aimed at preventing and prohibiting
child marriages in India.
o It sets the legal age of marriage as 18 years
for girls and 21 years for boys.
• The National Commission for Protection of
Child Rights (NCPCR) undertakes various
activities and programmes from time to time
with concerned stakeholders/ organizations
such as representatives of Child Welfare
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 M.S.Shashank

Committees (CWC), Police, Women and Child Conclusion

Development Department on the issue of child • Child marriage had declined nationally,
marriages and related matters. prevalence of girl child marriage decreased
• Support Services and Helplines: Government of from 49 percent in 1993 to 22 percent in 2021.
India has introduced CHILDLINE 1098, a 24X7 o Prevalence of boy child marriage came down
telephone emergency outreach service for from 7 percent in 2006 to 2 percent in 2021.
children in crisis, which responds with suitable • Continuous efforts are required to address
interventions to calls for any form of assistance deep-rooted social norms, improve access to
which a child requires, including for prevention education, and enhance the economic
of child marriages. opportunities for girls to eliminate the practice
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme: of child marriage in India.
Launched in 2015, this national initiative focuses
on improving the status of girls and addressing 5.3. Andhra Pradesh Launches Caste
issues such as female foeticide, child marriage,
and gender-based discrimination.
Census
o It emphasizes the importance of education
Why in News?
and encourages the protection and
empowerment of girls.
• Andhra Pradesh recently became the 2nd State
• Integrated Child Development Services
after Bihar, to take up caste census to
(ICDS): The ICDS program, among other
enumerate all communities in the state.
objectives, aims to improve the nutritional and
health status of children, including those at risk
About
of child marriage.
• The Andhra Pradesh government will extensively
o It provides a range of services, including
deploy the village secretariat system for the
health check-ups, immunization, and
caste census along with the volunteer system.
nutrition support, to address the overall
• Officials in the village secretariat system across
well-being of children.
the state will verify the accuracy of information
• National Plan of Action for Children 2016: The
collected by the volunteers and correct it, if
National Plan of Action for Children outlines the
necessary, before making the final record.
government’s commitment to child welfare and
includes strategies to prevent child marriages.
Caste census: A historical context
• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): SSA is an ongoing
• Caste-wise enumeration of the population was
program aimed at providing universal access to
introduced under the British colonial
quality elementary education.
administration in 1881 and continued till the
o By promoting education for all children,
1931 census.
including girls, the government aims to
• However, independent India abandoned caste
address one of the root causes of child
enumerations, citing potential for social division
marriage – lack of education.
and strengthening caste hierarchies.
• Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of
• Every Census in independent India from 1951 to
Adolescent Girls (SABLA): SABLA targets
2011 has published data on Scheduled Castes
adolescent girls (11-18 years) and aims to
and Scheduled Tribes, but not on other castes.
empower them through education, life skills
training, and nutrition support.
Arguments for a Caste Census
o By focusing on the holistic development of
• Enables effective governance: Provides a
adolescent girls, the scheme aims to
comprehensive picture of India’s caste
prevent early marriage.
composition, including marginalized
• Awareness Campaigns: The government, along
communities and sub-castes.
with non-governmental organizations,
• Tracks progress: The absence of official data on
conducts awareness campaigns to educate
caste distribution makes it difficult to track
communities about the harmful effects of child
progress in affirmative action, address caste-
marriage.
based discrimination, and allocate resources
effectively.
• Certainty in policy making: The available data
does show that SC, ST and OBCs are lagging

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 M.S.Shashank
behind but there is no clarity over which caste
groups are most progressive and which are the
most marginalized, thereby hindering effective
policy formulations.
• Social Justice: Enables better targeting of
affirmative action programs and policies
towards groups facing persistent
discrimination.
o There are many castes which are yet to
receive welfare schemes from the
government and the census will help them
address this.
• Resource Allocation: Helps in equitable
distribution of resources based on the needs of
different caste groups.
• Social Reforms: Provides data-driven evidence
for social reform initiatives addressing caste-
based disparities.
Arguments against a Caste Census
• Social Division: Critics argue it could solidify
caste identities, exacerbate tensions, and lead
to renewed claims of dominance and hierarchy.
• Unconstitutional: The Union Government has
the sole right to conduct a census and not the
states, thus violating Schedule VII of the
Constitution, the Census Act, 1948 and the
Census Rules, 1990.
o Census was enumerated at Entry 69 in the
Union List in the Seventh VII of the
Constitution.
• Data Misuse: Concerns exist about potential
misuse of data for political gains or
discrimination against certain caste groups.
6. Health
6.1. Management of Tuberculosis (TB)
Why in News?
• Studies suggest that shorter-duration treatment
approaches for tuberculosis are crucial to enhance
TB management in India.
About
• Recent studies in adults who have TB in their lungs
considered using a combination of new drugs and
existing ones that are currently used for other
diseases.
©AKS www.aksias.com
o It can help the unscrupulous caste leaders
to serve their narrow political interest at
the cost of their caste brethren.
• New issues: The survey data can reopen the
longstanding debate over the 50% ceiling on
reservation imposed by the Supreme Court in its
landmark ruling in Indra Sawhney v Union of
India (1992).
• Logistical Challenges: Conducting a nationwide
caste census is a complex and expensive
undertaking, requiring careful planning and
implementation.
• Alternative Data Sources: Some argue existing
databases and surveys can provide sufficient
data on caste and socioeconomic conditions.
Way Ahead
• Caste data is key to understanding three
important factors – the functioning of the
labour market, wealth inequality and
implementation of policy schemes, which
may help to understand the country’s
development pattern.
• Such data will reveal inequalities in social
structures, enable better policy formulation
and identify obstacles in policy implementation
to usher in an era of genuine equal participation
and redistribution of power and resources.
• Hence, rather than politicising caste census,
every political party should embrace the idea so
that the state will fulfill its responsibility to
ensure welfare of the most marginalized
sections of the citizens.
• The results of these studies showed that the length
of time patients need to stay on their regimen can
be reduced from six months to four months.
• Shortening the duration for TB medication to cure
the patient faster is transformational and also
makes TB programme implementation more
feasible.
What is Tuberculosis?
• Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most
often affects the lungs and is caused by the bacteria
Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• It spreads through the air when infected
people cough, sneeze or spit.
• TB can manifest in two forms: latent TB infection
and active TB disease.
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 M.S.Shashank
o In latent TB infection, the bacteria are present
in the body, but the immune system keeps them
in check, and the person does not exhibit
symptoms.
o However, the bacteria can become active later,
leading to active TB disease, which is
characterized by symptoms such as persistent
cough, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, and
fever.
• Symptoms: prolonged cough (sometimes with
blood), chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss,
fever, night sweats.
o The symptoms people get depend on where in
the body TB becomes active. While TB usually
affects the lungs, it also affects the kidneys,
brain, spine and skin.
• Treatment: Tuberculosis is preventable and
curable.
o Tuberculosis disease is treated with
antibiotics.
o TB Vaccine: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin
(BCG) vaccine remains the only licensed
vaccine against TB; it provides moderate
protection against severe forms of TB (TB
meningitis) in infants and young children.
India’s Burden of TB
• India accounts for around 27% of TB
cases worldwide – which is the world’s highest
country-wise TB burden.
• India’s aim to eliminate TB by 2025.
• The theme for World Tuberculosis Day (March 24)
in 2023 was “Yes, we can end TB”, which reflects
the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) to eliminate TB by 2030.
Challenges Faced by India in Eliminating TB
• Drug-resistant TB cases: India has a significant
burden of drug-resistant TB, including multidrug-
resistant TB (MDR-TB).
o This type of TB is much harder to treat and
requires more expensive, specialised drugs
and a longer duration of treatment.
• Diagnostics and Case Detection: The accurate
and timely diagnosis of TB remains a challenge.
o Some areas lack access to modern diagnostic
tools, leading to reliance on older methods
with limitations.
• Poor primary health-care and infrastructure: In
many parts of India, especially in rural and remote
areas, there is limited access to healthcare
facilities.
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o This can result in delayed diagnosis and
treatment, allowing TB to spread within
communities.
• Stigma and Awareness: Stigma associated with
TB can lead to delays in seeking healthcare, and
lack of awareness about the disease may
contribute to its persistence.
• Private Sector Engagement: A significant portion
of healthcare services in India is provided by the
private sector.
o Coordinating efforts between the public and
private sectors and ensuring standardized
treatment protocols are crucial for effective
TB control.
• Treatment Adherence: TB treatment requires a
prolonged course of antibiotics, and ensuring
patient adherence to the full course is challenging.
• Vulnerable Populations: Certain populations, such
as migrant workers, urban slum dwellers, and those
living in crowded conditions, are at higher risk of TB.
Steps Taken by Government of India to Eliminate TB
• Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program
(RNTCP): The RNTCP, launched in 1997, was the
flagship program to control TB in India.
o The program has been continuously revised
and strengthened over the years.
• National Tuberculosis Elimination Program
(NTEP): The Government of India has developed a
National Strategic Plan (2017-25) for Ending TB in
the country by 2025.
• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
(PMTBMBA): Launched in 2022 for community
support to TB patients with the objective to
provide people with TB with additional nutritional,
diagnostic and vocational support.
• Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST): The
government has scaled up efforts to provide
universal access to drug susceptibility testing,
helping to identify drug-resistant strains of TB early
and tailor treatment accordingly.
o Earlier, the patients were started on first line
treatment and were tested for drug
resistance only if the therapy did not work.
• Ni-kshay portal: An online Ni-kshay portal has
been set up to track the notified TB cases.
• New Drugs: Newer drugs such as Bedaquiline and
Delamanid for the treatment of drug-resistant TB
have been included in the government’s basket of
drugs provided free TB patients.
• R&D for Treatment: Researchers have been
studying shorter three- and four-month courses of
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 M.S.Shashank
anti-tubercular drugs, instead of the existing six-
month therapy.
• Vaccine Development: Trials are underway to test
the effectiveness of a vaccine called Immuvac,
which was initially developed to prevent leprosy, in
preventing TB.
o Researchers are also testing VPM1002,
which is a recombinant form of the BCG
vaccine modified to express the TB antigens
better.
Suggestions
• Setting norms and standards on TB prevention
and care and promoting and facilitating their
implementation;
• Developing and promoting ethical and evidence-
based policy options for TB prevention and care;
• Monitoring and reporting on the status of the TB
epidemic and progress in financing and
implementation of the response at global,
regional and country levels.
6.2. Revising Growth Standards to
Measure Malnutrition
Why in News?
• The Indian Council of Medical Research has
constituted a committee to revise the Growth
Standards to measure malnutrition in India.
About
• This committee has recommended a detailed
rigorous study to be conducted across the country
to examine child growth with the purpose of
devising national growth charts.
What is Malnutrition?
• Malnutrition refers to deficiencies or excesses in
nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or
impaired nutrient utilization.
• The term malnutrition covers 2 broad groups of
conditions.
o Undernutrition—which includes stunting (low
height for age), wasting (low weight for height),
underweight (low weight for age) and
micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a
lack of important vitamins and minerals).
o Overweight, obesity and diet-related
noncommunicable diseases (such as heart
disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer).
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World Health Organization (WHO) Growth Standards
to Measure Malnutrition
• The WHO Child Growth Standards are a diagnostic
tool used to monitor and assess the nutritional
status of infants and children up to the age of 5.
• By tracking children’s height and body weight, the
standards detect children or populations not
growing properly, or who are underweight or at
risk of being overweight.
• The most common measures of childhood
undernutrition are based on anthropometric
standards such as height-for-age
(stunting/chronic undernutrition) and weight-
for-height (wasting/acute undernutrition).
• India, like most other countries, uses the globally
accepted World Health Organization (WHO)
Growth Standards to measure malnutrition.
Need to Revise the Growth Standards to Measure
Malnutrition in India
• Basis of WHO standards: The WHO standards are
based on a Multicentre Growth Reference Study
(MGRS) that was conducted in six
countries between 1997 and 2003 (Brazil, Ghana,
India, Norway, Oman and the United States).
o The purpose was to determine the pattern of
growth (from birth to five years) of children
who did not face any known deficiencies in
their environments.
• Population Diversity: India has a very diverse
population having different dietary patterns.
o The indicators should consider the diverse
socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic
backgrounds within the country.
• Breastfeeding Practices: Take into account the
prevalence and duration of breastfeeding practices
in India.
o Breastfeeding patterns can significantly
influence the growth of infants and young
children.
• Can be Misleading: Such comparisons could also
be misleading because the study norms of the
WHO-MGRS are very different.
o For example, the MGRS included
a component of counselling to ensure
appropriate feeding practices, which is
obviously missing in the NFHS or
Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey.
• Misdiagnosis: Another serious concern is related
to inappropriately high standards leading to a
misdiagnosis of the situation, and a resultant
potential overfeeding of misclassified
children under programmes of the government
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 M.S.Shashank
introduced to address undernutrition, thereby
resulting in an increase in overweight and obesity.
• Other Parameters: High levels of child
undernutrition have been a persistent problem in
India.
o It is well recognised that the determinants of
undernutrition are multiple, and include food
intake, dietary diversity, health, sanitation,
women’s status and the overarching context of
poverty.
Steps Taken by Government of India to Eliminate
Malnutrition in India
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): It
provides a package of services, including
supplementary nutrition, immunization, health
check-ups, and preschool education, to children
under the age of 6 years and their mothers.
• National Health Mission (NHM): It includes
initiatives such as the Reproductive, Maternal,
Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A)
strategy, which addresses maternal and child
health, family planning, and nutrition.
• Poshan Abhiyan (National Nutrition
Mission): Launched in 2018, this mission aims to
improve the nutritional status of children from 0-6
years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
o It focuses on reducing stunting, undernutrition,
anemia, and low birth weight.
o For maximizing the nutritional outcomes,
Government launched ‘Saksham Anganwadi and
Poshan 2.0’ (Mission Poshan 2.0), which inter-
alia, subsumes POSHAN Abhiyaan,
Supplementary Nutrition Programme under
Anganwadi Services and Scheme for Adolescent
Girls.
• Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman: This
program provides free meals to school children to
improve their nutritional status, increase school
attendance, and encourage education.
o The scheme covers primary and upper primary
schools across the country.
• National Food Security Act (NFSA): Enacted in
2013, this act aims to provide subsidized food grains
to approximately two-thirds of the population,
including priority households and Antyodaya Anna
Yojana (AAY) households.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
(PMMVY): This maternity benefit program provides
financial assistance to pregnant and lactating
mothers to support their health and nutrition
during the early stages of motherhood.
• Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK): This
program focuses on the health and development
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needs of adolescents, including nutrition and
reproductive health.
• Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): Launched to combat
anemia, this program aims to reduce the prevalence
of anemia among pregnant women, lactating
mothers, and children.
Conclusion
• There is no doubt that there are also many gaps to
fill in the more distal determinants of stunting,
mainly; livelihoods and poverty, access to education
and women’s empowerment.
o These goals are inextricably linked to the overall
development of the country, with equitable
distribution of resources.
• Collaboration among government agencies,
researchers, and healthcare professionals is crucial
for the successful development and
implementation of revised growth standards for
measuring malnutrition in India.
• Additionally, periodic reviews and updates may be
necessary to reflect changes in the population’s
health and nutritional status over time.
6.3. Post-Graduate Medical Education
Regulations, 2023
Why in News?
• The National Medical Commission (NMC) has
recently introduced the ‘Post-Graduate Medical
Education Regulations, 2023’
About Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations,
2023
• It outlines a comprehensive framework for post-
graduate medical education. The regulations
cover the admission, counselling, and course
work for post graduate medical education in
India.
• These reforms aimed at fostering quality, ethical
practice, and inclusivity within the medical
fraternity, encompass various critical aspects of
post-graduate medical training and aim to
enhance the standards of education and practice
nationwide.
• Medical colleges/institutions can apply for
permission to start postgraduate courses one
year after initiating an undergraduate
programme. They must, however, satisfy all
requirements for running the existing
undergraduate course.
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 M.S.Shashank
o Previously, applying for a postgraduate
programme was only allowed after admitting
the third batch of MBBS students.
• Non-teaching government hospitals that fulfil
the minimum requirements, including beds,
qualified faculty, patient volume and adequate
infrastructure, will be allowed to begin
postgraduate medical courses.
o Medical colleges/institutions must now self-
declare their resources and infrastructure
annually.
• Components:
o Theoretical knowledge;
o Practical and clinical skills;
o Writing thesis;
o Soft skill attributes including communication
skills;
o Training in research methodology, medical
ethics and medico legal aspects.
Key Concerns
• Working hours, mental health and burnout issues
among resident doctors, as well as the irregularity
of stipends — have not been addressed in the new
PG medical education regulations.
7. Education
7.1. The Annual Status of Education
Report (ASER) 2023
Why in News?
• According to the ASER 2023, nearly 43% of
children in the 14-18 age group cannot read
sentences in English, while among their rural
counterparts, 25% struggle to read a Class 2 level
text in their respective regional language.
Findings of the ASER 2023:
• Trends on basic learning:
o Overall (of those aged 14-18), a quarter
(26.5%) could not read a Class 2-level
textbook in their regional language, and a
little less than half (42.7%) could not read
sentences in English.
o Of those who can read these sentences,
over a quarter (26.5%) did not understand
the meaning of what they were reading.
o Basic mathematics remains the big
challenge. More than half of the surveyed
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• Doctors with Disabilities: The recommendations
given by doctors with disabilities have been
ignored.
o It offers inclusivity by providing 5%
reservation to doctors with disabilities in PG
admission, which was already in existence.
• It asserts that individuals with mental illness and
autism cannot be granted admission due to a
purported lack of methods to establish diagnosis,
a claim contradicted by existing rules.
• Violation of Supreme Court Order: New terms like
‘moderate’ dyslexia have been introduced, which
are not in accordance with the Act and violation of
Supreme Court Order.
• The Supreme Court declared that a candidate
with cerebral palsy (a group of disorders that
affect a person’s ability to move and maintain
balance and posture) eligible for
reservation under the Persons with Disabilities
(PwD) Act, 2016 for admission in the MBBS
Course.
• The guidelines are silent on the integration of
Artificial Intelligence in the curriculum.
• The regulation prohibits the migration of
students from one medical institution to another.
students (56.7%) could not solve a simple
3-digit by 1-digit division problem.
o The ability to do division is seen as a proxy
for the ability to do basic arithmetic
operations.
• Arithmetic proficiency:
o 45% of youths in the surveyed group have
basic arithmetic proficiency.
o The rest need to ‘catch up’ as low levels of
foundational numeracy affect the ability
of youth in tackling everyday
calculations (say, for financial
computations).
• Application of basic skills to everyday
calculations:
o 85% of surveyed youths can measure
length using a scale when the starting
point is 0 cm but this drops sharply to 39%
when the starting point is moved.
o This showed a decline as compared with
2017 when it was 86% and 40%. Males do
better than females across all everyday
calculations.
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 M.S.Shashank
• Enrollment in different streams:
o The survey shows that more than half
(55.7%) of the young people in this age
group were enrolled in the
Arts/Humanities stream, followed by
STEM (31.7%) and Commerce (9.4%).
o More males report enrolling in the STEM
stream (36.3%) than females (28.1%).
• Use of smartphones:
o Around 89% of those surveyed had a
smartphone in the household and 92%
said they knew how to use it - signalling a
shift that has gathered force in the
pandemic years and after.
o However, males were more than twice as
likely to own their own smartphone than
females, and therefore were likely
spending far more time using the
device for a wider variety of tasks.
• Use of social media:
o Interestingly, the survey found that 90.5%
of the youths in this age group reported
having used social media in the reference
week, with a slightly higher proportion of
males (93.4%) than females (87.8%).
o However, it observed that “of all youths
who used social media, only about half are
familiar with online safety settings that
were included in the survey”.
Significance of the ASER 2023:
• For nearly two decades, ASER reports have
consistently pointed to deficiencies among
children in elementary school with regard to
foundational skills like reading and basic
arithmetic.
• But this year’s focus on an older age group also
points to a similar gap in learning outcomes at
higher levels.
o The report reveals that children continue
to struggle with basic reading and
arithmetic skills well into their teenage
years, even after reaching Class 10 and
higher secondary levels of education
(Classes 11 and 12).
o The findings point to a huge skill deficit
among adolescents, many of them only a
few years away from entering the job
market.
About the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)
2023:
• ASERs (by NGO Pratham) have been surveying
children aged 6 to 14 since 2005 to track trends in
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school enrollment, attendance and reading and
arithmetic abilities.
o ASER reports are usually referred to by
the government while formulating
policies.
• The ASER 2023 is based on a survey conducted in
28 districts across 26 states, reaching out to
34,745 youths in the 14-18 age group.
o One rural district was surveyed in each
major state with the exception of Uttar
Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where two
such districts were surveyed.
• The youths were surveyed on 4 points –
o Basic reading, math and English abilities;
o Application of basic skills to everyday
calculations;
o Reading and understanding written
instructions; and
o Financial calculations that need to be done
in real life.
Conclusion:
• The recently released ASER report highlights the
issues and challenges faced by the education
sector in rural areas. It stated that to able to realise
the demographic dividend, India needs to opt for
prudent reforms in its technical and vocational
education and training systems.
7.2. Centre Issues Guidelines For Coaching
Institutes
Why in News?
• The Ministry of Education has released new
guidelines for coaching centers in the country.
About the Guidelines:
• Misleading Advertisement: Coaching institutes
should not make any false promises to prospective
students and avoid publishing any misleading
advertisement.
• Mandatory Registration: Coaching centers must
apply for registration with the local competent
authority, as set by the government.
o Each branch of a coaching is treated as a
distinct entity, requiring separate
registration applications for each.
• Enrollment: Only students above the age of 16
can be admitted, and admission is permitted only
after the successful completion of secondary
school examinations.
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 M.S.Shashank
• Tutor Qualification: The coachings cannot engage
tutors having qualifications less than graduation.
• Fees: Tuition fees for various courses should be
reasonable and just, with detailed receipts
provided.
• Fee Changes: Any fee increases during the course,
including both course fees and hostel-related
charges, are strictly prohibited.
• Withdrawals: In case of mid-course
withdrawals, a pro-rata refund is required within
10 days.
• Complaint Mechanism: There should be
a mechanism in place for filing complaints against
coaching centers by students, parents, or
tutors/employees of the coaching center.
o Additionally, coaching centers can file
complaints against students or parents.
• Attendance: The guidelines state that class
schedules should not overlap with regular
school hours to ensure consistent attendance.
• Off Time: Both students and tutors must have
mandatory weekly offs.
• Attention to each pupil: Class sizes should be
maintained to ensure a healthy teacher-student
ratio.
• Mental Health: The Coaching shall ensure the
mental well-being of students by avoiding undue
pressure and establishing a mechanism of
assistance to students in stressful situations.
• Space: Coaching centers should allocate a
minimum of one square meter per student in
each class.
• Fire Compliance: Compliance with fire safety and
building codes, including obtaining Fire and
Building Safety Certificates, is mandatory.
• CCTV: The coaching center should also be
equipped with CCTV cameras, a first aid kit, and
access to medical assistance.
7.3. SHRESHTA
Why in News?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has
issued instructions for private residential schools
interested in joining the 2023-24 Schemes for
Residential Education for Meritorious Scheduled Caste
(SC) Students (SHRESHTA).
Eligibility Criteria for Schools
• Private residential institutions affiliated with CBSE
up to class 12.
• Operational for at least 5 years.
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• A pass percentage of 75 or more in class 10 and 12
over the last 3 years.
• Adequate infrastructure to accommodate at least
10 additional SC students in classes 9 and 11
combined.
• Residential status verified by data.
Consenting to the Scheme
• Schools interested in participating must submit
their consent directly to the department.
Approval and Obligations
• Once approved, schools are obligated to accept
the students allotted under the scheme.
• Any concerns regarding selection, funding, or
allocation can be addressed directly to the
Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Understanding the Scheme
• Schools are directed to thoroughly understand the
scheme by reviewing the official document.
• Specifics such as maximum scholarship amounts,
seat availability, school obligations, and eligibility
criteria are provided in the official document.
Enrollment and National Entrance Test
• Enrollment under the scheme is designated for
students entering Class 9 and Class 11.
• The National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS),
conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA),
selects 3,000 students annually for the scheme.
• Allocation to schools is determined through web
counselling based on merit and student
preferences.
Conclusion
• The CBSE's instructions outline the eligibility
criteria for private residential schools, the process
of consenting to and participating in the scheme,
the obligations of schools, and the selection
process for students. The scheme aims to provide
educational opportunities and support for
meritorious Scheduled Caste students in private
residential schools.
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8. Agriculture
o Drugs and Cosmetics Rule (8th Amendment),
8.1. Supreme Court concern on GM 1988.
mustard
Need for GM crops
• Food Security: Genetically modified crops can
Why in News?
improve yield, build resistances to pests,
flood,frost , drought etc.
• The Supreme Court has raised concerns regarding
• Sustainable food system: Crops can also be
the biosafety of transgenic mustard hybrid DMH-
modified to reduce carbon emissions and boost
11, which has been approved by the Genetic
the sustainability of food production.
Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) for
• Higher Productivity: With GM crops it is possible
environmental release.
to produce more food from less area and with less
chemical pesticides and fertilizer.
What are GM crops?
o GM crop production uses only about 10% of
• Crops that have undergone genetic engineering
the land non-GM crop production uses.
processes to alter their DNA are referred to as
• Nutritional Security: Genetic modifications can
genetically modified crops.
enhance the nutritional content of crops. The
• The techniques used in GM crops are: gene guns,
crops may contain higher levels of essential
electroporation, microinjection, agrobacterium
nutrients, addressing malnutrition and improving
etc.
public health.
• The types of modification are: transgenic, cis-
genic, subgenic and multiple trait integration.
Reasons for opposition of GM crops
• The main trait types in GM crops are herbicide
• Unintended side effects: Environmentalists
tolerance(HT),insect resistance (IR), Stacked traits
argue that the long-lasting effect of GM crops is
etc.
yet to be studied and thus they should not be
released commercially. Genetic modification can
Indian Scenario in GM crops
bring changes that can be harmful to humans in
• Bt Cotton: In 2002, the GEAC had allowed the
the long run.
commercial release of Bt cotton.
• Threat to biodiversity: Some crops have been
o Bt cotton has two alien genes from the soil
engineered to create their own toxins against
bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that
pests. This may harm non-targets such as farm
allows the crop to develop a protein toxic to the
animals that ingest them.
common pest pink bollworm.
• Health risks: GM crops are modified to include
o It is the only GM crop that is allowed in India.
antibiotics to kill germs and pests. And when we
• Many varieties of GM crops are under different
eat them, these antibiotic markers will persist in
stages of development, like Bt brinjal and DMH-
our body and will render actual antibiotic
11 mustard.
medications less effective over a period of time,
leading to superbug threats.
Regulatory framework in India
• Social and economic issues: There are concerns
• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
about multinational agribusiness companies
(GEAC): It under the Ministry of Environment,
taking over farming from the hands of small
Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), is
farmers. Dependence on GM seed companies
responsible for the assessment of proposals
could prove to be a financial burden for farmers.
related to the commercial release of GM crops.
• Public concern: People in general are wary of GM
• Acts and rules that regulate GM crops in India
crops as they are engineered in a lab and do not
are:
occur in Nature.
o Environment Protection Act, 1986 (EPA)
o Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Way Forward
o Plant Quarantine Order, 2003
• The environmental release of DMH-11 marks the
o GM policy under Foreign Trade Policy
beginning of a new era in self-reliance and
o Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

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 M.S.Shashank
sustainability in agriculture. This will help to
achieve the target of Zero Hunger by 2030.
• Governments must address the problems
brought on by GM crops, particularly in the areas
of safety testing, legislation, industrial strategy,
and food labeling.
8.2. Yellow Rust
Why in News?
• Based on the input from wheat researchers and
the weather bureau, the Karnal-based Indian
Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR)
has appealed to the farmers to remain vigilant
against yellow rust, a pest used to appear a few
years ago in some districts of Haryana during this
period.
Key facts about yellow rust:
• Yellow Rust disease appears as yellow stripes of
powder or dust on leaves and leaf sheaths of the
wheat crop. This yellow powder comes out on
clothing or fingers when touched.
• Rust colonies in the leaves drain the carbohydrates
from the plant and reduce the green leaf area.
• The main economic loss from yellow rust is
in wheat.
• The disease does occur in barley but it is rare due
to effective varietal resistance.
• Areas that have cool, damp summers and mild
winters are prone to yellow rust infections, for
example, coastal regions or regions around rivers
or estuaries.
• Epidemics of yellow rust often start as individual
plants, usually in the autumn.
• Symptoms develop slowly over winter and are
often missed until the early spring when small
patches or foci of infected plants can be seen in
fields.
• These patches usually spread in the direction of
prevailing wind.
• In India, yellow rust is a major disease in the
Northern Hill Zone and the North-Western Plain
Zone and spreads easily during the onset of cool
weather.
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8.3. Aromatic Crops and Floriculture
Why in News?
• High value aromatic crops and floriculture have
emerged as a means to supplement livelihood of
Odisha’s tribal communities.
About
• Successful introduction of aromatic plants has
been seen in Nabarangpur and Koraput districts
of Odisha, where tribal farmers showed an interest
in diversifying from the traditional maize crop.
• With the help of the Central Institute of Medicinal
and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in Lucknow, the
district has recently introduced different aromatic
plants such as,
o menthol mint (the CIM Unnati variety),
o rosemary (Hariyali variety),
o patchouli (CIM Samarth),
o damask roses (Ranisahiba),
o chamomile, and
o geraniums (CIM-Bharat).
• The favourable climate and availability of vast
stretches of land offer exciting opportunities for
farmers to foray into aromatic plantation, though it
is an unfamiliar domain.
About aromatic plants:
• Aromatic plants are those that contain aromatic
compounds, which are basically essential oils.
o These essential oils are odorous, volatile at
room temperature, hydrophobic and highly
concentrated compounds.
o They can be obtained from flowers, buds,
seeds, leaves, twigs, bark, wood, fruits and
roots.
• Aromatic plants do not face regulatory challenges
medicinal plantations face.
• There is huge demand for aromatic plants in the
market because of their diversified uses.
• Examples: Lemongrass, Mentha, Vetiver,
Citronella, etc.
Uses:
• Culinary herbs: Basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint
are culinary staples, adding flavor and aroma to
dishes.
• Spices: Cumin, cloves, and star anise enrich our
palates with their potent scents and taste.
• Medicinal plants: Lavender, chamomile, and
valerian root are known for their calming and
therapeutic properties.
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 M.S.Shashank
• Cosmetics and perfumes: Rose, jasmine, and
sandalwood essential oils are prized for their
captivating fragrances in perfumes and beauty
products.
• Aromatherapy: Essential oils from plants like
eucalyptus and lemongrass can be used for
inhalation or massage to promote relaxation and
well-being.
• Insect repellents: Citronella and lemongrass oils
offer natural alternatives to synthetic insect
repellents.
o The distinct odour of lemongrass, citronella
and vetiver, also repels elephants.
• Landscaping and gardening: Ornamental plants like
fragrant roses, lilies, and lavender add beauty and
fragrance to gardens and outdoor spaces.
About the Aroma Mission:
• CSIR’s Aroma Mission aims to increase the
income of the farmers through cultivation of high
value and high demand aromatic crops by about
Rs. 30,000 to 60,000/ha/year.
o On 4th June, 2023 CSIR-Indian Institute of
Integrative Medicine, Jammu launched
the third phase of CSIR-Aroma Mission during
9. Environment
9.1. Self Pollination in Parisian Pansies
Why In News?
• As per a recent study, Pansy Plants (Viola
arvensis) growing near Paris have evolved
themselves to produce less nectar, showing signs
of self-pollination instead of depending on
Pollinators.
What is Pollination?
• Pollination is the act of transferring pollen grains
from the male anther (reproductive organ) of a
flower to the female stigma (reproductive organ).
• Plants can be:
o Self-pollinating – the plant can fertilize itself;
or,
o Cross-pollinating – the plant needs a vector (a
pollinator or the wind) to get the pollen to
another flower of the same species.
• Pollinators: Organisms that facilitate the transfer
of pollen from the anthers to the stigmas of
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the Lavender Festival conducted at
Bhaderwah of Jammu & Kashmir, UT.
• It also aims to bring an additional area of 30,000
hectares under cultivation of these crops to
further catalyze the cultivation of aromatic crops
in about 60,000 hectares.
• This will help in production of an additional 700
tonnes of essential oil for perfumery, cosmetics
and pharmaceutical industries, and use of these
oils in value addition and herbal products would
generate a business of at least 200 crores.
• About 45,000 skilled human resources capable of
multiplying quality planting material, distillation,
fractionation and value addition will also be
developed under “Skill India” initiatives.
• More than 25,000 farming families would be
directly benefited and an employment of more
than 10-15 lakhs mandays will be generated in
rural areas.
• Scientific interventions would provide assured
benefits to the growers of Vidarbha,
Bundelkhand, Gujarat, Marathwada, Rajasthan,
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and other states where
farmers are exposed to frequent episodes of
weather extremes and account for maximum
suicides.
flowers, leading to fertilization and the production
of seeds.
o Example: Bees, butterflies, beetles, moths,
wasps.
Major Concerns of Self Pollination
• Reduction in the Genetic Diversity among the
plant species, make more susceptible to diseases
and pests.
• Self-pollination reduces the adaptability by
limiting the introduction of new genetic traits in
the ecosystem.
• Self-pollination may lead to the expression of
deleterious mutations or harmful recessive traits.
• Like in pansy species, pollinators may enter a loop
where plants producing less nectar enable less
food availability, driving them towards declines.
Why Pollinators are declining?
• Urbanization, agricultural expansion, and changes
in land use destroyed their populations.
• The widespread use of chemical pesticides,
herbicides & GMOs have impacted a lot.
• Invasive species and Climate change Impacts.
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 M.S.Shashank

9.2. Climate change impact montane birds • Hence, for using it as a source of energy, it has to
bird species: Study be extracted from naturally occurring
compounds like water (which is a combination of
two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom).
Why In News?
• Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen that is
• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science
produced using renewable energy sources, such
(IISc.) in Bengaluru have found that logging and
as wind, solar, or hydropower, through a process
climate change pose a threat to montane birds.
called electrolysis.
• Electrolysis involves splitting water (H2O) into
About the study
hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) using an electric
• The team collected data from the Eaglenest
current.
Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, situated
• When this electricity comes from renewable
in the biodiversity hotspot of Eastern
sources, the hydrogen produced is considered
Himalayas and home to over 500 bird species.
“green” because the overall process has a minimal
• They studied the effects of forest logging and
environmental impact.
climate change on bird communities in tropical
• Grey Hydrogen: It involves extracting hydrogen
mountains, by examining over 10 years of data.
from natural gas through a process called steam
methane reforming (SMR).
Findings of the study
o This process releases carbon dioxide (CO2) as
• Forest loss and climate change are major threats
a byproduct, contributing to greenhouse gas
to tropical mountains.
emissions.
• Much of the flora and fauna are extremely
• Blue Hydrogen: It involves capturing and storing
temperature sensitive, and are responding to
the CO2 emissions generated during the
global heating rapidly.
production of hydrogen from natural gas.
• Many bird species have started shifting to higher
• Significance of Green Hydrogen: Green hydrogen
elevations due to rising temperatures.
is gaining attention as a clean and sustainable
• Logged forests have higher average
energy carrier because it avoids carbon
temperatures and lower humidity than primary
emissions during its production.
forests, thus hastening the transition.
o It is seen as a key component in efforts
o logging can lead to the loss of large-bodied,
to decarbonize various sectors, including
old, growth-dependent species, and decrease
industries that currently rely heavily on fossil
the overall biodiversity.
fuels.
o Logged forests also have lower densities of
o The use of green hydrogen is being explored
foliage dwelling insects, reducing the
in areas such as transportation, industrial
resource availability for the birds.
processes, and energy storage, with the goal
• Suggestion: The study highlights the need to
of reducing overall carbon footprints and
safeguard primary forests in order to mitigate the
promoting a more sustainable energy future.
effects of climate change
Need for the Transition
9.3. Green Hydrogen • India is currently the third-largest economy in the
world in terms of energy needs, and the country’s
Why in News? demand for energy is set to surge – demand is
• The World Economic Forum has released its
estimated to grow 35% by 2030.
• India set a commitment to achieve net zero by
report ‘Green Hydrogen: Enabling Measures
Roadmap for Adoption in India’. 2070 at the United Nations Climate Change
• The report recommends five areas that can
Conference in Glasgow (COP26).
• Green hydrogen is critical to help meet India’s
benefit from public-private interventions in
expediting the adoption of green hydrogen in energy security needs while reducing emissions
India. on the path to net zero.
• Most of the country’s current hydrogen supply
Extraction of Hydrogen is grey hydrogen.
• Hydrogen exists in combination with other
elements.

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 M.S.Shashank
Key Highlights of the Report
• Trends: There is limited on-the-ground traction for
green hydrogen in the country, and indicates that
most are in a “wait-and-watch” phase.
o Many expect sizable production of green
hydrogen to take effect beginning in 2027 and
after.
Five goals that, if met, can accelerate the offtake of
green hydrogen in India:
• On the supply side, a cost of $2/kg of hydrogen to
reach cost-parity with grey hydrogen.
• On the demand side, enabling end industries to
offtake green hydrogen by creating incentives for
its use.
• Increasing direct subsidies for early adopters – for
example, the USA has announced, under the
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a tax credit of up to
$3/kg of hydrogen.
• Supporting long capital investment cycles for
technologies with long-term clarity on policies and
incentives.
• Encouraging the development and testing
of indigenous electrolyser technology.
Initiatives by Government of India for Transitioning
towards Green Hydrogen
• National Hydrogen Energy Mission
(NHEM): NGHM is a part of National Hydrogen
Mission (NHM) which was announced by the
finance minister in the Union Budget 2021-22.
o Objective: To make India a global hub for the
production and export of green hydrogen.
• Green Hydrogen Policy: Several states in India
have been working on formulating green hydrogen
policies to attract investments and promote the
development of green hydrogen projects.
• Hydrogen Energy Roadmap: The Ministry of New
and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been working
on a roadmap for hydrogen energy to guide the
development and deployment of hydrogen
technologies in the country.
• International Collaboration: Collaborations with
countries and organizations that have advanced in
hydrogen technologies aim to facilitate knowledge
transfer and technology adoption.
• Policy Support for Renewable Energy: Policies
promoting the growth of renewable energy
sources, such as solar and wind power, indirectly
support the production of green hydrogen, as
these sources are often used in the electrolysis
process to generate hydrogen.
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• Incentives and Subsidies: The government may
provide financial incentives, subsidies, or other
support mechanisms to encourage the private
sector to invest in green hydrogen projects.
o This can include tax incentives, grants, and
subsidies for production and consumption.
Conclusion
• India has a unique opportunity to become a global
leader in the hydrogen energy ecosystem.
• With proper policy support, industry action,
market generation and acceptance, and increased
investor interest, India can position itself as a low-
cost, zero-carbon manufacturing hub, at the same
time fulfilling its goal of economic development,
job creation, and improved public health.
9.4. Coal Gasification
Why in News?
• The Union Cabinet approves ₹8,500
crore incentive scheme, the National Coal
Gasification Mission, for coal gasification
projects.
About the National Coal Gasification Mission
• It is an initiative by the Union Ministry of Coal,
under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan.
• The mission aims to utilise coal through coal
gasification, with the goal of achieving 100 MT
coal gasification by 2030, with investments
worth over Rs 4 trillion.
o It is expected to reduce imports by 2030.
• It envisions the adoption of indigenous
technologies for the production of chemical
products and their derivatives.
• It is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on
imports of natural gas, methanol, ammonia, and
other essential products.
Significances
• Efficiency and Environmental Impact: Coal
gasification is a cleaner option compared to
burning coal.
o The SOx and NOx emissions are lower
compared to regular combustion of coal in
coal-fired boilers in thermal power plants.
• Reduced Dependence on Imports: The adoption
of gasification technology in India will
revolutionise the coal sector, reducing reliance on
imports of natural gas, methanol, ammonia, and
other essential products.
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 M.S.Shashank
• Economic Impact: It holds the potential to
alleviate the environmental burden by reducing
carbon emissions and fostering sustainable
practices, contributing to the country’s global
commitments towards a greener future.
• Job Opportunities: The adoption of coal
gasification will contribute to job creation.
Concerns related to coal gasification
• Environmental Impact: Coal gasification actually
produces more carbon dioxide than a
conventional coal-powered thermal power plant.
o According to the Centre for Science and
Environment (CSE), one unit of electricity
generated by burning gasified coal generates
2.5 times more carbon dioxide than what
would result when burning the coal directly.
• Efficiency and Cost: The efficiency of
conversion in coal gasification is low because the
process converts a relatively high-quality energy
source (coal)into a lower quality state (gas),
consuming a lot of energy.
o Moreover, coal gasification plants are costlier
than conventional power plants.
10. Internal Security
10.1. Maritime Security
Why in News?
• Due to an increased security threat to shipping
vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone
conversation with the Prime Minister of Saudi
Arabia.
What is Maritime security?
• It involves protecting the nation’s sovereignty
from threats arising from the oceans and seas.
• It includes protecting coastal areas, safeguarding
the available ocean resources such as fish,
offshore oil and gas wells, port facilities, etc.
• It also means maintaining freedom at sea for
movement of our ships and facilitating and
protecting trad
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• Implementation Challenges: There have been
delays in the implementation of the latest carbon
capture storage technology and the
implementation of emission norms at coal-based
thermal power stations.
• Financial Viability: The most advanced
technology plants in India, such as Mundra and
Sassan in Gujarat, are struggling financially,
causing stakeholders to lose confidence in
investing in cleaner and advanced technology.
Way forward
• India needs to adopt new technologies and build
digital infrastructure to support the current and
future requirements. There is a need to
ensure optimal use of technology in the sector.
• India’s hydrogen demand is likely to increase to
11.7 million tonnes by 2030 from 6.7 million
tonnes per year as of now.
o Refineries and fertiliser plants are the
largest consumers of hydrogen now, which
is being produced from natural gas.
o It can be produced through coal in the
processes during coal gasification.
Threats to the Maritime Security of India
• Choke Points: Strait of Horminz, Malacca and
Singapore Straits, Sunda Strait, Lombok Strait,
Cape of Good Hope, Mozambique Channel,
Ombai and Wetar Straits, Bab-el-Mandeb are the
major choke points in Indian ocean region.
o India is equidistant from most of these
choke points allowing it to play a prominent
role in the security of this huge maritime
space.
• Increased Chinese Presence: The opacity of
Chinese policy and less than comfortable
assurances on contentious issues coupled with
the existing disputes with India has widened an
already existing trust deficit, further provoking
security concerns.
• Piracy: Piracy remains a concern in certain
maritime regions, particularly in the Gulf of Aden
and the Indian Ocean.
o Pirate activities, such as hijackings and
ransom demands, can pose a threat to
maritime trade and the safety of seafarers.
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• Terrorism: Terrorist groups may use the sea
routes for smuggling weapons, funds, and
personnel, posing a challenge to maritime
security.
• Maritime Border Disputes: India has maritime
border disputes with neighboring countries, such
as disputes over Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs),
fishing rights, and territorial waters may
contribute to regional instability.
• Narcotics and Human Trafficking: Maritime
routes are used for the illegal transportation of
narcotics and human trafficking. Smuggling
activities can have significant social, economic,
and security implications.
• State-Sponsored Activities: State-sponsored
activities, including naval build-ups and strategic
posturing by neighboring countries, can have
implications for regional stability and maritime
security.
Maritime Security Mechanism of India
• Indian Navy: It maintains a fleet of warships,
submarines, aircraft, and surveillance assets to
monitor and respond to threats in the maritime
domain.
o It has jurisdiction over the entire maritime
zone (up to 200 nautical miles).
• Indian Coast Guard: The Indian Coast Guard plays
a crucial role in maritime security, particularly in
enforcing maritime laws, protecting the coastline,
preventing smuggling, and conducting search and
rescue operations.
• National Command, Control, Communication,
and Intelligence (NC3I) Network: The NC3I
network integrates data from multiple sources to
provide real-time information for decision-
makers.
• Legal Framework: India has enacted laws and
regulations to address maritime security
concerns, including the Maritime Zones Act, the
Territorial Waters Act, and the Indian Coast
Guard Act. These legal instruments provide the
basis for enforcement and response actions.
Steps Taken by Government of India to Strengthen
the Maritime Security
• Indian Navy and Coast Guard
Modernization: The government has invested in
the modernization and augmentation of the
Indian Navy and Coast Guard fleets.
o This includes the acquisition of new ships,
submarines, aircraft, and advanced
surveillance systems to enhance operational
capabilities.
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• Joint Operations Centers (JOCs): Joint Operations
Centers have been established to facilitate
seamless coordination and information-sharing
among different maritime security agencies,
including the Navy, Coast Guard, and other law
enforcement agencies.
• Maritime Security Exercises: India regularly
conducts maritime security exercises and drills to
enhance preparedness and coordination among
different agencies.
• Capacity Building and Training: The government
focuses on capacity building and training programs
for personnel involved in maritime security.
o This includes training exercises, skill
development, and knowledge enhancement
to ensure a skilled and prepared workforce.
• Participation in Regional Frameworks: India
participates in regional frameworks such as
Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional
Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS) and the
ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM
Plus) to expand its cooperation and exchanges
with the Indo-Pacific region.
• India’s Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill 2022: It will
provide for an effective legal instrument to
combat maritime piracy.
o Stringent punishment to those convicted of
such crimes.
• Security and Growth for All in the Region
(SAGAR) : Indian Naval ships and aircraft are
regularly deployed on ‘Mission Based
Deployments’ in the Indian Ocean Region to
enhance maritime security.
o It also undertakes surveillance to enhance
Maritime Domain Awareness and address
contingencies that may arise. These are in
consonance with Government of India’s
vision of Security and Growth for All in
the Region (SAGAR)
• India’s Maritime Vision 2030 sets out a creative
model.
o This 10-year blueprint for the maritime
sector envisages the development of ports,
shipping, and inland waterways as a way of
generating growth and livelihoods.
• India’s first National Maritime Security
Coordinator (NMSC): The appointment of India’s
first National Maritime Security Coordinator
(NMSC) reflects seriousness to address maritime
security challenges. It fulfils a long outstanding
recommendation made by the Group of Ministers
(GoM) in 2000, to set up an apex body for
management of maritime affairs
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10.2. Cyber Kidnapping
Why in News?
• A Chinese student who was a victim of ‘cyber
kidnapping’ has been found in rural Utah,
unharmed.
What is Cyber Kidnapping?
• Cyber kidnapping refers to a crime where the
‘kidnappers’ convince their victim to hide, and
then contact their loved ones for ransom.
• Criminals may threaten the victim or their family
with violence, or they may create fake
evidence of a kidnapping, such as photos or
videos.
o The goal is to convince the victim
to cooperate with the criminals and do what
they say, such as isolating themselves,
providing personal information, or
transferring money.
• The ‘kidnappers’, though not physically
present, monitor the victim online through
video-call platforms.
• Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers
have not actually kidnapped anyone.
o Instead, through deceptions and threats, they
coerce victims to pay a quick ransom before
the scheme falls apart.
Measures to Prevent Cyber Kidnapping
• Secure Your Devices: Keep your devices secure
with strong passwords, two-factor authentication,
and updated security software to prevent
unauthorized access.
• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: Exercise
caution when receiving unexpected or unsolicited
messages, especially those demanding actions or
threatening consequences.
o Don’t click suspicious links or attachments.
• Secure internet connection: Avoid public Wi-Fi
networks for sensitive activities.
o Use a VPN when on such networks to encrypt
your traffic.
• Social media privacy: Limit the information you
share publicly on social media, especially details
like home addresses, travel plans, or family names.
• Create Awareness: Discuss cyber kidnapping
threats and educate family and friends about the
importance of online safety.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect you’re
being targeted, immediately report it to the
relevant authorities and security platforms you
use.
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10.3. Vijay Raghavan Committee
Why in News?
• An expert committee spearheaded by the former
principal scientific advisor, Prof K Vijay Raghavan,
has recently recommended a defence upgrade
roadmap.
About
• The nine-member VijayRaghavan panel was set up
by the government in 2023 to review the
functioning of the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO).
Reasons for setting up of the committee
• The government’s decision to review the
functioning of DRDO comes against the backdrop
of several of its projects suffering from huge
delays.
o The Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Defence, in its report had expressed concerns
that 23 of its 55 mission mode projects could
not be completed in time.
• A year before, in December 2022, the Comptroller
and Auditor General (CAG), in its report tabled in
Parliament, had flagged that 119 (or 67%) of the
178 projects scrutinized by it had failed to adhere
to their initially proposed timelines.
o The practice of seeking multiple
extensions defeats the very purpose of
projects taken under Mission Mode
category.
• The CAG report had stated, adding these
extensions were primarily sought due to factors
like persistent alterations in design
specifications, delays in completing user trials,
and in placing supply orders.
Major suggestions made
• More focus on R&D: The DRDO should focus on its
original goal of research and development for
defence and refrain from involving itself in
productization, production cycles, and product
management, tasks that are more suitable for the
private sector.
• Concentrate on few sectors only: There are
numerous technologies that DRDO doesn’t
necessarily need to get into. It asked, why should
DRDO engage in drone development?
• Identify expertise: There is a necessity to identify
expertise within India and internationally for
various technologies.
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• Creation of a separate department: Under the Defence Technology Council

Defence Ministry, the Department of Defence
Science, Technology, and Innovation can be • Chaired by: Prime Minister of India, with the
created. Defence Minister and the National Security
o This department is proposed to be headed by Advisor as its Vice Presidents.
a technocrat. • Mandate: To determine the country’s defence
o It will promote defence research and technology roadmap and decide on major
development in the academic and start-up projects and their execution, a
ecosystem and also serve as the • Executive committee: Chaired by the Chief of
secretariat for the Defence Tech Defence Staff.
Council, chaired by the Prime Minister. o The Principal Scientific Advisor, along with
• Defence Tech Council: The committee the three service chiefs and their vice chiefs,
recommended a top-level body called will also be its members.
the Defence Technology Council. • Furthermore, it will include representation from
academia and industry, with two members from
each sector.

11. Geography & Disaster Management

11.1. Lonospheric Observations in
Antarctica
Why in News?
The cold winters and the bright sunny summer
of Antarctica holds crucial information in
the ionosphere that scientists have traced recently.
About:
• A team of scientists from the Indian Institute of
Geomagnetism (IIG), an autonomous body of the
Department of Science and Technology (DST)
have examined the long-term seasonal
ionospheric observations.
• At Indian Antarctica station Bharati, between
2010 and 2022, they examined seasonal
ionospheric observations with solar activity
following the Sun’s 11-year cycle.
The Observations:
• They found a substantial seasonal variation with
maximum total electron count (TEC) in
equinoctial months followed by the summer and
winter.
• The day-night ionospheric density
varied regardless of 24 hours of sunlight in
summer and complete darkness in winter.
o Also, the maximum ionospheric density in
the summer months where 24 hours sunlight
is present (polar days), was about twice more
than that of polar nights at the Bharati
region.
• It was observed that though there was no
sunlight incidence throughout the day in winter
months (polar nights) at Bharati station; a diurnal
pattern was observed with peak ionospheric
density near local noon.
o The scientists attributed the peak ionization to
particle precipitation and transportation of
convectional plasma from high latitudes.
Significance:
• Such long-term studies can help understand
effects of the ionosphere on satellite-based
navigation and communication systems and to
mitigate them.
11.2. Northeastern India: Historical
Linkages
Why In News?
• Recently, it is highlighted that The Northeast was
‘invented’ via a series of ad hoc decisions aimed
at governing the erstwhile frontier region.
About North Eastern Region (NER)
• It comprises eight States viz. Arunachal Pradesh,
Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
• The North Eastern Council is the nodal agency for
the economic and social development of the
North Eastern Region which consists these States
• It was constituted in 1971 by an Act of
Parliament.

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Importance
• Northeast India is a crucial region in the Indian
Union because of its unique geographical and
socio-ethnic profile.
• It has 5,484 km of international border viz.
Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Bhutan and Nepal.
• It covers 7.97% of the country’s geographical
area and 3.78% of its population.
• It is culturally and ethnically diverse having more
than 200 ethnic groups which have distinct
languages, dialects and socio-cultural identities.
• Petroleum and tea are two significant resources
harnessed in the region.
• At the same time, agriculture, horticulture and
handloom continue to be the main activities.
Issues and Challenges
• The terrain, the state of socio-economic
development and historical factors such as
language/ ethnicity, tribal rivalry, migration,
control over local resources and long and porous
international borders have resulted in a fragile
security situation in the North Eastern States.
• This has resulted in violence, extortion and
diverse demands by various Indian Insurgent
Groups (IIGs) which maintain safe havens/camps
in neighbouring countries.
Various Initiatives
• The Ministry of Home Affairs is taking all possible
steps to address the genuine demands of various
ethnic groups for development and for autonomy
in managing their affairs.
• The infrastructural developments like road, rail
link, power supply, water supply etc. are dealt
with by Ministry of Development of North
Eastern Region and various other line Ministries
• The issues relating to strengthening of
security, rehabilitation of people affected by
militancy, bringing underground outfits to the
main-stream through negotiations etc. are
looked after by the North East Division.
• In this regard, various border dispute settlement
agreements and peace accords have been signed
with relevant stakeholders.
• Further, with the help of the armed forces,
satellite camps of insurgent groups operating
from foreign soil have also been neutralized at
scale.
• The security situation in the North-Eastern states
has considerably improved since 2014.
• The government is committed to the all-round
development of the Northeast region and making
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it an economic hub connecting Southeast Asia
under the Act East Policy.
o ‘Act East Policy’ announced in November
2014 is the upgrade of the ‘Look East Policy’
which was promulgated in 1992.
• A new scheme, The Prime Minister’s
Development Initiative for the North-East (PM-
DevINE), was announced in the Union Budget
2022-23 with an initial allocation of Rs 1,500 crore.
Way Ahead
• Over the last few years, the Union Government
has been extremely responsive to the needs of this
region, by making enhanced connectivity,
improved infrastructure and people’s welfare part
of its core development agenda.
• From being on the margins of the India story, the
Northeast is quickly becoming one of the country’s
growth engines.
• Still, there is need to take more steps to make the
North East a developed region and bring it on par
with the rest of India
11.3. 2024: A Leap year
Why in News?
• 2024 is a leap year as the second month of the
new year will have one extra day.
What is a Leap Year?
• A leap year has 366 days in a year as opposed to
the regular 365 days.
• The leap year was introduced by scholars
engaged by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, and made
more precise from 12 AD.
Why was a leap year introduced?
• One year in a solar calendar reflects one round
the Earth makes around the Sun.
• The Earth takes 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes
and 46 seconds to revolve around the Sun. The
length of a normal year is thus rounded off to 365
days.
• To account for the extra time, rounded up to six
hours, 24 hours — one full day — are added to
every fourth year.
• The extra day is added to February, the shortest
month of the year, as February 29.
Is every fourth year a leap year?
• The average length of a year in the Julian calendar
was 365 days and 6 hours, which is actually 365
days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds.
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• In effect, the leap year formula was an
overcompensation as they ended up making the
average calendar year longer than the solar year.
o The difference: a small matter of 11 minutes
and 14 seconds.
Reformed calendar
• In the 16th century, it was calculated that the
calendar years until then had accumulated 10
extra days.
• Eventually, the reform led to the Gregorian
calendar, which we follow today. The formula:
o A year that is a multiple of 4 is a leap year;
o A “00 year” in which 00 is preceded by
a multiple of 4 (1600, 2000, 2400 etc) remains
a leap year. That is why 1900 and 2100 are not
leap years, but 2000 is one.
11.4. High Resolution Landslide Risk Map for
India
Why in News?
• IIT-Delhi made the first high resolution landslide
risk map for India.
About the Map
• The ‘Indian Landslide Susceptibility Map’ is
the first of its kind by virtue of being on
a national scale, leaving out no locations in the
country.
• It was developed with the help of the Geological
Survey of India (GSI)’s extensive collection of
landslide data with ‘latest techniques’.
• It is available and accessible publicly through the
internet, and one doesn’t need technical
knowledge to interact with the data.
Significance
• Mitigation: A national landslide susceptibility
map can help the policymakers to assess
vulnerability and take appropriate measures for
mitigation.
©AKS www.aksias.com
o It can help identify the most dangerous areas
and helps in allocating resources for
mitigation strategies better, given the high
fatalities due to landslides in India.
• Early Warning System: The map
acknowledged some well-known regions of high
landslide susceptibility, like parts of the foothills
of the Himalaya, the Assam-Meghalaya region,
and the Western Ghats.
o It revealed some previously unknown places
with high risk, such as some areas of the
Eastern Ghats, just north of Andhra Pradesh
and Odisha.
• Supporting other organisations: It is expected
to be useful for organisations involved
in investigating and mitigating landslides, like
the GSI, the Ministry of Mines, and the National
Disaster Management Authority.
o It can help in building an infrastructure
vulnerability map to depict the stretches of
roads, railways, and buildings that are
particularly vulnerable to landslides.
Government Initiatives to deal with landslides
• National Landslide Risk Management Strategy: It
covers all aspects of landslide disaster risk
reduction and management, such as hazard
mapping, monitoring, and early warning systems.
o It includes awareness campaigns, capacity
building, training, regulations, and policies, as
well as landslide stabilisation and mitigation.
• National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA) Guidelines on Landslide Hazard
Management: It outlines the steps that should be
taken to reduce the risk of landslides.
o It also identifies regions that are prone to
landslides.
o Encourages the use of effective landslide
rehabilitation and mitigation techniques.
• National Institute of Disaster Management
(NIDM): It was set up to provide capacity building
and support to various national and state-level
authorities in the area of disaster management
and disaster risk reduction.
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12. History- Art & Culture
12.1. Tansen Samaroh
Why In News?
Around 1,300 tabla players who performed during
Tansen Samaroh entered the Guinness World Records
for achieving the “largest tabla ensemble”.
About Tansen Samaroh
• It is celebrated every year in the month of
December in Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh.
• It is a 4 day musical extravaganza .
• Artists from all over India are invited to deliver
vocal and instrumental performances to pay
tribute to the Great Indian Musical Maestro
Tansen.
Tansen
• Tansen is considered one of the great exponents
of the North Indian system of music.
• He was one of the nine gems of the court of
Mughal emperor Akbar
• He also received patronage under
o Mohammad Shah Adil of Suri dynasty.
o Ramchandra Vaghela of Reevan
• He is given credit for introducing some famous
raagas viz., Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ki Todi and
Darbari.
12.2. Sunehri Bagh Masjid
Why in News?
• The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has
sought public response regarding the proposed
demolition of Sunehri Bagh masjid.
History
• The Sunehri Masjid is an 18th-century mosque
in Old Delhi.
• It was built by Mughal noble Roshan-ud-
Daula, during the reign of Mughal
Emperor Muhammad Shah.
o The mosque was dedicated to Roshan-ud-
Daula’s spiritual mentor, Shah Bhik.
• The mosque’s prayer hall is elevated above street-
level shops and consists of an open courtyard.
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• It is said that the Persian invader Nadir Shah sat
on the terrace of the Sunehri Masjid for hours on
March 11, 1739 and watched his soldiers pillage
the golden bazaars of Chandni Chowk.
o The Katl-e-Aam (killing of everyone in sight)
that he had ordered resulted in 30,000
deaths
Legacy of the Mosque
• Sunehri Bagh masjid housed freedom fighters
like Maulana Hasrat. He used to reside at the
mosque when attending Parliament sessions, and
refused government accommodation.
o He was the first to move the resolution for
complete independence in the 1931 Congress
Session.
o He coined the slogan Inquilab Zindabad which
was later adopted by revolutionaries like
Bhagat Singh.
• The masjid has been designated as a Grade-III
Heritage structure.
12.3. WB seeks classical language status for
Bangla
Why in News?
• The West Bengal Chief Minister urged the central
government to include ‘Bangla’ as a classical
language.
Classical Languages
• As per the guidelines of the Central government, a
language must meet some requirements to be
declared “classical”. They are
o The high antiquity of its early texts; recorded
history of over 1500-2000 years;
o A body of ancient literature/texts, which is
considered a valuable heritage by
generations of speakers;
o A literary tradition that’s original and not
borrowed from another speech community;
and
o Being distinct from modern, without
discontinuity between the classical language
and its later forms or its offshoots.
• The Government of India has officially
recognised six languages as having classical
status – Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu,
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 M.S.Shashank
Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia
(2014).
• All the Classical Languages are listed in the Eighth
Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Bengali Language
• Bengali is the official language of West Bengal. It
is also the official language of Bangladesh.
• It is the 2nd most spoken language in India, it is
also the 7th most spoken language in the world.
• Bengali is an Indo-Aryan language native to the
Bengal region of South Asia. The Bengali script is
derived from Brahmi, a n ancient Indian script.
o Bengali is written from left to right.
12.4. Kashmiri Language
Why in News?
• Microsoft India’s MS Translator software has now
included the Kashmiri language.
About Kashmiri
• It is spoken in the Vale of Kashmir and the
surrounding hills.
• The Kashmiri vocabulary is mixed, containing
Dardic, Sanskrit, Punjabi, and Persian elements.
• In 2020, the Union government passed the
Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill,
including Kashmiri in the list of official languages
of the Union Territory (UT).
Scenario in J&K
• Urdu was introduced as an official
language during the Dogra monarchy in Kashmir
prior to Independence.
• Kashmiri was introduced as a subject up to
the primary level after 1947, only to be
withdrawn in 1955
• It was again introduced in primary level schools
in Kashmir in 2001.
• Later, Kashmiri was introduced as an optional
subject at the undergraduate level in 2008.
12.5. Kalaram Temple
Why In News?
• Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited
the Kalaram temple.
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About
• The Kalaram temple is situated within
the Panchvati area of Nashik City (Maharashtra).
o Panchavati translates to five banyan
trees where, according to Ramayana, Lord
Ram, Sita and Lakshman lived during exile.
• Built in 1792, the temple was funded by Sardar
Rangarao Odhekar Peshwa.
• The temple derives its name from a black statue of
the Lord — Kala Ram translates literally to “Black
Ram”.
• The temple has been constructed with black
stones and has four entrance doors, one each
facing East, West, South and North.
• This temple is also the site of a landmark agitation.
In 1930, B R Ambedkar and Pandurang Sadashiv
Sane led an agitation to demand access for Dalits
to Hindu temples.
12.6. Guruvayur Temple
Why in News?
• The Prime Minister of India recently visited Sree
Krishna Temple, Guruvayur.
• Chief Architects Chandrakant Sompura, and his
two sons – Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura.
About the temple
• Guruvayur is home to the historic Sree Krishna
Temple, called the Dwaraka of the South.
• It is among the most revered and popular
pilgrimage destinations in Thrissur, Kerala.
• The temple is built in the traditional Kerala
architectural style and the central shrine is
believed to have been rebuilt in 1638 C.E.
• As per tradition, the shrine faces the East with two
Gopurams (tower), one in the East and other in
the West.
• In the front and the east side of the Nalambalam
(a square shaped column) lie the pillars of light
called Deepastambam. There are a number of
such light pillars in the temple.
• One of the most popular offerings at Guruvayoor
temple is Thulabharam, where devotees are
weighed against bananas, sugar, jaggery and
coconuts equivalent to their weight, on a giant pair
of scales.
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12.7. Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Why in News?

• The Pran Pratishtha or consecration ceremony of

the Ram Lalla idol will begin with Vishnu Puja and
gau daan at the Saryu embankment.

Layout of Ayodhya Ram Mandir:

• The Temple is built over three 20-foot high
floors each with a total of 392 pillars and 44
doors.
• Makrana Marble and Pink sandstone,granite
stone,and colored Marble are used in the
construction.
• Foundation of the temple is built of a 14-metre-
thick layer of roller-compacted concrete. And
a 21-foot-high granite plinth has been placed to
protect against ground moisture.
• Iron has not been used anywhere in the
construction.
• The Architectural style of the temple is Nagara
style with Sanctum Sanctorum (garbhagriha),
Mandaps (halls), and Mandirs.
• At each corner of the compound will be
dedicated to Surya, Bhagwati, Ganesh, Shiv. On
the northern and southern arms, temples to
Annapurna and Hanuman will be built
respectively.
• Temples of Maharshi Valmiki, Vashishtha,
Vishwamitra, Agastya, Nishad Raj, Shabri etc
have also been proposed.

Major construction materials used in the

construction of Ram Mandir are:

• Bansi Paharpur Pink Sandstone from Rajasthan’s

Bharatpur district have been used in the main
temple structure.
• Granite Stones have been used in the plinths
• White Makrana and Colored Marbles have been
used for the inlay work
• Teakwood has been used for the construction of
the doors of the temple.
• Special Bricks with “Shri Ram” inscribed on them
have been used in its construction.
o These bricks, named Ram Shilas, draw a parallel
with the stones used in the construction of Ram
Setu, thus intertwining modern craftsmanship
with ancient symbolism.
• Other Materials Used: Shaligram Rock, Copper
Plates, Gold, and Ashtdhatu.

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13. Awards
13.1. Best Innovation Award
Why in News?
• SVAMITVA Scheme wins Best Innovation Award for
Innovation Sandbox presentation during Public
Policy Dialogues–2024 at Indian School of Business,
Hyderabad
About
• SVAMITVA Scheme of the Ministry of Panchayati
Raj is a Central Sector Scheme (fully funded by the
central government) that has significantly
contributed to the empowerment of rural
communities in India.
• The scheme ensures accurate demarcation of land
parcels, thereby mitigating disputes and providing
individuals with property records of rights i.e.
SVAMITVA Property Cards.
• It facilitates monetization of properties, enabling
bank loans and comprehensive village-level
planning.
• This integration of technology not only streamlines
the documentation process but also marks a
significant step towards a more transparent and
efficient land administration system, fostering
socio-economic progress in rural areas.
13.2. Indian of the Year Award
Why In News?
• ISRO presented with “Indian of the Year
Award” for the year 2023.
o The coveted award, presented in the
category of ‘Outstanding Achievement,’
lauds ISRO’s trailblazing efforts in advancing
the frontiers of space exploration.
Indian of the Year Award
• CNN-News18 Indian of the Year is an initiative
which acknowledges individuals in India who
have made noteworthy contributions across
diverse fields, leaving a lasting impact on the
nation.
• The IOTY awards recognises excellence from
seven categories: Entertainment, Business,
Sports, Youth Icon, Rising Sports Star, and Climate
Warriors.
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o This year Bollywood’s King Shah Rukh Khan
was honoured with the Indian of the Year
award.
13.3. Assam Baibhav Award
Why in News?
• The Assam government has announced that it will
confer the Assam Baibhav award, the state’s
highest civilian honor, to Member of Parliament
and former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan
Gogoi. He has been credited for playing a part in
the establishment of the Ram temple in Ayodhya
through the apex court judgment delivered under
his leadership as CJI.
Achievements of Ranjan Gogoi
• Ranjan Gogoi held the office of the 46th Chief
Justice of India. During his tenure as CJI, the
Supreme Court delivered its ruling on the long-
pending Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri
Masjid dispute in 2019. This marked the
conclusion of the decade-old controversial case.
• Subsequently, Gogoi was nominated to the Rajya
Sabha in March 2020 by the then President Ram
Nath Kovind. He continues to serve in the Upper
House of Parliament.
• As the first Chief Justice of India hailing from the
Northeast, Gogoi pioneered the path for greater
regional representation at the highest echelons of
the judiciary. Through expeditious adjudication of
pending cases, he bolstered access and efficiency
of the justice system during his CJI stint.
13.4. Scope Excellence Award
Why in News?
• REC Limited, a leading public sector enterprise
(PSE) in India, has been awarded the prestigious
Scope Excellence Award in the category of Special
Institutional Category (Digitalization).
Key Highlights
• REC Limited received the Scope Excellence Award
in the Special Institutional Category
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(Digitalization). The award is recognition of REC's
commitment to digitalizing its workplace and
promoting best practices for establishing a
paperless office. The award was presented by the
Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar.
• The accomplishment emphasizes REC Limited's
dedication to technological advancements and
fostering a culture of innovation within the
organization.
SCOPE (Standing Conference of Public Enterprises)
• SCOPE was established in 1973 as an apex body
of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs). It is dedicated
to promoting competitiveness and excellence
within the PSE sector.
• The Scope Excellence Award is designed to
recognize and commemorate exemplary
performances of Public Sector Enterprises.
13.5. Bharat Ratna
Why in News?
• Recently, the Government of India
conferred ‘Bharat Ratna’ (India’s highest civilian
award) to Karpoori Thakur (posthumously) on his
100th birth anniversary.
About Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur
Before Independence of India:
• Karpoori Thakur was greatly influenced
by Mahatma Gandhi and Satyanarayan Sinha.
• He joined the All India Students Federation (AISF),
the oldest student organisation in India, during his
schooling days.
• He was inspired by Indian nationalistic thought,
and left his graduation studies to join the Quit
India Movement, a massive mobilisation started
by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 to force the colonial
British rulers to leave India.
After Independence:
• He initially started working as a teacher in his
village.
• He returned to active politics with a victory in
the Bihar Legislative Assembly election in 1952
from Tajpur constituency, and soon represented
the Socialist Party.
• He became a legend because of his successful
fights for the rights of the workers and thus
pushed for reservations for backward classes.
• He started his fast-unto-death agitation for the
cause of the labourers in Telco in the year 1970,
and was arrested for leading worker strikes.
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• His life revolved around the twin pillars of
simplicity and social justice.
Contributions made by Karpoori Thakur
• Social Justice: Thakur’s political journey was
marked by monumental efforts to create a society
where resources were distributed fairly and
everyone, regardless of their social standing, had
access to opportunities.
o He wanted to address the systemic
inequalities that plagued Indian society.
• OBC Politics: He is known as the pioneer of OBC
politics in Bihar. He implemented quotas for
backward classes in the state, a move that was
pivotal in setting the stage for the
implementation of the Mandal Commission
recommendations.
o He appointed the Mungeri Lal Commission in
1970, that identified the 128 ‘backward’
and 94 ‘most backward’ communities.
o It paved the way for 26% reservation of which
OBCs got a 12% share, the economically
backward classes among the OBCs got 8%,
women got 3%, and the poor from the ‘upper
castes’ got 3%.
• Affirmative Action: One of Thakur’s most
significant contributions to India was his role in
strengthening the affirmative action apparatus for
the backward classes.
o He hoped that they would be given the
representation and opportunities they
deserved.
• Selflessness: During his tenure as the Chief
Minister of Bihar, a decision was taken to build a
colony for political leaders, but he himself did not
take any land or money from the scheme.
• Alcohol Ban: Thakur is notably recognized in Bihar
for implementing a complete ban on alcohol in
1970.
• Education: He was instrumental in establishing
numerous schools and colleges, particularly in the
underdeveloped regions of Bihar, ensuring that
education became accessible to those who had
been historically marginalized.
13.6. Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony
Award, 2024
Why in News?
• Tamil Nadu government handed over the ‘Kottai
Ameer Communal Harmony Award for 2024’ to
Mohammed Zubair (co-founder of Alt News) for
peace efforts.
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The Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award:
• It was instituted by the Tamil Nadu
government in 2000 to recognize outstanding
services in building harmony.
• It is presented by the Chief Minister of Tamil
Nadu during the Republic Day Celebration every
year.
• It is presented to a person belonging to Tamil
Nadu for the outstanding services rendered to
promote Communal Harmony.
• It includes a medal worth of Rs.2000/-, and a cash
component of Rs 25,000, and a certificate
honouring the services.
13.7. Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of
Awards-2023
Why in News?
• The President of India approved conferment of
Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2023
About the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-
2023:
• These awards are given to a person for a
meritorious act of human nature in saving the life
of a person.
• The award is given in three categories, namely:
o Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak;
14. Persons & Appointments
14.1. Arvind Panagariya
Why in News?
• In a significant development, the government has
appointed Arvind Panagariya, former Niti Aayog
vice chairman and Columbia University professor,
as the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance
Commission.
More Details:
• Panagariya, also a former chief economist of the
Asian Development Bank and a Padma Bhushan
recipient, is now professor of economics and the
Jagdish Bhagwati Professor of Indian political
economy at Columbia University.
• He had also served as India’s G20 Sherpa and led
the Indian teams that negotiated the G20
Communiqués in the three years from 2015.
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oUttam Jeevan Raksha Padak;
oJeevan Raksha Padak;
• Persons of all walks of life are eligible for these
awards.
• The award can also be conferred posthumously.
• The decoration of the award (medal, certificate
and lump sum monetary allowance) is presented to
the awardees in due course by the respective Union
Ministries/Organizations/State Government.
13.8. Puberty Athlete of The Year
Why in News?
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli just won the Puberty
Athlete of the Year award, beating famous football
player Lionel Messi. Even though Messi won another
award recently, this time Kohli was the favorite.
More details:
• Kohli won easily with 78% of the votes from
500,000 people. He had a great year in cricket,
scoring lots of runs and breaking records. He
became the first cricketer to score 50 centuries in
one-day matches. In the World Cup, he scored 765
runs in 11 games, more than anyone else. By the
end of the year, he scored 2048 runs in total, the
second most in the world.
• The chairman and other members of the
commission shall hold office from the date on
which they respectively assume office up to the
date of submission of report or 31 October, 2025,
whichever is earlier.
14.2. Nadia Calvino
Why in News?
• Nadia Calvino has been named the new president
of the European Investment Bank.
More Details:
• She succeeds Werner Hoyer to become the eighth
president of the EU bank. Notably, Calvino is the
first woman and the first Spaniard to lead this
prestigious institution, marking a significant
milestone in the bank’s history.
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14.3. Ravindra Kumar Tyagi
Why in News?
• Ravindra Kumar Tyagi has been appointed as the
new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD).
More Details:
• Tyagi, who previously held the position of director
(operations) of the same company, has over 33
years of rich experience in the power sector.
14.4. Rashmi Shukla
Why in News?
• In a landmark decision, the Maharashtra
government appointed Rashmi Shukla, a
distinguished 1988 batch Indian Police Service
(IPS) officer, as the Director General of Police
(DGP).
• This appointment is groundbreaking as Ms. Shukla
becomes the first woman to hold this prestigious
position in the state.
14.5. Raghuram Iyer
Why in News?
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has welcomed a
seasoned professional, Raghuram Iyer, as its new CEO,
marking a significant development after a meticulous
selection process conducted by the nomination
committee.
14.6. Senthil Pandian
Why in News?
• The Indian government appoints IAS officer Senthil
Pandian C as the new ambassador to the World
Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, succeeding
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Brajendra Navnit, whose term concludes on March
31, 2024.
More Details:
• The decision was approved by the Appointments
Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), entrusting
Pandian, a 2002 IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh
cadre, with the responsibility for a three-year term
from the date of assuming office.
14.7. Tshering Tobgay
Why in News?
• Bhutanese voters re-elected Tshering Tobgay for a
second term as Prime Minister. The People's
Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tobgay, secured
nearly two-thirds of the seats in the recent
election.
More Details:
• Tobgay, head of the People’s Democratic Party,
served as the Opposition Leader in the National
Assembly from March 2008 to April 2013. He co-
founded the party, the first registered political
party in Bhutan.
• In 2014 the King awarded Tobgay the Lungmar
Scarf for his contributions to the nation’s well-
being during his tenure as Prime Minister.
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15. Government Initiatives
15.1. SMART 2.0
Why in News?
• Recently SMART 2.0′ (Scope for Mainstreaming
Ayurveda Research among Teaching
Professionals) program has been launched.
About
• The program was launched by the Central
Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences
(CCRAS) along with the National Commission for
Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
• The objective of ‘SMART 2.0’ is to generate
tangible evidence to demonstrate efficacy and
safety of Ayurveda interventions using
interdisciplinary research methods and
translating it into public health care.
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences
(CCRAS)
• It is an apex organization for the formulation, co-
ordination, development and promotion of
research on scientific lines in Ayurveda.
• CCRAS is functioning under the Ministry of
Ayush.
15.2. National Mission for Clean Ganga
(NMCG)
Why in News?
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG),
the agency responsible for abatement of
pollution in river Ganga and its tributaries, has
assumed new powers.
About
• The NMCG issued a notification recently
to amend the River Ganga (Rejuvenation,
Protection and Management) Authorities Order,
2016.
• The NMCG now has powers to allow discharge of
treated sewage, which conforms to the norms
prescribed under the Environment (Protection)
Act, 1986.
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oThe discharge into rivers or any other water
bodies is allowed only after exploring the
option of its direct reuse for purposes such
as agricultural use, industrial use, etc.
• The move will ensure more water into the
rivers. For instance, 560 minimal liquid discharge
treated sewage water from the Okhla Sewage
Treatment plant in Delhi may be released into
Yamuna, which will increase the flow of the river.
Challenges persists
The NMCG, though well-intentioned, faces several
challenges in its quest to rejuvenate the Ganges
River.
Funding and resource constraints:
• Inadequate allocation: Despite being a ₹20,000
crore mission, only a fraction of the funds have
been disbursed to states, hindering project
implementation.
• Financial dependence: States often lack their
own budget for river conservation, making them
reliant on central funds, creating delays and
uncertainty.
Infrastructure and technological limitations:
• Outdated sewage treatment plants: Many
existing STPs require upgrades or are
malfunctioning, leading to untreated sewage
flowing into the river.
• Limited monitoring and data collection: Real-
time water quality monitoring systems are
crucial for effective action, but their coverage is
insufficient.
Social and behavioral challenges:
• Cultural practices: Traditional practices like idol
immersion and washing clothes in the river
contribute to pollution.
• Industrial waste discharge: Untreated
industrial effluents from factories continue to
pollute the river, requiring stricter enforcement
of environmental regulations.
Policy and governance challenges:
• Riverbed sand mining: Unsustainable sand
mining practices can damage the riverbed and
disrupt ecological balance.
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 M.S.Shashank
• Fragmented institutional framework: Multiple
agencies at central state and local levels are
involved, but coordination and accountability
are often lacking.
• Limited focus on upstream river
basins: Pollution control efforts primarily focus
on the main stem of the Ganga, neglecting
upstream tributaries that contribute
significantly to the problem.
Measures
• Several Sewage Treatment Plants took time to
be commissioned as there were problems with
land acquisition. Hence, there is a need to ease
the process of land acquisition.
• The Detailed Project Reports, which prescribe
steps to execute a project, and the roles of
various actors, needs revision as there is an
impression that building treatment plants is
entirely the Centre’s responsibility.
• The parameters used by the Central Pollution
Control Board (levels of dissolved oxygen,
biochemical oxygen demand, and faecal
coliform), vary widely along various stretches of
the river, reflecting still a long way ahead.
• On the lines of the air quality index, there is a
need to develop a water quality index, to be
able to better communicate about river-water
quality of various locations.
Way Ahead
• The NMCG has made significant progress in
several areas, such as setting up wastewater
treatment plants, increasing public awareness,
and promoting riverfront development.
• Continuous efforts to address the challenges,
along with innovative solutions and increased
public participation, are crucial for the mission’s
long-term success and the ultimate revival of the
Ganges.
15.3. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban
(PMAY-U)
Why in News?
• More than 3,000 flats are likely to be allotted to
slum dwellers by the Delhi Development
Authority (DDA) under the PMAY-U.
About PMAY-U
• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(MoHUA) launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas
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Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) in 2015, as a flagship
Mission of the Government of India.
• Objective: It addresses urban housing shortage
among the Economically Weaker Section
(EWS)/Low Income Group (LIG) category
including the slum dwellers by ensuring a pucca
house to eligible urban households.
• Coverage: The Mission covers the entire urban
area consisting of Statutory Towns, Notified
Planning Areas, Development Authorities, Special
Area Development Authorities, Industrial
Development Authorities or any such authority
under State legislation which is entrusted with
the functions of urban planning & regulations.
• Implementation period: The scheme was earlier
from 25.06.2015 to 31.03.2022. Now it has been
extended up to 31.12.2024, except Credit Linked
Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) vertical, to complete all
the houses sanctioned under the scheme.
Features
• PMAY-U adopts a demand-driven approach
wherein the housing shortage is decided based on
demand assessment by States/Union Territories
(UTs).
• It is a demand driven scheme and GoI has not
fixed any target for construction of houses.
15.4. PM YASASVI Scheme
Why in News?
• Recently, scholarships funds under the PM
YASASVI Scheme for Pre-Matric and Post-Matric
have been released.
PM YASASVI (PM Young Achievers’ Scholarship
Award Scheme for a Vibrant India) Scheme:
• It is a scholarship program designed for students
belonging to Other Backward Class (OBC),
Economically Backward Class (EBC), and
Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT).
• It offers pre-matric scholarships for students in
grades 9 and 10, as well as post-
matric scholarships for higher education.
Salient Features of the Schemes:
• Pre-Matric Scholarship for students studying in
class IX and X on a full-time basis in Government
Schools only.
o Income from all sources does not exceed
Rs.2,50,000/- per annum.
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 M.S.Shashank

o The students shall be given a consolidated ology), and Paraspar Sampark (People-to-
academic allowance of Rs. 4000/- per people connect).
annum.
• Post-Matric Scholarship to enable the students
to complete their education. Participation
o Income from all sources does not exceed • Youth in the age group of 18-30 years, including
Rs.2,50,000/- per annum. students, NSS/NYKS volunteers, employed/self-
o Academic allowance from Rs.5000 to employed persons, etc are eligible to participate.
Rs.20000 is awarded to students as per • Interested individuals can register through the
category of course. YUVA SANGAM portal.
• Top Class School and College Education: It is to
recognize and promote quality education 15.6. Torkham border
amongst Students belonging to OBC, EBC and
DNT categories by providing full financial
support. Why in News?
o Income from all sources does not exceed
Rs.2,50,000/- per annum. • Trade between Pakistan and
• Construction of Hostel for OBC Students: It Afghanistan resumed recently after the two
aims to provide hostel facilities to students sides reopened a key northwestern
belonging to socially and educationally border crossing-Torkham border, shut for more
backward classes, especially from rural areas to than 10 days.
enable them to pursue secondary and higher
education. About:
The Torkham border crossing:
15.5. Yuva Sangam
• The Torkham border crossing is an important
economic and strategic lifeline for both
Why in News? Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• The Torkham border crossing links
• Recently, online registrations for Yuva Sangam Pakistan’s western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(Phase IV) was launched by the Union Ministry Province to Nangarhar, an eastern Afghan
of Education. province, through the historic Khyber Pass.
• It is one of the busiest border crossings
About the Yuva Sangam: located along the Grand Trunk Road on the
international border between the two
• It is an initiative by the Government of India to countries.
strengthen people-to-people connect between • Issues :
youth belonging to different States/UTs of India. o The crossing has been a flashpoint for
o It was conceptualised by the Ministry of tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Education in collaboration with various for many years, due to its strategic location
other ministries and departments, and and the porous nature of the border.
was launched under the banner of Ek o In 2021, the crossing was briefly seized by
Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB). Taliban fighters during their offensive that
• It has been organised collaboratively on the ultimately led to the fall of the Afghan
model of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS). government.
o It has been closed a number of times in
Objective recent months, mainly following clashes
between the security forces for varied
• To strengthen people-to-people connect and reasons including repairs of the border fence
build empathy among youth across the nation. by Pakistan.
• To provide an immersive, multidimensional
experience of various facets under five broad
areas of Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditi
ons), Pragati (Development), Prodyogik (Techn

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 M.S.Shashank
15.7. PRERANA Program
Why In News?
• The Ministry of Education has launched the
‘Prerana ‘program.
About PRERANA Program
• It is a week-long residential program for
selected students of class IX to XII.
• It is an experiential and inspirational learning
program for students with the best-in-class
technology where heritage meets innovation.
• Features : A batch of 20 selected students (10
boys and 10 girls) will attend the program every
week from various parts of the country.
o It will run from a Vernacular
School, established in 1888, in one of the
oldest living cities of India, Vadnagar,
district Mehsana, Gujarat.
16. Important Days
16.1. World Braille Day
Why in News?
• World Braille Day is celebrated every year on
January 4 to raise awareness of the importance of
Braille as a means of communication for blind and
partially sighted people, and helps advocate for
their equal rights and opportunities
History:
• Louis Braille was a Frenchman who invented the
Braille system. He was blind after a car accident at
a young age.
• Before Braille's system was developed, blind and
visually impaired people used the Hauy system,
which was a Latin system designed on thick paper
or leather.
• However, this method only allowed people to read
and not write. Due to its technical limitations,
Braille created a user-friendly Braille system that
used codes consisting of symbols written in raised
dots. People could use this system by touch to
recognise the Braille code and continue their
communication.
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o It will feature yoga, mindfulness, and
meditation sessions, followed by
experiential learning, thematic sessions,
and hands-on interesting learning
activities.
• The themes:
o Swabhiman and Vinay,Shaurya and
Sahas,Parishram and Samarpan,Karuna and
Sewa,Vividhta and Ekta,Satyanishtha and
Shuchita,Navachar and Jigyasa,Shraddha
and Vishwas, Swatantrata and Kartavya
• Purpose and objectives: It is aiming to offer a
meaningful, unique, and inspiring experience to
all participants, thereby empowering them with
leadership qualities.
o It will inspire the youth and foster respect
for Bharat’s unity in diversity, embodying
the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
o It will contribute by making the youth of
today, a flame holder for Viksit Bharat.
16.2. National Birds Day
Why in News?
• Every year, National Birds Day is celebrated on
January 5.
History:
• Since 2002, National Birds Day has been
celebrated in America. This date was chosen
because it also happens to be the day for the
yearly Christmas Bird Count.
• The national holiday is observed in America where
people join hands together to gain details about
the quality and condition of the birds in the United
States of America.
16.3. Earth’s Rotation Day
Why in News?
• January 8 is recognized as Earth Rotation Day
every year.
History:
• In 470 BC, the Greeks claimed that the earth
rotates on its own back. In 1851, French Physicist
Leon Foucault demonstrated the earth's rotation
with the help of a pendulum.
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• This was further used to demonstrate the
experimentation and was later displayed at the
Pantheon in Greece and the Paris Observatory.
• Earth's Rotations Day is celebrated to observe the
experiment by Leon Foucault which is prioritised
over the other experiments that were carried out
to demonstrate the earth's rotation around its
axis.
16.4. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Why in News?
• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), also known as Non-
Resident Indian (NRI) Day, is celebrated on January
9 to mark the contribution and achievements of
the overseas Indian community to the
development of India.
History
• Pravasi Bharatiya Diva was first celebrated in 2003.
It was an annual event earlier, but in 2015, the
government revised its format to celebrate PBD
once every two years.
• To date, 17 conventions have been held. The last
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was celebrated in the
Indore of Madhya Pradesh in 2023.
Theme
• The theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is chosen to
reflect the current priorities and concerns of the
Indian diaspora.
• The theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2021 was
“Contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat" and 2023
was "Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's
Progress in Amrit Kaal"
16.5. World Hindi Day
Why in News?
• Every year, World Hindi Day is celebrated on
January 10.
History:
• In 1949, Hindi was spoken for the first time in the
United Nations General Assembly.
• In 2006, the first Vishwa Hindi Diwas was observed
by the then Prime Minister of the country – Dr.
Manmohan Singh. Since then, January 10 has been
observed as World Hindi Day everywhere.
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Significance:
• Hindi is observed as the official language of the
Indian Government and is also one of the official
languages of the union of India, besides English.
• One of the best ways to celebrate World Hindi Day
is by promoting the significance of the language
and urging people to include Hindi in their
speeches, performances, music and theatre arts.
• Hindi plays a major role in the cultural and
linguistic landscape of the world – it is time to
appreciate the beauty and the diversity of the
language.
16.6. National Human Trafficking Awareness
Day
Why in News?
• National Human Trafficking Awareness Day marks
every year on January 11.
History
• Forced labour, constrained crimes, forced sexual
exploitation, organs removal and smuggling are
few of the reasons behind why individuals are
trafficked.
• Even though we may not always be aware of it,
slavery still exists in the world. In 2007, National
Human Trafficking Awareness Day was announced
by the US Senate to be celebrated on January 11.
The then President Barack Obama devoted the
whole month of January 2010 to bringing issues to
light about human trafficking.
16.7. National Youth Day
Why in News?
• National Youth Day is observed in India every year
on January 12 to honour the teachings and ideals
of Swami Vivekananda who was born on January
12, 1863, in Kolkata.
History and significance:
• The decision to celebrate Vivekananda’s birthday
as National Youth Day was taken in 1984, and it
was first marked on January 12, 1985.
• The government had then said that the philosophy
of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and
worked “could be a great source of inspiration” for
the Indian youth.
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Theme
• The theme of the National Youth Festival 2024 is
'for the youth and by the youth'. Sports Minister
Anurag Thakur said the youngsters will be
departing from Nashik with a pledge to give their
full contribution to make India a developed nation
by 2047.
16.8. National Startup Day
Why in News?
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier
declared January 16 as ‘National Startup Day'
which recognizes the extraordinary growth and
contributions of the startup community to the
Indian economy.
History
• The establishment of National Startup Day on
January 16 was announced by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on January 15, 2022.
• The first National Startup Day was observed in
India that same year. PM Modi praised the
expansion of startups over the previous few years
as he spoke with aspiring business owners via
video conference.
Theme
• The Startup India Innovation Week was organized
by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the
Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• On January 11, 2024, Secretary of DPIIT Rajesh
Kumar Singh gave the introductory speech for the
week-long celebration, centred around the theme
"Startups Unlocking Infinite Potential."
Entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, inventors, and
startup enthusiasts are expected to gather for the
week-long festivities.
16.9. National Girl Child Day
Why in News?
• National Girl Child Day is observed on 24 January
every year to spread awareness about the
inequalities faced by a girl child in Indian society.
History
• National Girl Child Day was established by the
Ministry of Women and Child Development in
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2008. Since then, every year the day has been
celebrated across India with a common annual
theme.
• The move aimed to acknowledge the unique
challenges faced by girls in a society grappling with
gender inequality, education limitations, school
dropouts, healthcare, child marriage and gender-
based violence.
16.10. International Day of Education
Why in News?
• Every year, International Day of Education is
observed on January 24.
History:
• In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly
adopted the resolution to make January 24 as the
International Day of Education to create awareness
on the accessibility of education and why it is
significant for everyone.
• The resolution was authored by 59 member states,
and since then, January 24 has been observed as
International Day of Education.
Significance:
• The theme of this year is – Learning for lasting
peace. "Learning for peace must be a
transformative process, enabling learners to gain
essential knowledge, values, attitudes, skills, and
behaviors, thereby empowering them to serve as
catalysts for peace in their communities.
16.11. National Voters Day
Why in News?
• The National Voters’ Day is celebrated every year
in India on January 25 to encourage the country’s
voters to participate in the electoral process.
History and significance:
• The first-ever National Voters’ Day was celebrated
on January 25, 2011, to encourage more young
voters to take part in the electoral process where
the Union government, then led by Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh, had approved a proposal of the
law ministry to this effect.
• Former information and broadcasting minister
Ambika Soni at that time had pointed out that the
new voters who had attained the age of 18 were
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 M.S.Shashank

showing less interest in getting enrolled in the
electoral rolls.
• To address this issue, the Election Commission
decided to launch a nationwide effort to identify
all eligible voters who reach the age of 18 on
January 1, of each year, in all polling stations
across India. Such voters would be enrolled and be
given the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) on
January 25 every year.
Constitution of India came into effect, and the
country became a sovereign state, declaring it a
republic.
Theme:
• The Republic Day 2024 parade theme is ‘Viksit
Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’,
emphasising India’s role as a nurturer of
democracy.

Theme: 16.14. International Customs Day

• Dedicated to the voters, NVD 2024 theme -
‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For sure’ is a
Why in News?
continuation from last year's theme.
• Every year, International Customs Day is observed
16.12. National Tourism Day on January 26.

Why in News? History:

• National Tourism Day is celebrated every year on
January 25.
History:
• The Indian government is reported to have first
celebrated National Tourism Day in 1948.
• Its aims were to promote popular tourist
destinations across the country and to preserve
the nation's cultural heritage.
• In India, government plans to promote and grow
tourism are formulated by the Ministry of Tourism.
It also works with state, federal and private sector
organisations.
• In the year 1953, the Customs Cooperation Council
(CCC) confirmed this date to be observed as
International Customs Day.
• The session was inaugurated in Brussels, Belgium.
Members from 17 European countries attended
that session.
• In 1994, CCC was renamed as World Customs
Organisation, and currently consists of 182
member states across the world. Since then,
International Customs Day has been observed.
Theme
• The theme of this year's International Customs
Day is - Customs Engaging Traditional and New
Partners with Purpose.

Theme
• Each year, National Tourism Day highlights a
specific theme to raise awareness about various
aspects of tourism. In 2024, the designated theme
is 'Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories,'
promoting responsible and mindful travel.

16.13. Republic Day

Why in News?

• India marks its Republic Day annually on January 26.

History and Significance:

• Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the
Constitution of India on January 26, 1950.
• While India gained independence from the British
Raj in 1947, it wasn't until January 26, 1950, that the

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 M.S.Shashank
17. Miscellaneous
17.1. Project Veer Gatha 3.0
Why in News?
• The third edition of Project ‘Veer Gatha’, as part
of Republic Day celebrations, has witnessed an
overwhelming pan India response.
About
• Project Veer Gatha 3.0 introduced a range of
thought-provoking topics for essay and
paragraph writing.
o Students were encouraged to delve into
the life stories of any freedom fighter that
inspired them such as Rani Laxmibai.
o The suggested topics also included the 1857
First War of Independence, and
the significant role of Tribal Uprising in the
Freedom Struggle.
Project Veer Gatha
• It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Defence
and Ministry of Education.
• Launched on: July 13, 2023, as part of ‘Azadi Ka
Amrit Mahotsav’.
• The initiative is aimed at disseminating the details
of acts of bravery of the Gallantry awardees and
the life stories of these brave hearts among the
students so as to raise the spirit of patriotism and
instill values of civic consciousness amongst them.
17.2. Poila Boisakh
Why in News?
• The West Bengal government has declared Poila
Boisakh, as the State Day and a song Banglar Mati
Banglar Jal written by Rabindranath Tagore as the
State Song.
About
• Poila Boisakh is the 1st day of the month of
Boisakh of Bengali calendar year commencing
Bengali New Year.
• It will be observed as State Day and it will be
named ‘Bangla Divas’.
©AKS www.aksias.com
• Banglar Mati Banglar Jal as the State Song, its
approximate playing time is 1 minute and 59
seconds.
• The State Song shall compulsorily be played with
due respect in all state government functions.
• All dignitaries shall stand in attention when the
State Song and National Anthem are played and
mass singing of the State Song should be
encouraged.
17.3. Peninsular Hill Trout
Why In News?
• Scientists have decoded for the first time the
mitochondrial genome of Peninsular Hill Trout.
About Peninsular Hill Trout(Lepidopygopsis typus)
• It is known locally as ‘Brahmanakenda’.
• It is a unique freshwater fish species of
the Western Ghats.
• It is known to occur only inside Kerala’s Periyar
Tiger Reserve.
• Threats : Exotic species, pollution and presence
of a dam are the major threats
• Importance : It is an example of an EDGE
species — a species that is evolutionarily distinct
and globally endangered.
o It is an example of a monotypic species (a genus
having only a single species), signifying its
evolutionary importance.
• Protection status : It has been listed as
‘endangered’ on the IUCN Red List .
17.4. European Bison
Why In News?
• Ongoing conflict in Ukraine poses a serious threat
to the survival of the European bison.
About European bison(Bison bonasus)
• It is also known as the wisent
• It belongs to the same family (Bovidae) as the
American bison .
• It is the largest mammal in Europe, and is called
the “Forest Emperor”.
• Habitat : It is commonly found in broad-leaved or
mixed forests in a mosaic-type landscape.
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 M.S.Shashank
o Deciduous forest types tend to be the
most favorable.
• Distribution : It roamed across Europe in large
herds at the end of the last ice age.
o The largest subpopulations are now found
in Poland, Belarus and Russia.
• Importance : it serves an important role as an
ecosystem engineer, restoring grassland habitat
• IUCN Red List status : Near Threatened
17.5. Buxa National Park
Why In News?
• Recently, forest officials acknowledged the
presence of big cats in the Buxa National Park.
About the Buxa Tiger Reserve
• Buxa Tiger Reserve is situated in North
Bengal’s Alipurduar district and stretches over a
length of 50 km from West to East and 35 km from
North to South.
• Its Northern boundary runs along the border with
Bhutan.
o According to the National Tiger Conservation
Authority, the Reserve has corridor
connectivity across the border with the forests
of Bhutan in the North; linkages with
the Kochugaon forests and Manas Tiger
Reserve in the East; and with the Jaldapara
National Park on the West.
• Historically, tigers were distributed throughout
the reserve but the reserve has a low tiger density
at present.
17.6. Atal Setu
Why in News?
• Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Mumbai
Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) or Atal Setu in
Maharashtra.
About
• It is a 21.8-km long six-lane bridge having 16.5
km length over the sea and about 5.5 km on the
land, built at a cost of about ₹17,840 crore.
• The bridge has been constructed with corrosion-
resistant material that promises to stand firm
against earthquakes, cyclones, high wind
pressures and tides.
©AKS www.aksias.com
• It is fitted with technology to oversee a smooth
commute, including an Intelligent Traffic
Management system, Video Incident Detection
system, Speed Enforcement system, emergency
call boxes etc.
Significance
• Atal Setu is the longest bridge and also
the longest sea bridge in the country.
• The bridge has shortened the distance between
Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to just 20 minutes
which earlier took 2 hours.
17.7. Chilika Lake
Why in News?
• The Ministry of Tourism conducts training in
Chilika Lake under the Amrit Dharohar Capacity
Building Scheme.
o The Amrit Dharohar Capacity Initiative helps
in enhancing livelihood opportunities for local
communities through harnessing the nature-
tourism potential of the Ramsar Sites across
the country.
About Chilika Lake
• Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon situated
along the eastern coast of Odisha.
• It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the
second largest in the world after The New
Caledonian barrier reef.
o A lagoon is a shallow body of water separated
from a larger body of water by a narrow
landform, such as reefs, barrier islands, barrier
peninsulas, or isthmuses.
• It has been listed as Ramsar Site as well as a
tentative UNESCO World Heritage site.
o In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first
Indian wetland of international importance
under the Ramsar Convention.
17.8. Henley Passport Index (HPI) 2024
Why in News?
• India’s Passport secured the 80th rank in the
latest Henley Passport Index 2024.
Highlights of Henley Passport Index 2024:
• France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and
Spain hold the top spot as the world's most
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 M.S.Shashank

powerful passports, allowing visa-free entry to 194 17.10. E-SAKSHI Mobile Application
global destinations.
• The top 10 is largely dominated by European
countries. Why in News?
• The average number of destinations travellers are • Recently, the MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile
able to access visa-free has nearly doubled, from Application was launched by the Ministry of
58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. Statistics and Programme Implementation
• India's passport ranked 80th in the list, with (MoSPI).
citizens allowed to travel to 62 countries without
a visa. What is E-SAKSHI mobile app?
• Afghanistan occupies the bottom spot on the list, • Launched by: Ministry of Statistics and
with access to just 28 countries without a visa. Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
• Syria, with visa-free access to only 29 • 2)Objective:to capture the entire MPLADS fund
destinations, holds the second-lowest position, allocation cycle and provide greater convenience
followed by Iraq with 31 and Pakistan with 34. and accessibility in monitoring the scheme.
• The United Arab Emirates was the fastest climber • Features of the application: Budget
over the past decade, jumping to 11th place and management to monitor expenditures by MPs.
offering access to 183 destinations without a visa. • Mode of Operation: Both web portal and mobile
application.
17.9. India’s Shortest Humped Cattle Breed
Benefits:
Why in News? • It will bring forth a numerous of
benefits, revolutionizing the way MPs
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently fed engage with and manage development projects in
Punganur cows from Andhra Pradesh at his Delhi their constituencies.
residence on the Pongal/Makar Sankranti festival. • It would offer convenience and
These indigenous cattle have unique accessibility, allowing MPs to propose, track, and
characteristics. oversee the projects at their fingertips.
• This real-time access enhances decision-making
Origins and Features processes, enabling swift responses to emerging
• The Punganur is a dwarf breed native to parts of needs or issues.
Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema • The application will streamline the
region. They are considered the world’s shortest communication between MPs and relevant
humped cattle. Their small size allows easy authorities, facilitating a more efficient exchange
household rearing. of information.
• Punganur cows can be white, gray, light brown or • It will also promote transparency by providing
dark brown. They have small, crescent-shaped MPs with instant updates on the status and
horns of 10-15 cm length that often curve progress of their proposed projects.
backward on males and sideways on females.
Females also have slightly longer horns. 17.11. ISOPOD

Significance
• Despite their small size, Punganur are valued for
higher milk yields compared to other Indian cattle.
Their milk has high fat and SNF content.
• Additionally, Punganur cattle are known for their
docile nature, disease resistance and low fodder
requirement – making them an efficient livestock
choice for small and marginal farmers.
Why in News?
• An international team of marine biologists has
discovered a unique isopod, a form of crustacean,
that has been formally identified as a new species
of the genus Booralana from the deep waters of
The Bahamas.
Key Points about Isopods:
Taxonomy:
• Isopods are part of the class Malacostraca, which
also includes crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.

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 M.S.Shashank
• The order Isopoda consists of over 10,000 species,
ranging from marine to terrestrial environments.
Habitat and Adaptations:
• Isopods inhabit various ecosystems, including
terrestrial environments like leaf litter, soil, and
rotting wood, as well as aquatic habitats.
• They are characterized by their flattened,
segmented bodies, with seven pairs of legs and a
distinctive exoskeleton.
Ecological Importance:
• Isopods contribute significantly to the
decomposition of organic matter, aiding in
nutrient recycling in ecosystems.
• Their role as decomposers helps maintain soil
fertility and contributes to the overall balance of
natural systems.
Economic Significance:
• While isopods are not of direct economic
importance, they are valuable indicators of
environmental health and ecosystem functioning.
• Some species may be studied for their potential in
bioremediation efforts.
17.12. Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in News?
• The forest department’s wildlife wing will start a
species recovery program to translocate the Indian
gaur to the Chandaka wildlife sanctuary, where it
is now rarely seen. The translocation will facilitate
night nature trail and animal sighting.
Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary
Geographical Location:
• Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the
eastern side of India, specifically in the Khurda
and Cuttack districts of Odisha.
• Geographically, it falls within the Eastern Ghats
region, characterized by hills, plateaus, and
forests.
• It was designated as an elephant reserve in
December 1982.
Topography and Ecosystems:
• The sanctuary exhibits a varied topography,
including hills, plains, and water bodies.
• Its ecosystems range from dry deciduous forests
to moist deciduous forests, contributing to a rich
biodiversity.
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17.13. GI Tags from Odisha
Why in News?
• Seven products from Odisha, ranging from the
Similipal Kai chutney made with red weaver ants
to the embroidered Kapdaganda shawl, have
bagged the coveted Geographical Indication (GI)
tag in recognition of their exclusivity to the state.
Introduction to GI Tags
• Geographical Indications (GI) signify a product's
origin from a specific geographical region.
• In India, the Department for Promotion of Industry
and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and
Industry, bestows GI tags. These tags assure
consumers of the product's quality and
uniqueness linked to its geographical locality.
Significance of GI Tags:
• Quality Assurance: GI tags convey an assurance of
quality and distinctiveness attributed to the
product's origin in a particular geographic area.
• Authenticity Guarantee: They validate the
authenticity of traditional methods, skills, and
characteristics associated with the product's
origin.
• Legal Protection: GI registration is granted to a
geographical area, not individual traders.
Authorized traders receive a unique GI number to
use the GI logo. Unauthorized usage by others can
lead to legal repercussions under The
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration
and Protection) Act, 1999.
Recent GI Tags from Odisha
Kapdaganda Shawl:
• Origin: Woven and embroidered by Dongria
Kondh tribe in Odisha's Rayagada and Kalahandi
districts.
• Distinctive Features:
o Off-white coarse cloth with red, yellow, and
green threads representing mountains, peace,
and blood respectively.
o Motifs of lines and triangles symbolizing the
community's connection with mountains.
o Worn by both men and women, often
exchanged during courtship as a symbol of
commitment.
Lanjia Saura Painting:
• Origin: Belongs to the Lanjia Saura community in
Rayagada district.
• Characteristics:
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 M.S.Shashank
o Exterior murals painted on mud walls as
gratitude to deities and ancestors.
o Depictions of tribal life, nature, animals,
celestial bodies in white over crimson-maroon
backgrounds.
o Ritualistic association and appreciation for
nature reflected in the art.
Koraput Kala Jeera Rice:
• Origin: Preserved by tribal farmers in Koraput for
about 1,000 years.
• Distinctiveness:
o Black rice variety with a unique aroma, taste,
and high nutritional value.
o Known as 'Prince of Rice' or 'Kala Jeera' due to
its resemblance to cumin seeds.
o Consumption aids in improving haemoglobin
levels and metabolism.
Similipal Kai Chutney:
• Origin: Mayurbhanj district; made from red
weaver ants found in Similipal forests.
• Features:
o Traditional chutney rich in nutrients like
protein, calcium, iron, etc.
o Made by grinding red ants manually; believed
to boost immunity and prevent diseases.
o Represents the region's indigenous culinary
tradition and reliance on forest resources.
Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal:
• Origin: Cultivated widely in Nayagarh district.
• Unique Characteristics:
o Brinjal variety with prickly stems; quick
cooking, distinct taste, and abundant seeds.
o Known for resistance to insects, requiring
minimal pesticide usage.
o Historical significance dating back nearly a
century; originates from hilly areas.
Odisha Khajuri Guda:
• Origin: Extracted from date palm trees in Gajapati
district.
• Notable Attributes:
o Dark brown organic jaggery with a unique
taste; natural sweetener.
o Traditional preparation in trapezoidal form
known as 'Patali Gur'.
o Offers a distinctive flavour and is an essential
element in local cuisines.
Dhenkanal Magji:
• Origin: Produced from buffalo milk in Dhenkanal
district.
• Key Features:
©AKS www.aksias.com
o Cheese-based sweet with unique taste,
appearance, and nutritional value.
o Prepared by draining moisture from cheese,
frying, and shaping into balls.
o Historical significance in the region; supports
the livelihood of local producers.
17.14. Baltic Sea
Why in News?
• Russia blamed Kyiv for attack on gas terminal at
Baltic Sea port
Baltic Sea
• The Baltic Sea is an arm of the North Atlantic
Ocean. It is bound by the Scandinavian Peninsula,
the mainland of Northern Europe, Eastern Europe
and Central Europe, and the Danish islands.
• Surrounded by countries: Denmark, Germany,
Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Finland
and Sweden.
• It is connected to St. Petersburg by the Gulf of
Finland.
o The Gulf of Riga is located between Estonia
and Latvia.
17.15. Operation Sarvashakti
Why in News?
• The Indian Army has launched Operation
Sarvashakti in Jammu and Kashmir, deploying
forces on both sides of the Pir Panjal range to
target terrorists.
About
• The operation will focus on locating the terrorists’
hideouts in the dense jungles, mountains and the
caves.
• The Chinar Corps along with the Nagrota-
headquartered White Knight Corps would be
carrying out simultaneous operations.
• The operation is reminiscent of Operation
Sarpvinash, which was launched in 2003 to
eliminate terrorists from the same area.
Why is this area important strategically?
• The areas south of Mendhar leading to the Pir
Panjal range through Hilkaka constitute among
the shortest routes of access for infiltrators from
across the LoC into the Kashmir valley.
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 M.S.Shashank
• The dense forests and steep mountain slopes
offer both adequate cover and visual domination
of the area.
17.16. SARATHI App
Why in News?
• Recently, the government has launched
the ‘SARATHI’ App for Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods
Mission (DAY-NRLM).
About the SARATHI App:
• It is a technological solution to help the poorest
of the poor set up sustainable livelihoods which is
developed by the Union Ministry of Rural
Development.
• It is expected to increase the effectiveness of
work at multiple levels, reduce cognitive and
administrative load, and ensure transparency.
• Real-time usage of the app mitigates the risk of
leakage of consumption and livelihood support
being provided to the target households.
17.17. Laughing Gull
Why in News?
• Laughing gull, a migratory bird from North
America, has been sighted for the first time in the
country at the Chittari estuary in
Kasaragod, Kerala.
The Laughing Gull
• Scientific name: Leucophaeus atricilla
• Features: The bird has a dark upper part, black
legs, long drooping bill, and a dark smudge on the
back of the head.
• Native to: North and South America.
• Habitat: Salt marshes, coastal bays, piers,
beaches, ocean. Generally found only in coastal
regions, but also ranging several miles inland to
rivers, fields, dumps.
• Conservation status: Least concern
17.18. E-SCR portal
Why in News?
• The E-SCR portal has achieved an unprecedented
speed in translating judgements, starting with
just 2,238 judgments in January 2023 and ending
the year with over 31,000 judgments.
©AKS www.aksias.com
About the E-SCR portal
• The Electronic Supreme Court Reports (e-SCR)
project is an initiative to provide the digital version
of the apex court’s judgments in the manner as
they are reported in the official law report
– ‘Supreme Court Reports’.
• Adapting to the new digital times, now
about 34,000 Supreme Court ‘landmark’
judgements will be available for free via e-SCR
project to lawyers, law students and the common
public.
• This is a project which, in essence, endeavors to
take a step forward towards fulfilling the objective
of digitization of Indian Judiciary and underlines
the vision to bring in a positive change for the
benefit of all the stakeholders of justice.
17.19. Eurasian Otter
Why In News?
• A team of researchers have discovered Eurasian
otter in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.
Eurasian Otter
• Scientific name: Lutra lutra
• Otters are mammals of the family
Mustelidae consisting of 13 species. They are
found in every continent except Australia and
Antarctica.
• The Eurasian otter covers the largest range of
any Palearctic mammal.
o Palearctic is a zoogeographical region
comprising Eurasia north of the Himalayas,
together with North Africa and the temperate
part of the Arabian peninsula.
• Eurasian otter is classified as ‘near threatened’ on
the IUCN Red List.It is regarded as a flagship
species and indicator of high-quality aquatic
habitats.
17.20. Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024
Why In News?
• The Joint Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone
2024’ will be held from January 2 to January 15 in
Rajasthan.
About Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024
• It is the Joint Military Exercise between India and
UAE
• It aims to enhance interoperability by learning and
sharing best practices in urban operations
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 M.S.Shashank

o The first-ever India-UAE Joint Air Forces

exercise took place in September 2008 at the About Belgorod Region
Al-Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi. • It is situated in the centre of the European part of
o India has also been a regular participant at the Russia, on the southern and southeastern slopes
biennial International Defence Exhibition of the Central Russian Upland.
(IDEX) in Abu Dhabi. • It is one of Russia’s successfully developing
industrial and agricultural regions.
17.21. Aigai • It borders on the Kursk and Voronezh regions, the
Lugansk People’s Republic.
• It also shares a state border with Ukraine.
Why in Newss? • The region is crisscrossed with rivers.
o The largest rivers are the Psyol, Seversky
• The ancient Palace of Aigai reopened after a 16- Donets, Vorskla, Oskol, Tikhaya Sosna and
year. Valui.
• The region has a moderate continental climate
About Aigai with hot summers and relatively cold winters.

17.23. Atal Setu

Why in News?
• Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Mumbai
Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) or Atal Setu in
Maharashtra.

About
• It is a 21.8-km long six-lane bridge having 16.5 km
length over the sea and about 5.5 km on the land,
built at a cost of about ₹17,840 crore.
• The city of Aigai was the ancient first capital of
• The bridge has been constructed with corrosion-
the Kingdom of Macedonia.
resistant material that promises to stand firm
• It was discovered in the 19th century near
against earthquakes, cyclones, high wind pressures
Vergina, in northern Greece.
and tides.
• The most important remains are
• It is fitted with technology to oversee a smooth
the monumental palace, lavishly decorated with
commute, including an Intelligent Traffic
mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial
Management system, Video Incident Detection
ground.
system, Speed Enforcement system, emergency call
• Alexander the Great was crowned in the ancient
boxes etc.
Palace of Aigai.
• It was built by Philip II, the father of Alexander
Significance
the Great, the tombs of Philip and other
• Atal Setu is the longest bridge and also the longest
Macedonian kings are nearby.
sea bridge in the country.
o After the assassination of his father,
• The bridge has shortened the distance between
Alexander was crowned at the palace in 336
Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to just 20 minutes which
BC.
earlier took 2 hours.
• The palace and the nearby tombs are listed as a
World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

17.22. Belgorod Region

Why in News?
• Some 300 residents of the western Russian city of
Belgorod have been evacuated following a recent
wave of Ukrainian strikes.

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