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Compilation June-July-August 2023

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Polity
Sedition Law
● Recently, the Law Commission of India
proposed maintaining the sedition law while
suggesting an increase in the minimum
imprisonment term to seven years from the
existing three years.
● About the Law
○ About
■ Under Section 124A of IPC, the offense of
sedition is committed when any person by
words or otherwise brings or attempts to
bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or
attempts to excite disaffection towards the
government established by law.
○ Punishment
■ Sedition is a cognisable, non-bailable and
non-compoundable offenses under the law.
■ It entails life imprisonment as maximum
punishment, with or without a fine.
■ A person charged under this law can't apply for
a government job.
■ They have to live without their passport and
must present themselves in the court as and
when required.
○ It was drafted by Thomas Babington
Macaulay and included in the IPC in 1870.
○ Concern
■ This law is seen as a limitation to individuals’
freedom of expression.
■ It falls short of the provisions of reasonable
restrictions on freedom of speech under Article
19 of the Indian Constitution.
○ Supreme Court decisions on Sedition Law
■ Brij Bhushan vs the State of Delhi and
Romesh Thappar vs the State of Madras
(1950)-
● The court ruled that restricted speech on the
ground that it would disturb public order was
unconstitutional.
● Led to First Constitution Amendment, where
Article 19 (2) was rewritten to replace
“undermining the security of the State” with “in
the interest of public order.
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■ Kedar Nath Singh vs State of Bihar (1962).
● SC upheld the constitutionality of sedition law,
but restricted its application to “acts involving
intention or tendency to create disorder, or
disturbance of law and order, or incitement to
violence”.
● SC differentiated from “very strong speech” or
the use of “vigorous words” strongly critical of the
government.
■ Balwant Singh vs State of Punjab (1995)
● SC ruled that mere sloganeering which evoked
no public response did not amount to sedition.
District Legal Services Authority
● District Legal Services Authority in West Tripura
recently organized Door-to-Door Legal Aid
Campaign.
● About District Legal Services Authority
○ Under the Legal Services Authorities Act of
1987, Legal Services Authorities are established
as statutory entities in various Indian states.
○ The primary objective is to furnish
complimentary legal assistance and services to
the marginalized segments of society, ensuring
that no citizen is deprived of access to justice
due to economic or other hindrances.
○ These entities are structured at the district level,
aiming to effectively supervise legal aid
initiatives and their composition.
○ Constitutional Provision
■ This initiative aligns with Constitutional Article
39-A, which pertains to furnishing free legal
services to Indian citizens.
■ It also aids defendants by appointing legal
representation for them in legal matters.
○ Members
■ Constituted by the State Government in
collaboration with the Chief Justice of the High
Court.
■ Chairman: District Judge.
■ Other Members: Required to possess
qualifications and experience specified by the
State Government. These members can be
nominated by the Government in consultation
with the Chief Justice of the High Court.
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■ Qualification for Appointment: The appointee
must belong to the State Judicial Service and
hold a rank not lower than that of a Subordinate
Judge or Civil Judge stationed at the District
Judiciary's headquarters, serving as the District
Authority's Secretary.
■ Member Secretary: Assistant Commissioner of
the respective District.
■ Compensation and Benefits: Officers and
other staff of the District Authority are entitled to
salaries, allowances, and are subject to service
conditions determined by the State Government
in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High
Court.
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
(PACS)
● The Ministry of Cooperation has recently stated
that Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
(PACS) can also serve as drone entrepreneurs,
engaging in tasks such as fertilizers and
pesticides spraying.
● About PACS
○ PACS operate as grassroots cooperative credit
societies, constituting the final tier within a three-
tier cooperative credit framework overseen by
the State Cooperative Banks (SCB) at the state
level.
○ The credit flow from SCBs extends to the District
Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) functioning
at the district level, collaborating with PACS that
have direct interactions with farmers.
○ PACSs play a pivotal role in offering farmers
short-term and medium-term agricultural loans
to support diverse agricultural and farming
ventures.
○ The inception of the initial PACS dates back to
the year 1904.
○ A report published by the Reserve Bank of India
on December 27, 2022 put the number of PACS
at 1.02 lakh. At the end of March 2021, only
47,297 of them were in profit.
○ Other Functions of PACS
■ Supplying of agricultural inputs including seeds,
fertilisers, insecticides, etc.
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■ Maintaining the supply of the light machinery for
the agricultural purpose.
■ Providing marketing facilities that could enhance
the sale of their agricultural products.
■ Promote savings habits among its members.
Genetic Engineering Appraisal
Committee (GEAC)
● Three states, Gujarat, Maharashtra and
Telangana, have recently rebuffed a proposal,
approved by the Centre’s Genetic Engineering
Appraisal Committee (GEAC), to test a new kind
of transgenic cotton seed.
● About GEAC
○ The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
(GEAC) functions in the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
○ As per Rules, 1989, it is responsible for appraisal
of activities involving large scale use of
hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in
research and industrial production from the
environmental angle.
○ The committee is also responsible for appraisal
of proposals relating to release of genetically
engineered (GE) organisms and products into
the environment including experimental field
trials.
○ GEAC is chaired by the Special
Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC
and co-chaired by a representative from the
Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
○ Presently, it has 24 members and meets every
month to review the applications in the areas
indicated above.
Ladakh Autonomous Hill
Development Council (LAHDC)
● Recently, the Union Minister for Heavy
Industries had a meeting with the Ladakh
Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)
and Commerce and Industry Chamber at Leh
and reviewed the industry sector.
● About LAHDC
○ It is an autonomous district council that
administers the Leh district of Ladakh.
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○ The council was created under the Ladakh
Autonomous Hill Development Council Act of
1995.
○ LAHDC-Leh has 30 seats and the government
nominates four councilors.
○ The autonomous hill council works with village
panchayats to make decisions on economic
development, healthcare, education, land use,
taxation, and local governance.
○ These decisions are further reviewed at the
block headquarters in the presence of the chief
executive councilor and executive councilors.
○ Leh, which is a Buddhist-dominated district of
Ladakh, has demanded the implementation of
the sixth schedule for the Union territory to guard
against demographic change and dilution of the
unique cultural and tribal identity.
Ordinance making power of the
President
● Recently, The Delhi government urged the
Supreme Court to quash the National Capital
Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance,
2023.
● About Ordinance making power of the
President
○ Article 123 of the Indian Constitution bestows
the President of India with certain legislative
powers.
○ It enables the issuance of Ordinances in
situations where either of the two Houses of
Parliament is not in session, thus preventing the
enactment of a law by a single House.
○ These Ordinances carry the same legal weight
as Acts of Parliament and can cover any subject
within the Parliament's jurisdiction to legislate,
adhering to the same limitations.
○ They may also have a retrospective effect and
can modify or repeal any existing Act of
Parliament or other ordinances.
○ While they can be employed to amend tax laws,
they cannot be used to alter the Constitution.
○ The President has the authority to withdraw an
ordinance at any time, but this power is
exercised with the concurrence of the Council of
Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister.
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○ Certain limitations apply to the Ordinance-
making power:
■ Non-session of the Legislature: The President
can issue an Ordinance only when either of the
two Houses of Parliament is not in session.
■ Immediate action necessity: The President
cannot promulgate an Ordinance unless he is
satisfied that there are circumstances that
require taking ‘immediate action’.
■ Parliamentary approval: Ordinances must
receive approval from Parliament within six
weeks of its reassembling. If not approved by
either House, the Ordinance will cease to
operate.
■ Judicial review: The Supreme Court has ruled
that the President's power to issue Ordinances
is subject to judicial review, and its scope is not
beyond such review.
National Anti-Doping Agency
● Recently, the National Anti-Doping Agency,
India signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with the South Asia Regional Anti-Doping
Organisation (SARADO).
● It aims to increase Regional Cooperation in anti-
doping in Sports.
● About National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
○ NADA is a statutory body under the National
anti-doping act, 2022.
○ NADA was set up as a registered society under
the Societies Registration Act in 2005 with a
mandate for Dope-free sports in India.
■ Doping: use of prohibited medications, drugs, or
treatments by athletes with the intention of
improving athletic performance.
■ 2022: The National Anti-doping Bill was passed
to make NADA a statutory body.
○ Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs &
Sports.
○ HQ: New Delhi.
○ Objectives
■ To implement anti-doping rules as per the World
Anti-Doping Code (Code).
■ WADA: it was established in 1999 and is
headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
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■ WADA’s Objectives: to develop, harmonize
and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies
across all sports and countries.
■ World Anti-Doping Code (Code): it is the core
document that harmonizes anti-doping policies,
rules, and regulations within sports
organizations and among public authorities
around the world.
Special Window for Funding Stalled
Affordable and Middle-Income
Housing Projects (SWAMIH ) Fund
● In recent news, the Prime Minister of India
extended congratulations to new homeowners in
Bengaluru as they became part of the city's first
project under the Special Window for Funding
Stalled Affordable and Middle-Income Housing
Projects (SWAMIH) Fund.
● About SWAMIH Fundw
○ It was launched in 2019.
○ It is a social impact fund specifically formed for
completing stressed and stalled residential
projects.
○ It is sponsored by the Ministry of Finance,
Government of India.
○ It is managed by SBICAP Ventures Ltd., a State
Bank Group company.
○ Its objective is to provide priority debt financing
for the completion of stalled housing projects
falling under the affordable and middle-income
housing categories.
○ Implementation of the scheme: The fund was set
up as a Category-II AIF (Alternate Investment
Fund) debt fund registered with SEBI.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Council
● The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, in
its upcoming meeting, is likely to discuss the
scope of the budgetary support policy for the
eligible manufacturing units operating in hilly
areas, such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh,
and Northeast states.
● GST Council
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○ About
■ The Goods and Services Tax regime came into
force after the Constitutional (122nd
Amendment) Bill was passed by both Houses
of Parliament in 2016.
■ It is a constitutional body.
■ It is a joint forum of the Center and the states.
○ Constitutional Provision
■ The GST Council was set up by the President
as per Article 279A (1) of the amended
Constitution.
○ Composition
■ The Union Finance Minister (chairperson)
■ The Union Minister of State (Finance) from the
Center.
■ Each state can nominate a minister in-charge of
finance or taxation or any other minister as a
member.
■ The representatives of the states shall choose
amongst themselves one “Vice-president”.
○ Functions
■ As per Article 279A (4), the Council will make
recommendations to the Union and the States
on important issues related to GST, like-
● Taxes, cesses, and surcharges to be
subsumed under the GST.
● Goods and services which may be subject to,
or exempt from GST.
● The threshold limit of turnover for application
of GST.
● Rates of GST.
● Model GST laws, principles of levy,
apportionment of IGST and principles related to
place of supply.
● Special provisions with respect to the eight
north eastern states Himachal Pradesh, Jammu
and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.
● Other related matters.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act
(PMLA)
● Recently, the Central Government issued a
notification to include the Goods & Services Tax
Network (GSTN) within the scope of the
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
● About PMLA
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○ Enacted in 2002 and it came into force in 2005.
○ It was a response to India’s global
commitment (including the Vienna
Convention) to combat the menace of money
laundering.
○ It is at the core of India's legal framework to
combat money laundering.
○ This act's provisions apply to all financial
institutions, including banks (including the
RBI), mutual funds, insurance companies, and
their financial intermediaries.
○ The act was amended in 2005, 2009 and 2012.
○ Agencies administering the PMLA
■ The Directorate of Enforcement in the
Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance
is responsible for investigating the cases of the
offense of money laundering under PMLA
■ Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND)
under the Department of Revenue, Ministry
of Finance is the central national agency
responsible for receiving, processing, analyzing
and disseminating information relating to
suspect financial transactions to enforcement
agencies and foreign FIUs.
● About Money Laundering
○ Money laundering is the illegal process of
making large amounts of money generated
by a criminal activity, such as drug trafficking
or terrorist funding, appear to have come from a
legitimate source.
○ The money from the criminal activity is
considered dirty, and the process “launders” it to
make it look clean
Section 144
● Recently, the Delhi Police announced that it has
imposed prohibitory measures under CrPC
section 144 in flood-prone areas of the city.
● The Yamuna river in Delhi has risen to an
unprecedented 207.81 metres, breaching the
previous all-time high of 207.49 metres set in
1978.
● Section 144 CrPC is a law retained from the
colonial era.
● It empowers a district magistrate, a sub-
divisional magistrate or any other executive
magistrate specially empowered by the state
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government in this behalf to issue orders to
prevent and address urgent cases of
apprehended danger or nuisance.
● The magistrate has to pass a written order which
may be directed against a particular individual,
or to persons residing in a particular place or
area, or to the public generally when frequenting
or visiting a particular place or area.
● In emergency cases, the magistrate can pass
these orders without prior notice to the individual
against whom the order is directed.
● Prohibitory measures under Section 144 in
flood-prone areas of the city are aimed towards
preventing chaos and public movement in big
groups.
Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social
Activities Act (PASA), 1985
● The Delhi Police is likely to get more stringent
powers of preventive detention, after
Lieutenant Governor (L-G) recently approved a
proposal by the Delhi Home Department to
extend the Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social
Activities Act, 1985 to the national capital.
● This act provides for preventive detention of
“boot-leggers, dangerous persons, drug
offenders, immoral traffic offenders, and
property grabbers for preventing their anti-
social and dangerous activities prejudicial to the
maintenance of public order.
● In 2020, amendments to the Act brought
under its ambit
○ Operators of gambling dens and prostitution
rackets, offenders of cow-slaughter, sexual
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offences and cyber crimes, those involved in
usury, and repeated offenders of the Arms Act.
● Rules for Detention
○ According to Section 3 of the Act, the state
government may, if satisfied that “it is necessary
to do so with a view to preventing a person from
acting in any manner prejudicial to public order,
make an order directing that such a person be
detained”
○ The offender must have more than one FIR filed
against him at any police station within the state.
New Guidelines for Designation of
Senior Advocates in the SC
● The Supreme Court has published new
guidelines for the designation of senior
advocates practicing mainly in the Apex Court.
● These guidelines come after the May 12 ruling
delivered by a three-judge bench.
● The new guidelines prescribe the minimum age
as 45 years to apply for the ‘senior advocate’
designation.
● This age limit may, however, be relaxed by the
Committee, the Chief Justice of India, or a
Supreme Court judge if they have recommended
an advocate’s name.
● The CJI along with “any Judge of the Supreme
Court” may recommend in writing the name of an
advocate for designation.
● Only 5 marks will be given for “publication of
academic articles, experience of teaching
assignments in the field of law,” and “guest
lectures delivered in law schools and
professional institutions connected with law”
combined.
● The weightage given to reported and
unreported judgements (excluding orders that
do not lay down any principle of law) has
increased from 40 to 50 points in the new
guidelines.
Rubber Board
● The Central Government has dismissed
concerns over a new Rubber Bill and existence
of the Rubber Board.
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● The Rubber Board is a statutory body
constituted by the Government of India,
under the Rubber Act 1947, for the overall
development of the rubber industry in the
country.
● Head Office- Kottayam, Kerala.
● Nodal Ministry- Ministry of Commerce &
Industry.
● The Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII)
established in 1955 is located on a hillock in the
eastern suburb of Puthuppally, Kottayam, eight
kilometres from the town.
● Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)- 100% FDI in
plantations of rubber, coffee, tea, cardamom,
palm oil tree and olive oil tree.
● Rubber
○ Rubber is made from the latex of a tree called
Hevea Brasiliensis.
○ The British established the first rubber
plantation in India in 1902 on the banks of the
river Periyar in Kerala.
○ Rubber is a tropical tree. It requires high
temperatures throughout the year – ranging
between 20°-35°C or average monthly mean
of 27°C.
○ Similarly, rubber also requires heavy
rainfall.The rainfall should be well-distributed
throughout the year.
○ Rubber trees can grow in a wide range of soils,
including clay, sand and loam. They can tolerate
both acidic and alkaline soils, but need good
drainage.
○ India is currently the sixth largest producer of
Rubber in the world with one of the highest
productivity (694,000 tonnes in 2017-18).
○ Traditional rubber-growing states comprising
Kerala and Tamil Nadu account for 81% of
production.
■ Major non-traditional rubber growing regions are
the North Eastern states of Tripura, Assam and
Meghalaya, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra
and West Bengal.
○ Around 40% of rubber is imported from other
major rubber producing countries such as
Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
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Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed
Income Bill, 2023
● Recently, the Rajasthan government tabled the
Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill,
2023, which effectively seeks to cover the entire
adult population of the state with guaranteed
wages or pension.
● Major Provisions of the Bill
○ The Bill has three broad categories: right to
minimum guaranteed income, right to
guaranteed employment, and right to
guaranteed social security pension.
○ Minimum Guaranteed Income
■ Each adult citizen of the state has been
guaranteed a minimum income for 125 days a
year through
● The Rajasthan government’s flagship Indira
Gandhi Shahri Rozgar Guarantee Yojana for
urban areas.
● Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in rural areas.
○ Pension
■ The aged, disabled, widows, and single women
get a minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month.
■ Importantly, the pension will be increased at the
rate of 15 per cent each year.
○ Guaranteed Employment
■ The right to employment states that post the
work in urban or rural employment schemes, the
minimum wages should be paid “weekly or in
any case not later than a fortnight.”
Supreme Court Collegium
● Recently, the Supreme Court Collegium
recommended elevation of four advocates for
appointment as judges of the high courts of
Bombay, Karnataka, and Madras.
● About Collegium System
○ It is the system of appointment and transfer of
judges.
○ It has evolved through judgments of the SC,
and not by an Act of Parliament or by a provision
of the Constitution.
○ SC collegium is headed by the CJI and
comprises four other senior most judges of
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the court.
○ Judges of the SC and HC are appointed only
through the collegium system and the
government has a role only after names have
been decided by the collegium.
○ The collegium sends its final recommendation to
the President of India for approval through the
Law minister.
○ The President can either accept it or reject it.
○ In the case it is rejected, the recommendation
comes back to the collegium.
○ If the collegium reiterates its
recommendation to the President, then he/she
is bound by that recommendation.
○ Articles 124(2) and 217 of the Indian
Constitution deal with the appointment of judges
to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Rule 267 and Rule 176
● The opening day of the Monsoon Session of
Parliament was disrupted after the government
and the Opposition differed on the format of the
discussion on the Manipur situation.
● While the government agreed for a short-
duration discussion, the Opposition insisted that
the Prime Minister make a suo motu statement
followed by a discussion, suspending all
business under Rule 267.
● Rule 267
○ The Rule gives special power to a Rajya
Sabha member to suspend the pre-decided
agenda of the House, with the approval of the
Chairman.
○ The Rajya Sabha Rule Book says, “Any
member, may, with the consent of the Chairman,
move that any rule may be suspended in its
application to a motion related to the business
listed before the Council of that day.
○ If the motion is carried, the rule in question shall
be suspended for the time being: provided
further that this rule shall not apply where
specific provision already exists for suspension
of a rule under a particular chapter of the Rules”.
○ The last time it was used was in November 2016,
when the Upper House invoked Rule 267 to
discuss demonetization.
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● Rule 176
○ It allows for a short-duration discussion, not
exceeding two-and-a-half hours, on a particular
issue.
○ It states that "any member desirous of raising
discussion on a matter of urgent public
importance may give notice in writing to the
Secretary-General specifying clearly and
precisely the matter to be raised.
○ The notice shall be supported by the signatures
of at least two other members.
Panel of Vice-Chairpersons
● Rajya Sabha Chairman nominated four
women parliamentarians to the panel of the
vice-chairpersons, giving women equal
representation in the panel, for the first time in
the history of the Rajya Sabha.
● Under Art 91of the Constitution, Rules for
nominating a panel of vice-chairpersons can be
framed. Under such Rules, the Chairman
nominates from amongst the members a panel
of vice-chairpersons and holds office until a new
panel of vice-chairpersons is nominated.
● Any one of them can preside over the House
in the absence of the Chairman or the Deputy
Chairman.
● He/she has the same powers as the Chairman
when so presiding.
● When a member of the panel of vice-
chairpersons is also not present, any other
person as determined by the House acts as the
Chairman.
● A member of the panel of vice-chairpersons
cannot preside over the House, when the
office of the Chairman or the Deputy
Chairman is vacant.
● During such time, the Chairman's duties are to
be performed by such members of the House as
the president may appoint for the purpose.
● Side Note
○ The presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha is
known as the Chairman.
○ Article 63 of the Constitution of India provides
that there shall be a Vice-President of India.
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○ The Deputy Chairman is elected by the Rajya
Sabha itself from amongst its members.
○ It is a constitutional position created under
Article 89 of the Constitution.
Adjournment Motion
● Amid the ongoing ethnic violence in the Manipur
state, day two of the Monsoon Session of
Parliament proceedings saw the Lok Sabha
being adjourned on Friday (July 21).
● Various Motions Raised in Indian Parliament
○ In both the houses of Parliament, Lok Sabha and
Rajya Sabha, there are ways for Members of
Parliament to draw the attention of the house
to any relevant issue.
○ There are four main procedures under which
there could be a discussion in the Lok Sabha —
■ A debate without voting under Rule 193
● Short Duration Discussions can take place in
Lok Sabha under Rule 193 of its rules and in
Rajya Sabha under Rule 176 of its rules.
● On July 20, disagreement over which rule shall
be invoked for a discussion on Manipur led to the
adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day.
■ A motion (with a vote) under Rule 184, and
● If a motion on a matter of general public
interest satisfies certain conditions, such as that
it “shall not contain arguments, inferences,
ironical expressions, imputations or defamatory
statements”, “shall be restricted to a matter of
recent occurrence”, and so on, then that motion
can be admitted.
● Also, motions on a matter pending before any
statutory authority (one established by law) or
any commission or court of enquiry cannot be
moved.
■ An adjournment motion or a no-confidence
motion
● A motion for an adjournment of the business of
the House is moved for discussing a “definite
matter of urgent public importance”, with the
Speaker’s consent.
● The notice for this is to be given before 10 am
on a given day to the Lok Sabha Secretary-
General.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● This is not a provision available in the Rajya
Sabha.
Zero FIR
● Recently, another Zero FIR was filed at the
Mnipur police station — pertaining to the alleged
abduction, rape and murder of two Kuki-Zomi
women.
● About Zero FIR
○ When a police station receives a complaint
regarding an alleged offense that has been
committed in the jurisdiction of another police
station, it registers an FIR and then transfers it
to the relevant police station for further
investigation.
○ This is called a Zero FIR. No regular FIR number
is given.
○ After receiving the Zero FIR, the revenant police
station registers a fresh FIR and starts the
investigation.
○ The objective of a Zero FIR is to ensure the
victim doesn’t have to run from pillar to post to
get a police complaint registered.
○ The provision is meant to provide speedy
redressal to the victim so that timely action can
be taken after the filing of the FIR
● The provision of Zero FIR came up after the
recommendation in the report of the Justice
Verma Committee.
○ The committee was set up after the 2012
Nirbhaya gang rape case.
DNA Technology (Use and
Application) Regulation Bill
The Union government withdrew the DNA
Technology (Use and Application)
Regulation Bill, 2019, from the Lok Sabha on
Monday (July 24).
Background
○ First proposed in 2003, the Bill has gone through
numerous changes, led by both the Department
of Biotechnology and the Law Ministry, over the
years.
○ In 2019, it was referred to the Parliamentary
Standing Committee after being introduced in
the Lok Sabha.
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○ Two years later, the panel’s report was released,
in which it highlighted the fears of a number of
MPs, saying the Bill could be misused to target
segments of society based on religion, caste or
political views
About DNA Technology (Use and
Application) Regulation Bill
○ Bill purpose
■ To establish a regulatory framework for DNA
samples of humans, primarily for criminal
investigations and identification.
■ DNA testing currently used for criminal
investigations, parentage establishment, and
locating missing persons.
○ Objective
■ Prevent misuse and provide oversight for DNA
technology.
○ Proposed structures
■ DNA Regulatory Board and DNA Data Bank at
the national level, with optional regional centers
in states.
■ Main role of the board: Frame rules and
guidelines for DNA collection, testing, and
storage.
■ DNA Data Bank: Repository for DNA samples
collected under specified rules.
■ Authorized laboratories only permitted for DNA
testing.
■ Bill outlines circumstances and purposes for
requesting DNA samples and procedures for
handling, storing, and accessing them.
No Confidence Motion
● Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
accepted the Opposition’s no confidence motion
against the Government, saying that he will
speak to leaders of all parties and announce
when the discussion on the motion will be taken
up.
● About No Confidence Motion
○ In a parliamentary democracy, a government
can be in power only if it commands a majority in
the directly elected House.
○ Article 75(3) of Indian Constitution embodies
this rule by specifying that the Council of
Compilation June-July-August 2023

Ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok
Sabha.
○ For testing this collective responsibility, the rules
of Lok Sabha provide a particular mechanism –
a motion of no-confidence.
○ A written notice of the motion has to be
submitted by the member before 10 AM, which
will be read aloud by the Speaker of the House.
○ The motion must be accepted by a minimum
of 50 members, and the Speaker will then
announce the date for discussion of the motion.
○ The date must be within 10 days of the day the
motion is accepted. Otherwise, the motion fails,
and the member who proposed it will be notified.
○ A discussion on the motion takes place. MPs
who support the motion highlight the
government’s shortcomings, and the Treasury
Benches respond to the issues they raise.
○ Finally, a vote takes place – in case the motion
carries, the government is bound to vacate the
office.
○ A no confidence motion can only be moved in
the Lok Sabha.
○ There have been 26 more no-confidence
motions moved in the parliament (not counting
the latest one), with the last one being in 2018.
○ In 1963, the first motion of no confidence was
moved by Acharya J B Kripalani against the
government headed by Prime Minister
Jawaharlal Nehru.
Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill,
2023
● Recently, Rajya Sabha passed the
Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
● It seeks to amend the Cinematograph Act,
1952.
● It cracks down on film piracy along with
changing how movies are certified by the censor
board.
● The Bill lays down a three-year jail term and a
fine of up to 5% of a movie’s production cost for
those making its pirated copies.
● It introduces three certifications under the
‘UA’ category, UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+.
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○ It means that children younger than the given
age limits can access such movies with parental
guidance.
● It also empowers the Central Board of Film
Certification (CBFC) to give separate
certificates for a film’s exhibition on television or
other media.
● Background
○ The Cinematograph Act, 1952 needed to be
amended due to several reasons — to improve
the procedure for licensing films for public
exhibition by the CBFC; and to expand the scope
of categorisations for certification.
○ The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2019
was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on February
12, 2019, proposing changes related only to film
piracy.
○ This Bill was referred to the Standing Committee
on Information Technology, which presented its
report in March 2020.
○ The revised Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill,
2021 was released on June 18, 2021, seeking
public comments.
○ In 2022, consultations with industry stakeholders
were held, based on which the Ministry
introduced the 2023 Bill.
● About Cinematograph Act, 1952
○ It was enacted by the Parliament to ensure that
films are shown in accordance with the limits of
tolerance of society.
○ The Act establishes the Central Board of Film
Certification (CBFC, or the censor board) to
certify films.
○ Under the Act, the Board scrutinizes the films
following the procedure laid down in the Act and
can either reject or grant a certificate, valid for
ten years.
○ The Act authorizes the police to perform search
and seizure actions if the film is being exhibited
in contravention of any of the provisions of the
Act.
Enforcement Directorate (ED)
● The Supreme Court on 27 July 2023 allowed
Sanjay Kumar Mishra to continue as the
director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) till
Compilation June-July-August 2023

September 15, instead of the earlier July 31
deadline.
● About Enforcement Directorate (ED)
○ ED is a law enforcement agency and
economic intelligence agency responsible for
enforcing economic laws and fighting economic
crime in India.
○ On 1st May 1956, an ‘Enforcement Unit’ was
formed, in the Department of Economic Affairs,
for handling Exchange Control Laws violations
under Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947.
■ In the year 1957, this Unit was renamed as
‘Enforcement Directorate’
○ Functions
■ It enforces the following two laws
● Foreign Exchange Management Act,1999
(FEMA)
● Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
(PMLA).
○ Parent Ministry
■ It is part of the Department of Revenue,
Ministry of Finance, Government Of India.
○ Composition
■ It is headed by the Director of Enforcement,
who is an IRS officer (Indian Revenue Service).
○ Headquarter
■ New Delhi
■ It has many regional offices all over the country.
Railway Protection Force (RPF)
● Recently, a constable of the Railway Protection
Force (RPF) allegedly shot and killed four
people on board the Mumbai-bound 12956
Jaipur-Mumbai Superfast Express on July 31
morning.
● About Railway Protection Force (RPF)
○ The RPF is an armed force under the operational
and administrative control of the Union Ministry
of Railways.
○ It is tasked with protecting and securing
railway property, the passenger areas, and
the passengers themselves.
○ RPF was established as a result of The Railway
Protection Force Act, 1957.
○ The Act was enacted by Parliament with the
purpose of creating and regulating an armed
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force of the Union for the better protection and
security of railway property.
○ The RPF is headed by a director-general.
○ The force is more than 74,000 strong, and
“distributed over the entire length and breadth of
the country”.
○ Its area of operation is massive, and its
responsibilities huge.
○ Government Railway Police (GRP)
■ The GRP is a part of the district police force,
reporting to the state government.
■ It works alongside the RPF, and should, under
ideal circumstances, complement and
strengthen its operations.
Money Bills vs Finance Bills
● Recently, parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad
Joshi informed that the Digital Personal Data
Protection (DPDP) Bill is a normal Bill and not a
Money bill.
● Earlier, it was reported that the Bill was being
introduced under Article 117 of the Constitution,
which deals with special provisions for Finance
Bills.
● Finance Bill
○ In a general sense, any Bill that relates to
revenue or expenditure is a Financial Bill.
○ A Money Bill is also a specific type of Finance
Bill, that must deal only with matters specified in
Article 110 (1) (a) to (g).
○ More specifically, Article 117 of the Constitution
deals with the special provisions relating to
Financial Bills.
■ Article 117 (1) indicates that a Bill that makes
provision for any of the matters specified in
clauses (a) to (f) of Article 110 (1) can be
introduced or moved only on the President’s
recommendation and cannot be introduced in
the Rajya Sabha.
■ Examples of this first category of Financial Bills
are Money Bills and other Financial Bills
originating solely in the Lok Sabha.
○ The second category of Finance Bills is dealt
with under Article 117 (3) of the Constitution.
■ Such Bills are more like ordinary Bills.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

■ The difference between this kind of Financial Bill
and an ordinary Bill is that if the former is
enacted, it will involve expenditure from the
Consolidated Fund of India and cannot be
passed by either House unless the President
has recommended its consideration.
■ In all other respects, such Financial Bills are just
like ordinary Bills, and can even be introduced in
the Rajya Sabha, amended by it, or be subjected
to deliberation by both Houses in a joint sitting.
■ A Financial Bill becomes a Money Bill when it
exclusively falls under one of the seven heads
listed under Article 110(1), which defines Money
Bills.
■ Moreover, a Money Bill is a Financial Bill that is
certified by the Speaker.
○ Passing Money Bill in Parliament
■ Rajya Sabha's role in passing Money Bills is
limited.
■ Money Bills can only originate in the Lok Sabha
(Lower House).
■ Once passed by the Lok Sabha, Money Bills are
sent to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) for
recommendations.
■ The Rajya Sabha must submit its non-binding
recommendations within 14 days.
■ If the Lok Sabha rejects the recommendations,
the Bill is considered passed by both Houses in
the form it was passed by the Lok Sabha, without
the Rajya Sabha's recommendations.
Offshore Areas Minerals
(Development and Regulation)
Amendment Bill, 2023
● The Lok Sabha recently passed the Offshore
Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation)
Amendment Bill, 2023.
● The Bill amends the Offshore Areas Mineral
(Development and Regulation) Act, 2002.
● It regulates mining in maritime zones of India.
● Key Highlights of the Bill include:
○ Allowing the government to reserve offshore
areas without operating rights.
○ Granting composite license or production lease
to the government or government companies.
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○ Removing the provision for lease renewal and
introducing a fixed fifty-year period for
production lease, similar to the Mines and
Minerals Act, 1957.
○ Mandating auction by competitive bidding for
granting production lease to the private sector.
○ Providing operating rights without bidding to the
government, government companies, or
corporations in reserved mineral-bearing areas.
○ Allowing exploration or production licenses for
atomic minerals only to the government or
government corporations.
○ Introducing a four-year timeline for production
and dispatch after obtaining a license or lease,
and a two-year (extendable by one year) timeline
for re-commencement after discontinuation.
○ Empowering the central government to frame
rules for mineral conservation, systematic
development, and environmental protection
during exploration or production operations.
Ayush Visa
● Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a
notification about introducing a new category of
Ayush visa for foreign nationals seeking
treatment under Ayush systems or Indian
systems of medicine.
● The Ayush Visa is specifically designed for
foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in
India through traditional Indian systems of
medicine.
● It caters to those interested in Ayurveda, Yoga,
and other traditional forms of therapeutic care
and wellness.
● A new chapter, Chapter 11A, Ayush Visa, has
been added to the Visa Manual to facilitate
treatment under Indian systems of medicine.
● The Ayush Visa is part of India's Heal in India
initiative, which aims to provide integrated and
holistic treatment to people worldwide, offering
access to world-class, affordable, and quality
healthcare services.
Privilege Motion
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● Rajya Sabha Chairman referred complaints
related to the privilege of the House against
TMC’s and AAP’s political party persons to the
privileges committee on August 3.
● This comes amid differences between the ruling
party and some opposition parties that have
plagued the ongoing Monsoon Session of its
sittings.
● About Parliamentary Privileges
○ Members of parliament are granted privileges or
advantages under Articles 105 so that they can
carry out their responsibilities and functions
without impediment.
○ Article 194 deals with the powers, privileges and
immunities of the State Legislatures, their
Members and their committees.
○ Members of Parliament are exempted from any
legal action for any statement made or act done
in the course of their duties.
■ For example, a defamation suit cannot be filed
for a statement made in the House.
○ This immunity extends to certain non-
members as well, such as the Attorney
General for India or a Minister who may not
be a member but speaks in the House.
○ Parliament has not made any special law to
exhaustively codify all the privileges.
● Privilege Motion
○ If there is a belief that such a privilege has been
breached, a motion can be raised by any
member.
○ It can be admitted by the Chairman. They can
then refer it to the Privileges Committee.
○ The Chairman can, from time to time, nominate
such a Committee, consisting of ten members.
○ It will also have a Chairman appointed by the
Rajya Sabha Chairman.
○ Similar provisions exist in Lok Sabha with the
Speaker having the power to make such
decisions.
○ The Speaker/RS chairperson is the first level of
scrutiny of a privilege motion.
○ Therefore, the Speaker/Chair can decide on the
privilege motion himself or herself or refer it to
the privileges committee of Parliament.
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Jharkhand’s New Anti-Cheating Bill
● The Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, on August
3, passed the Jharkhand Competitive
Examination (Measure for Control and
Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment)
Bill, 2023.
● Objective
○ To crack down on use of unfair means and
irregularities in examinations and plug incidents
of question paper ‘leaks’.
● Punishment
○ The Bill proposes up to three years in jail and a
fine for examinees caught cheating or aiding
others to cheat.
○ Repeat offenders could face up to seven years
in jail.
○ Those involved in the examination process, like
printing question papers or examination
authority employees, could be sentenced to life
imprisonment and fined up to Rs 10 crore.
● Other States to have Passed Similar Laws
○ Uttarakhand and Rajasthan passed laws similar
to Jharkhand's through an ordinance and last
year, respectively.
○ The provisions in these laws are largely similar,
except for the punishment aspect.
○ In Jharkhand, second-time offender examinees
could face seven years in jail.
○ In Uttarakhand, the jail time is 10 years, but
Rajasthan's law lacks clarity on this matter.
Disqualification of an MP Convicted
for an Offence
● Recently, The Supreme Court on August 4
stayed Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in a
defamation case by a Gujarat court in which he
has been sentenced to two years in prison.
● The grant of stay by the SC essentially means
that Rahul’s conviction will be kept in abeyance
— as though it did not exist.
● As a result, the grounds for his disqualification
from Parliament are no longer valid.
● The disqualification is nullified for now, and it will
remain on hold until the appeal process in the
Surat Sessions court concludes.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● The Disqualification of an MP Convicted for
an Offence
○ The disqualification of an MP convicted for an
offence can happen in two instances.
○ First, if the offence for which he is convicted is
listed in Section 8(1) of the Representation of
the People Act of 1951.
○ This includes offences such as
■ Section 153A- Offence of promoting enmity
between different groups on ground of religion,
race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.,
and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of
harmony or
■ Section 171E- Offence of bribery or
■ Section 171F- Offence of undue influence or
personation at an election and a few others.
○ Second, if the lawmaker is convicted for any
other offence but is sentenced for a period of
two years or more.
○ Section 8(3) of the RPA mandates that an MP
can be disqualified if convicted and sentenced to
not less than 2 years of imprisonment.
○ However, the section also states that the
disqualification takes effect only “after three
months have elapsed” from the date of
conviction.
○ Within that period, a convicted MP can file an
appeal against the sentence before the High
Court.
Eighth Schedule of Indian
Constitution
● Recently, the Supreme Court observed that
although there are at least 22 official languages
in the country, Hindi is “the national language”.
● More than 100 languages and 270 mother
tongues are spoken across the country.
● However, the Constitution does not list any one
language as India’s “national language”.
● Status of Hindi
○ Clause 1 of Article 343 (“Official language of
the Union”) says
■ The official language of the Union shall be Hindi
in Devanagari script”, and
■ The form of numerals to be used for the official
purposes of the Union shall be the international
form of Indian numerals.
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○ Article 351 ("Directive for development of the
Hindi language")
■ It mandates the Union to promote the spread
and development of Hindi.
■ The goal is to make Hindi a medium of
expression for all elements of India's composite
culture.
● Status of English
○ English and Hindi are the two official languages
of the central government.
○ Article 343(2) states that English will be used for
official purposes for fifteen years from the
commencement of the Constitution (effective
from January 26, 1950).
○ Article 343(3) empowers Parliament to pass a
law after the fifteen-year period to specify the
use of English or Devanagari numerals for
certain purposes.
○ On January 26, 1965, the Official Languages
Act, 1963's Section 3 came into effect, allowing
the continued use of English for official purposes
and in Parliament beyond the initial 15-year
period.
● Eighth Schedule
○ The Eighth Schedule to the constitution of India
lists the official languages of India.
○ The eighth schedule recognises a total of 22
languages as the official languages.
○ While 14 of these languages were included in
the constitution at first, the rest of the languages
were added to the constitution through
subsequent amendments.
○ Languages in 8th Schedule
■ Manipuri, Maithili, Kashmiri, Hindi, Kannada,
Gujarati, Konkani, Malayalam, Assamese,
Marathi, Nepali, Bengali, Punjabi, Sanskrit,
Sindhi, Telugu, Tamil, Odia, Urdu, Bodo, Dogri,
and Santhali.
■ English is absent from the list of 22 in the Eighth
Schedule.
The Digital Personal Data Protection
Bill, 2023
● Recently, the Digital Personal Data Protection
Bill, 2023 was passed in Lok Sabha by a voice
vote.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● India's second attempt at privacy legislation
follows several past versions of data protection
laws that were deliberated upon and set aside by
the government.
○ It was initially introduced in Parliament on
December 11, 2019.
● The next step involves the Bill's passage through
the Rajya Sabha for it to become a law.
● Key Highlights of the Bill
○ Data Security
■ Entities dealing with user data are required to
ensure the protection of personal data, even if it
is stored with third-party data processors.
○ Data Breach Notification
■ In the event of a data breach, companies are
mandated to promptly inform the Data
Protection Board (DPB) and affected users.
○ Special Provisions for Children and
Physically Disabled Persons
■ Processing data of minors and individuals with
guardians must be done only with the consent of
guardians.
○ Appointment of Data Protection Officer
(DPO)
■ Firms are required to appoint a Data Protection
Officer and share their contact details with users.
○ Government Authority over Data Transfer
■ The bill empowers the central government to
regulate the transfer of personal data to foreign
countries or territories beyond India.
○ Appeals Mechanism
■ Appeals against DPB decisions will be
adjudicated by the Telecom Disputes
Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.
○ DPB's Authority
■ The DPB has the authority to summon and
examine individuals under oath, inspect
documents of companies handling personal
data, and recommend blocking access to
intermediaries that repeatedly breach the bill's
provisions.
○ Penalties
■ The DPB will assess penalties based on the
nature and severity of the breach, with potential
fines of up to Rs 250 crore for instances of data
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breaches, failure to protect personal data, or
failure to inform the DPB and users of a breach.
Emblems and Names (Prevention of
Improper Use) Act, 1950
● Delhi High Court has sought responses from the
Centre, the Election Commission of India (ECI),
and an alliance of 26 opposition parties in a
public interest litigation (PIL) against these
parties’ use of the acronym I.N.D.I.A. (Indian
National Developmental Inclusive Alliance).
● The PIL has contended that the use of the
acronym violates provisions of The Emblems
and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act,
1950.
● About the 1950 Act
○ The Act was passed on March 1, 1950, to
“prevent the improper use of certain emblems
and names for professional and commercial
purposes”.
○ Section 2 of the Act defines emblem as “any
emblem, seal, flag, insignia, coat-of-arms, or
pictorial representation specified in the
Schedule”.
○ “Name” includes “any abbreviation of a name”.
○ Section 3 of the Act prohibits the “improper use
of certain emblems and names”.
○ Section 4 prohibits the registration of certain
companies by a “competent authority” if it bears
a title containing “any name or emblem” in
contravention of Section 3.
○ If any question arises before such an authority
as to whether any emblem falls under the ones
specified in the Schedule, the authority may refer
the question to the Centre, following which the
latter’s decision will be final.
○ Besides this, the Centre’s power has been
extended to amending the Act’s Schedule under
Section 8.
○ Currently, it forbids the misuse of the names,
symbols, and seals of entities like the Indian
government, World Health Organisation, and
United Nations.
○ This extends to the national flag, Prime Minister,
President, Governor, and historical figures like
Gandhi and Nehru.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

Select Committee
● After at least four MPs complained that their
names had been included in a proposed Select
Committee for the Delhi Services Bill without
their consent, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman
recently announced a probe.
● Select Committee
○ India’s Parliament has several types of
committees which discharge different functions.
○ There are 12 Standing Committees that are
permanent in nature, with their members
nominated from time to time by the Chairman.
○ There are ad hoc or temporary committees,
which are set up for a specific purpose, such as
examining a particular Bill, and are dissolved
once that purpose has been served.
○ A Select Committee belongs to this category.
However, while it is temporary in nature, the
procedure it is to follow is laid down in the Rules
of Procedure.
○ Under Rule 125 of the Rajya Sabha Rules and
Procedures, any member may move an
amendment that a Bill be referred to a Select
Committee.
○ The motion to refer a Bill to a Select Committee
can either be moved by the member in-charge of
the Bill, or by any other MP.
○ Members
■ The members of the Select Committee on a Bill
are appointed by the House when the motion
that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee is
made.
■ No member is appointed to a Select Committee
if he is not willing to serve on the Committee.
■ The mover has to ascertain whether the member
proposed by him is willing to serve on the
Committee.
■ The actual number of membership of the
Select Committee is not fixed; it varies from
Committee to Committee.
● If it is a Joint Committee, the proportion of
members from the Rajya Sabha and the Lok
Sabha is 1:2.
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■ The Chairman of the Committee is appointed by
the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from among
the members of the Committee.
○ Functions
■ Committee reviews Bill text clause by clause.
■ Ensures clear reflection of intent and objectives.
■ Committee report is recommendatory only.
○ Working
■ Quorum: One-third of total committee members
■ Equality of votes: Chairman/presiding person
has second/casting vote
The Inter-Services Organisation
(Command, Control & Discipline) Bill
– 2023
● Recently, the Inter-Services Organisation
(Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023 was
introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
● It was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 4.
● A parliamentary panel had recently
recommended that the Bill be passed without
any amendments.
● Provisions of the Bill
○ The bill seeks to empower Commander-in-Chief
and Officer-in Command of Inter-Services
Organisations with all disciplinary and
administrative powers so that they take
decisions related to personnel serving in or
attached to such organizations.
○ At present, all Army, Navy and IAF personnel are
governed by their service-specific acts.
○ Service members in Inter-Services Orgs follow
their own Service Acts. Upcoming bill empowers
Org heads with disciplinary and administrative
powers aligned with service acts, and related
rules and regulations regardless of affiliation.
○ It also empowers the central government to
constitute an Inter-Services Organisation, thus
paving the way for the creation of integrated
theater commands — a major military reform on
cards.
○ The bill will aid better coordination among the
defence forces, and bring about better jointness
and integration within the military.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

The Process to Rename a State in
India
● Recently, the Kerala Assembly passed a
resolution urging the Centre to rename the state
as “Keralam” in the Constitution and all office
records.
● Mechanism to Rename a State in India
○ Unlike in the case of renaming cities, to change
the name of a state, approval from the Centre’s
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is required.
○ This means that a Constitutional amendment
becomes necessary to affect this change.
○ The proposal has to first come from the state
government.
○ The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) then
takes over and gives its consent after it receives
No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from several
agencies such as the Ministry of Railways,
Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts,
Survey of India and Registrar General of India.
○ If the proposal is accepted, the resolution,
introduced as a Bill in the Parliament, becomes
a law and the name of the state is changed
thereafter.
● Formation of Kerala
○ Princely states merger formed Kerala post-
Independence.
○ July 1, 1949: Travancore and Kochi integrated
as Travancore-Cochin State.
○ State Reorganisation Commission
recommended Kerala creation
○ The Commission under Syed Fazl Ali suggested
Malabar district and Kasargod taluk inclusion.
■ It also recommended the exclusion of the four
Southern taluks of Travancore viz Tovala,
Agastheeswaram, Kalkulam and Vilayankode
together with some parts of Shenkottai (all these
taluks now part of Tamil Nadu).
○ Kerala established on November 1, 1956
○ In Malayalam, the state was referred to as
Keralam, while in English it was Kerala.
National Pharmaceutical Pricing
Authority (NPPA)
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● Drug price regulator National Pharmaceutical
Pricing Authority (NPPA) recently fixed the retail
prices of 44 new drug formulations.
● About National Pharmaceutical Pricing
Authority (NPPA)
○ Set up in 1997
○ It is an attached office of the Department of
Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals
and Fertilizers .
○ Functions
■ To implement and enforce the provisions of
the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO),
1995/2013 in accordance with the powers
delegated to it.
■ To undertake and/or sponsor relevant studies in
respect of pricing of drugs/formulations.
■ To monitor the availability of drugs, identify
shortages, if any, and to take remedial steps.
■ To collect/maintain data on production, exports
and imports, market share of individual
companies, profitability of companies etc. for
bulk drugs and formulations.
■ To deal with all legal matters arising out of the
decisions of the Authority.
■ To render advice to the Central Government
on changes/revisions in the drug policy.
■ To render assistance to the Central
Government in the parliamentary matters
relating to the drug pricing.
Centre’s new Bill on Election
Commission members’ appointments
● Recently, in a controversial move, the Union
government introduced a Bill removing the Chief
Justice of India (CJI) from a panel to select the
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and
Election Commissioners (EC).
● Instead of the CJI, the three-member panel
would now consist of a Cabinet Minister besides
the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and
the Prime Minister who would head it.
● Constitutional Provision
○ Article 324(2)
■ It is stated that the Election Commission will be
composed of the Chief Election Commissioner
Compilation June-July-August 2023

and additional Election Commissioners as
determined by the President.
■ The appointment of these officials, subject to any
relevant laws enacted by Parliament, is the
responsibility of the President.
● However, since there was no law made by
Parliament as prescribed by the Constitution, the
Court stepped in to fill the “constitutional
vacuum.”
○ On March 2, a five-judge bench of the Supreme
Court unanimously ruled that a high-power
committee consisting of the Prime Minister,
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and the
Chief Justice of India must pick the CEC and
ECs.
○ The Bill now seeks to address this vacuum and
set up a legislative process to make
appointments to the EC.
● CEC and EC
○ Though the Chief Election Commissioner is the
chairman of the election commission, his
powers are equal to the other election
commissioners.
○ All the matters in the commission are decided
by the majority amongst its members.
○ The Chief Election Commissioner and the two
other election commissioners receive equal
salary, allowances and other benefits.
○ They enjoy the same status and receive salary
and perks as available to Judges of the
Supreme Court of India.
● Removal
○ The CEC can be removed from office only
through a process of removal similar to that of
a Supreme Court Judge by Parliament.
○ The President of India can remove the other
officers on the Chief Commissioner's
recommendation.
Overhauling India’s Criminal Justice
System
● Recently, the Union Home Minister introduced
three bills in the Lok Sabha earlier on August 11,
aimed at reforming India’s criminal justice
system.
● These are
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○ The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanita Bill, 2023;
○ The Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill,
2023; and
○ The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023.
● These proposed laws are set to replace India’s
colonial era laws that govern the country’s
criminal justice system, namely
○ The Indian Penal Code, 1860;
○ Criminal Procedure Code, 1898; and
○ Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
● The bills have been referred to a Parliamentary
Standing Committee. The committee will go over
and discuss the bills, clause by clause.
● After it has sufficiently deliberated on the Bills,
the Committee will deliver a comprehensive
report to the government and provide
recommendations.
● These recommendations are not binding.
● The bills cannot be discussed in Parliament as
long as they are with the committee.
Proposed Sedition Law
● Recently, while introducing new bills on the
criminal justice system of India the union home
minister said that the law on sedition has been
repealed.
● However, upon closer inspection, one can see
that the crucial provision is only introduced under
a new name with a wider definition of the
offense.
● The Bill, among other things, seeks to reinvent
Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code that
criminalizes sedition as an offense “endangering
sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
● Proposed Sedition Law
○ Section 150 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Bill, 2023 deals with the offense of sedition.
○ However, it does not use the word sedition but
describes the offense as “endangering
sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
○ Offense of Incitement and Subversion:
■ Prohibits intentional actions, whether spoken,
written, or electronic.
■ Aims to incite secession, armed rebellion, or
subversive activities.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

■ Encouraging separatist sentiments or
endangering India's sovereignty.
■ Involves using financial means or other
methods.
■ Penalties:
● Imprisonment for life or up to seven years.
● Fine is applicable.
○ The Current Law on Sedition
■ Under Section 124A of IPC, the offense of
sedition is committed when any person by
words or otherwise brings or attempts to
bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or
attempts to excite disaffection towards the
government established by law.
● Sedition is a cognisable, non-bailable and
non-compoundable offenses under the law.
● It entails life imprisonment as maximum
punishment, with or without a fine.
● A person charged under this law can't apply for
a government job.
● They have to live without their passport and
must present themselves in the court as and
when required.
■ It was drafted by Thomas Babington
Macaulay and included in the IPC in 1870.
Indian Penal Code (IPC)
● Recently, Union Home Minister tabled three bills
in the Lok Sabha – the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Bill, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill,
and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill – which would
replace the colonial era Indian Penal Code
(IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and
the Indian Evidence Act respectively.
● About IPC
○ The Indian Penal Code (IPC) originated during
British colonial rule in 1860.
○ It was based on recommendations from the
inaugural Law Commission of India.
○ It was established in 1834 under the Charter Act
of 1833 and overseen by Thomas Babington
Macaulay.
○ The code became enforceable on January 1,
1862, encompassing the entirety of British India
at the time, except for princely states.
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○ Following Independence, India's government
adopted the IPC as the nation's criminal code.
○ This all-encompassing code is applicable to all
Indian citizens and addresses the complete
spectrum of criminal law.
○ Post-independence, the IPC has undergone
multiple revisions and has been expanded to
incorporate additional criminal statutes.
○ The code is categorized into 23 sections,
housing a total of 511 segments.
○ It is a comprehensive legal framework that
encompasses all fundamental aspects of
criminal law.
○ Fundamental laws pertain to the definition of civil
law rights and obligations, along with delineating
criminal acts and their corresponding penalties.
■ For instance, within Substantive Criminal Law,
the parameters of offenses such as 'Robbery,'
'Assault,' 'Murder,' and others are outlined.
○ This code establishes the essential traits of
crimes and stipulates the repercussions for their
commission.
○ Each violation is meticulously defined within it,
incorporating all necessary components that
constitute the offense.
○ In this manner, the IPC stands as the statute that
characterizes punishable transgressions, in
addition to specifying their penalties or punitive
measures, or both.
○ It is applicable to every Indian citizen or
individuals of Indian descent.
Preventive Detention
● The Kerala High Court has underscored that the
power of preventive detention can only be
invoked in cases where an individual’s activities
pose a threat to public order or are detrimental
to society.
● Such measures cannot be utilised as a punitive
action or as a substitute for a criminal trial.
● About Preventive Detention
○ Preventive detention means to detain a person
so that to prevent that person from commenting
on any possible crime.
○ In other words preventive detention is an action
taken by the administration on the grounds of the
Compilation June-July-August 2023

suspicion that some wrong actions may be done
by the person concerned which will be prejudicial
to the state.
○ There are 2 types of Detention
■ Preventive Detention
■ Punitive Detention
○ Constitutional Provisions
■ The Article 22 of the Indian Constitution provides
safeguards against the misuse of police powers
to make arrests and detentions.
■ Article 22(2)
● Anyone arrested and held in custody must be
brought before the nearest magistrate within 24
hours of arrest, excluding travel time.
● Detention beyond this period requires
magistrate authorization.
■ Article 22(4)
● Detention beyond 3 months requires approval
from High Court judges or an Advisory Board.
● An Advisory Board must present a valid reason
for the extended detention. Extended detention
must follow the provisions of a parliamentary
law.
● The 44th Amendment Act (1978) reduced the
advisory board opinion period to 2 months, but it
hasn't been enforced, so the original 3-month
period remains.
■ Article 22 (5)
● Detained persons must be informed of the
reasons for their detention.
● They should be given a chance to present their
case against the detention.
■ Entry 9 of List I ( the Union List)
● Only Parliament can create a law for preventive
detention related to defense, foreign affairs, or
India's security.
■ Entry 3 of List III (‘Concurrent List’)
● Both Parliament and State Legislature can pass
laws for preventive detention concerning public
order or essential community services.
■ Legal Provision
● Section 151 of CrPC allows preventive detention
based on suspicion of potential wrongdoing.
● Police can arrest without a Magistrate's order or
warrant if they have information about a possible
offense by an individual.
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○ Arrest
■ An ‘arrest’ is done when a person is charged with
a crime. An arrested person is produced before
a magistrate within the next 24 hours.
Cauvery Water Sharing Issue
● Recently, the Tamil Nadu government
appealed to the Supreme Court for intervention
in the water dispute.
● Requesting Karnataka to release 24,000 cusecs
of water per second.
● Aim is to ensure water availability at Biligundlu
on the inter-State border for the month.
● Also seeks the Supreme Court's directive for
Karnataka to release 36.76 TMC of water in
September 2023.
● This request is in line with the Cauvery Water
Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award of February
2007, modified by SC in 2018.
● Water Sharing Mechanisms
○ Karnataka follows a monthly schedule to release
water to Tamil Nadu, the lower riparian State in
the Cauvery basin.
○ The schedule mandates Karnataka to provide
177.25 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu annually.
○ Of this, 123.14 TMC should be released during
the southwest monsoon season (June to
September).
○ The monsoon's unpredictability often
exacerbates the Cauvery water issue.
○ In 2018, the Supreme Court's verdict on the
CWDT's 2007 award led to the establishment of
Cauvery Water Management Authority
(CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation
Committee (CWRC).
○ These bodies oversee the judgment's
implementation and conduct regular meetings to
assess the situation.
● About Cauvery River
○ Designation: The Cauvery River (Kaveri) is
designated as the ‘Dakshin Bharat ki Ganga’ or
‘the Ganga of the South’.
○ Source: The Cauvery River rises at an elevation
of 1,341 m at Talakaveri on the Brahmagiri range
near Cherangala village of Kodagu (Coorg)
Compilation June-July-August 2023

district of Karnataka. The total length of the river
from origin to an outfall is 800 km.
○ Flow: It flows through the states of Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu.
○ Basin:Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and
Union Territory of Puducherry
○ Tributaries:
■ Left Bank: the Harangi, the Hemavati, the
Shimsha, and the Arkavati.
■ Right Bank: Lakshmantirtha, the Kabbani, the
Suvarnavati, the Bhavani, the Noyil, and the
Amaravati.
○ Destinations: The Cauvery River eventually
empties into the Bay of Bengal, creating a delta
region known for its rich agricultural activities
and biodiversity.
○ Disputes: The sharing of Cauvery waters
between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has led to
disputes, legal battles, and the establishment of
management authorities.
National Company Law Tribunal
(NCLT)
● The draft guidelines aimed at mitigating delays
at the National Company Law Tribunal are
currently being finalized by the Ministry of
Corporate Affairs (MCA).
● About NCLT
○ It is a successor body to the Company Law
Board.
○ It is a quasi-judicial body in India that
adjudicates issues relating to companies in
India.
○ Established on 1st June, 2016 (Companies
Act, 2013).
○ Formed based on the recommendations of the
Justice Eradi Committee.
○ It deals with matters mainly related to
companies law and the insolvency law.
○ Term of members: Appointments will be for five
years from the date of assumption of charge or
till attaining the age of 65 or until further orders.
○ Powers of NCLT, 2013
■ Revival of Sick companies
■ Winding up of Companies
■ Power of High Court in the matters of mergers,
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demergers, amalgamations, winding up, etc.
■ Power to Review its own orders
○ Decisions taken by the NCLT can be appealed
to the National Company Law Appellate
Tribunal (NCLAT).
○ The decisions of the NCLAT can be appealed to
the Supreme Court on a point of law.
Economy
Lightweight’ Payments System
● In a recent development, the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) introduced the conceptualization of a
'lightweight' payments system.
● Features
○ This system functions independently of existing
payment technologies like UPI (Unified Payment
Interface), NEFT (National Electronic Funds
Transfer), and RTGS (Real-Time Gross
Settlement).
○ It is operable from any location.
○ Minimal personnel are required during
emergency situations.
○ The system is designed to process critical
transactions, such as bulk payments and
interbank payments, in extreme and volatile
circumstances.
○ Its operational hardware and software are
simplified to the essentials.
○ Activation occurs only when necessary.
● Comparison with UPI (Unified Payment
Interface):
○ UPI and conventional systems prioritize
handling substantial transaction volumes,
necessitating a stable and robust infrastructure.
○ Conversely, the lightweight system is
engineered to operate effectively in tumultuous
and extreme scenarios where regular payment
systems might be inaccessible.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending
● Following the realms of digital payments and
digital lending, the Reserve Bank of India is now
closely examining platforms that enable direct,
Compilation June-July-August 2023

person-to-person (P2P) lending among
individuals.
● About P2P Lending
○ Facilitated through a website, the process
connects borrowers and lenders directly.
○ Individuals willing to lend money create an
account on a P2P platform as lenders, while
those in need of a loan register themselves as
borrowers.
○ This approach empowers individuals to secure
loans directly from fellow individuals, eliminating
financial institutions as intermediaries.
○ In 2017, the Reserve Bank of India subjected
this service to its regulatory oversight.
○ Only a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)
can register as a P2P lender with approval from
the RBI.
○ Each P2P lender is required to obtain a
registration certificate from the RBI.
○ A minimum capital requirement of Rs. 2 Crores
is established for establishing a P2P platform.
Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI)
● Recently, a committee set up to review the
Customer Service Standards in RBI Regulated
Entities has recommended that the central bank
should examine the extension of Deposit
Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation
(DICGC) cover to PPI.
● About PPI
○ Prepaid payment instruments (PPI) include
online wallets (like Paytm Wallet, Amazon Pay
Wallet, PhonePe Wallet, etc.) and preloaded gift
cards.
○ These are tools that enable the acquisition of
goods and services, the provision of financial
services, and the facilitation of remittance
services, among other functions, utilizing the
funds stored within them.
○ Two variations of PPIs exist – minor PPIs and
full-KYC (know your customer) PPIs.
○ Furthermore, minor PPIs are segmented into two
categories –
■ PPIs with a limit of up to Rs 10,000 (with the
ability to load cash) and PPIs with a limit of up to
Rs 10,000 (without the option to load cash).
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○ Loading or reloading PPIs can be accomplished
through cash, debiting a bank account, or using
credit and debit cards.
○ The cash loading of PPIs is capped at Rs 50,000
per month, subject to the overall PPI limit.
○ PPIs can be issued by banks and non-banks
after obtaining approval from the RBI.
Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority (PFRDA)
● The Chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory
and Development Authority (PFRDA) has
recently announced the development of a
pension scheme that guarantees a minimum
rate of returns.
● This forthcoming scheme from PFRDA might
involve increased premium payments to achieve
higher returns.
● About PFRDA
○ Pension Fund Regulatory and Development
Authority (PFRDA) is the regulatory body for
overall supervision and regulation of
pensions in India.
○ It operates under the jurisdiction of Ministry of
Finance in the Government of India.
○ It was established in 2003 based on the
recommendations of the Indian government
OASIS (Old age social and income security),
report and was part of the establishment of the
Indian National Pension Scheme.
○ Headquarters- New Delhi, India
○ Functions
■ It is a Central autonomous body and is a quasi-
government organisation.
■ It has executive, legislative and judicial powers
similar to other financial sector regulators in
India such as RBI, SEBI, IRDA, IBBI.
■ PFRDA administers and regulates the National
Pension System (NPS) and also administers
Atal Pension Yojana.
Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)
● In a recent development, the Securities
Appellate Tribunal (SAT) overturned a decision
by SEBI in which the regulatory body had
Compilation June-July-August 2023

previously revoked the license of Brickwork
Ratings, a credit rating agency.
● About SAT
○ Origin and Nature:
■ Established as a statutory entity in accordance
with the SEBI Act of 1992.
■ Operating with a single bench.
■ Jurisdiction extends across the entirety of India.
○ Composition of SAT:
■ Comprises a Presiding Officer and two additional
members.
■ Appointment of the Presiding Officer is
accomplished by the Central Government, in
consultation with the Chief Justice of India or
their representative.
○ Empowered Like a Civil Court:
■ Endowed with powers akin to those of a civil
court.
■ Decisions made by the SAT can be contested
through appeals in the Supreme Court.
○ Key Responsibilities:
■ Hearing and resolution of appeals against
rulings issued by the Securities and Exchange
Board of India (SEBI) or by an adjudicating
authority as outlined in the Act.
■ Exercise of jurisdiction, authority, and powers
conferred upon it by the Act or other prevailing
laws.
■ Adjudication of appeals against orders issued by
the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development
Authority (PFRDA).
SCORES Platform
● During the month of May, the SCORES platform
of SEBI successfully addressed and resolved
2,457 complaints involving companies and
market intermediaries.
● About SCORES Platform
○ SCORES is an online platform designed to help
investors to lodge their complaints, pertaining to
the securities market, online with SEBI against
listed companies and SEBI registered
intermediaries.
○ All complaints received by SEBI against listed
companies and SEBI registered intermediaries
are dealt through SCORES.
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○ Complaints that come under the purview of SEBI
■ Complaints arising out of issues that are covered
under SEBI Act, Securities Contract Regulation
Act, Depositories Act and rules and regulation
made there under and relevant provisions of
Companies Act, 2013.
● About SEBI
○ The Securities and Exchange Board of India is
the regulator body for the securities market in
India (Like RBI for banking industry).
○ It was established in the year 1988 and given
statutory powers on April 12 1992 through the
SEBI Act, 1992.
e-RUPI Vouchers
● The RBI has permitted non-bank Prepaid
Payment Instrument (PPI) issuers to issue e-
RUPI vouchers and enable the issuance of e-
RUPI vouchers on behalf of individuals.
● About
○ e-RUPI is a digital voucher that is received by
the beneficiary on his mobile device in the form
of an SMS or QR code.
○ The voucher is in the form of a pre-paid voucher
which can be redeemed at the centers that
accept it.
○ It is a one-time contactless, cashless voucher-
based mode of payment that can be used by
beneficiaries to redeem it without a card, digital
payments app, or internet banking access.
○ e-RUPI stands differently from the digital
currency that is contemplated by the Reserve
bank of India.
○ The cap on the amount for e-RUPI vouchers
issued by the government has been set at Rs
1,00,000 per voucher.
○ The central bank has also allowed the use of the
e-RUPI voucher multiple times (until the amount
of the voucher is completely redeemed).
○ Advantages
■ The beneficiary need not be required to have a
bank account.
■ As it ensures an easy, contactless two-step
redemption process that doesn’t need sharing of
personal details.
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■ The best part of e-RUPI is it operates on a basic
phone without an internet connection.
Countervailing Duty (CVD)
● The finance ministry is considering a proposal to
impose a countervailing duty on steel imports
from China.
● About Countervailing Duty (CVD)
○ Countervailing duties or CVDs are tariffs on
imported goods.
○ They are imposed to offset subsidies given by
the exporting country's government.
○ CVDs help offset any negative domestic
impacts that producers of the same good might
experience due to foreign competition, who in
this case, would receive a subsidy to export the
same good.
○ The WTO only permits countervailing duties
to be charged after the importing nation has
conducted an in-depth investigation into the
subsidized exports.
Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA)
ratio
● The Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio
of Scheduled Commercial Banks has fallen to
10-year low of 3.9 per cent in March 2023 as per
recent reports.
● NPAs are loans or advances made by a financial
institution, on which both principal or interest
is unpaid for a specified period of time.
● Thus, NPAs are those loans that have ceased
to generate income for the bank.
● A loan becomes an NPA when the principal or
interest payment remains overdue for 90 days.
● Categories
○ Substandard Assets: These are assets that
are not performing for a period less than or equal
to 12 months.
○ Doubtful Assets: These are assets that are not
performing for a period of 12 months or more.
○ Loss Assets: A loss asset is one where loss has
already been identified by the bank or an
external institution, but it is not yet completely
written off, due to its recovery value, however
28
little it may be.
● Gross NPA: Gross NPA (GNPA) denotes the
total of all the loan assets that haven’t been
repaid by the borrowers within the ninety-day
period.
● Net NPA: Net NPA (NNPA) is the amount
remaining after deducting doubtful and unpaid
debts from the GNPA. It is the actual loss
suffered by the bank.
Foxconn withdraws from $19.5 bn
Vedanta chip plan
● Recently, Taiwan’s Foxconn said it had
withdrawn from a joint venture with
conglomerate Vedanta, in a blow to Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s chipmaking plans.
● Feb. 14, 2022: Foxconn partners with Vedanta
to make semiconductors in India in a bid to
diversify its business.
○ Foxconn said it will be “a significant boost to
domestic manufacturing of electronics in India”.
● Sept. 13, 2022: Vedanta and Foxconn signed
pacts to invest $19.5 billion to set up
semiconductor and display production.
○ Gujarat was selected for the facilities.
Total Expense Ratio (TER)
● Recently, the SEBI Board meeting decided to
issue a fresh consultation on the issue of total
expense ratio (TER) for mutual funds.
● TER is a measure of the total costs associated
with managing and operating an investment
fund, such as a mutual fund.
● These costs consist primarily of management
fees and additional expenses, such as trading
fees, legal fees, auditor fees, and other
operational expenses.
● TER is also known as the net expense ratio or
after reimbursement expense ratio.
● Total expense ratio = (Total Fund Costs / Total
Fund Assets)*100.
● It is used by investors to compare the costs of
the scheme with its peers and also in relation to
the returns available from that scheme.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

Windfall Tax
● The Indian government has reimposed a windfall
tax on domestic petroleum crude, effective July
15, according to a government notification.
● A windfall tax is a higher tax rate levied by
governments against certain industries when
economic conditions allow those industries to
experience above-average profits.
● For instance, the energy price-rise as a result
of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
● These are profits that cannot be attributed to
something the firm actively did, like an
investment strategy or an expansion of
business.
● Windfall taxes are reviewed on a fortnightly
basis and are subject to factors such as
international oil prices, exchange rate and
quantity of exports.
● The B.K. Chaturvedi committee’s report on
the Financial Position of Oil Companies
(2008)-
○ It had stated that taxing these windfall gains has
been seen as a prerogative of governments, in
part to meet fiscal needs and in part to pursue
redistributive justice.
AT1 Bonds
● The underwhelming subscription to State Bank
of India’s additional tier-1 (AT-1) bond issue has
dampened market sentiment and is expected to
make fund-raising harder for other PSU banks.
● AT1 bonds are unsecured bonds that have
perpetual tenor.
● In other words, these bonds, issued by banks,
have no maturity date.
● They have a call option, which can be used by
the banks to buy these bonds back from
investors.
● These bonds are typically used by banks to
bolster their core or tier-1 capital.
● AT1 bonds are subordinate to all other debt
and only senior to common equity.
● Mutual funds (MFs) were among the largest
investors in perpetual debt instruments.
● These bonds are also listed and traded on the
exchanges.
29
● Banks issuing AT-1 bonds can skip interest
payouts for a particular year or even reduce the
bonds’ face value.
● In India AT-1 bonds are regulated by the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
○ If the RBI feels that a bank needs a rescue, it can
simply ask the bank to write off its outstanding
AT-1 bonds without consulting its investors.
Sovereign Green Bonds
● Recently, the Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority (PFRDA) Chairman said
the regulator is keen on pension funds investing
in sovereign green bonds (SGBs).
● Sovereign Green Bonds
○ These are bonds issued by any sovereign entity,
inter-governmental groups or alliances and
corporations.
○ The proceeds generated from the issuance of
such bonds will be deployed in public sector
projects which help in reducing the carbon
intensity of the economy.
○ Proceeds will be deposited with the
Consolidated Fund of India.
○ Green Finance Working Committee
constituted to validate key decisions on issuance
of SGB.
● Significance
○ Sovereign green bonds framework will fund
environmentally sustainable projects.
○ It will strengthen India's commitment towards
its Nationally Determined Contribution
(NDCs) targets, adopted under the Paris
Agreement.
○ It will help in attracting global and domestic
investments in eligible green projects.
● Green Bonds
○ Green bonds are financial instruments that
generate funds for investment in
environmentally sustainable and climate-
suitable projects.
○ Also, green bonds command a relatively lower
cost of capital compared to regular bonds.
○ India’s First Green Bond was issued by Yes
Bank Ltd in 2015.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

Universal Postal Union
● The Universal Postal Union will evaluate UPI for
integrating the unified payment interface with
cross-border remittances using a global postal
network.
● Universal Postal Union was established in
1874.
● It is the second oldest international organization
worldwide.
● Headquarters: The Swiss capital Berne
● Functions
○ The primary forum for cooperation between
postal sector players.
○ It helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-
to-date products and services.
○ Fulfills an advisory, mediating and liaison role.
○ Provides technical assistance where needed.
● Member Countries
○ The UPU now has 192 member countries.
○ Eligibility Criterion to be a Member
■ Any member country of the United Nations may
become a member of the UPU.
■ Any non-member country of the United Nations
may become a UPU member provided that its
request is approved by at least two-thirds of the
member countries of the UPU.
● Governance
○ It consists of 4 bodies
○ The Congress- the supreme authority; meets
every four years.
○ The Council of Administration- supervises its
activities and studies regulatory, administrative,
legislative and legal issues.
○ The Postal Operations Council- the technical
and operational mind of the UPU.
○ The International Bureau- provides logistical and
technical support.
T+1 Settlement Cycle
● The securities market regulator has said it is
working on real-time settlement of
transactions in India’s stock exchanges.
● The announcement came after the regulator
shortened the settlement cycle to trade-plus-one
(T+1) from T+2.
30
● Under the T+0 settlement cycle, if investors sell
shares, they will get the money in their account
instantaneously, and the buyers will get the
shares in their demat accounts the same day.
● Settlement
○ ‘Settlement’ is a two-way process that involves
the transfer of funds and securities on the
settlement date.
○ As of now, there is a lag between trade and
settlement — the settlement date is different
from the trade date.
○ A trade settlement is said to be complete once
purchased securities of a listed company are
delivered to the buyer, and the seller gets the
money.
● T+1 Settlement Cycle
○ T+1 means that trade-related settlements
must be done within one day of the
transaction's completion.
○ The migration to the T+1 cycle came into effect
in January this year.
○ For example, if you buy shares on Wednesday,
they will be credited to your Demat account by
the next day, which is Thursday.
■ Till now they were getting settled on Friday.
○ India became the second country to start the
T+1 settlement cycle in top listed securities
after China, bringing operational efficiency,
faster fund remittances, share delivery, and ease
for stock market participants
Foreign Exchange Reserves
● India's foreign exchange reserves saw a dip of
$1.9 billion, dragging the reserves to $607.03 for
the week ending on July 21 as per Reserve Bank
of India's data.
● In October 2021, the country's forex kitty had
reached an all-time high of USD 645 billion.
● About Foreign Exchange Reserves
○ Foreign Exchange Reserves or Forex reserves
are assets such as foreign currencies, gold
reserves, treasury bills, etc retained by a
central bank or other monetary authority.
○ The majority of foreign exchange reserves
are held in US dollars.
○ India's foreign exchange reserves include
Compilation June-July-August 2023

■ Foreign Currency Assets.
■ Gold Reserves.
■ Special Drawing Rights (SDR).
■ Reserve position with the International Monetary
Fund (IMF).
○ Significance
■ Forex reduces the likelihood of balance-of-
payments crises.
■ It helps preserve economic and financial
stability against pressures on exchange rates
and disorderly market conditions, and create
space for policy autonomy.
■ To ensure that RBI has backup funds if their
national currency rapidly devalues or becomes
altogether insolvent.
■ If the value of the Rupee decreases due to an
increase in demand of the foreign currency then
RBI sells the dollar in the Indian money market
so that depreciation of the Indian currency
can be checked.
■ A country with a good stock of forex has a good
image at the international level because the
trading countries can be sure about their
payments.
■ A good forex reserve helps in attracting
foreign trade and earns a good reputation in
trading partners.
UIDAI is Using AI to Tackle Payment
Frauds
● Recently, the Unique Identification Authority
of India (UIDAI), has turned to artificial
intelligence-based systems in a bid to limit the
cases — this includes developing technologies
around fingerprinting and facial recognition.
● The UIDAI has rolled out an in-house Artificial
Intelligence/Machine Learning technology-
based Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image
Record (FMR-FIR) modality which is able to
check the liveness of a fingerprint to detect
the use of a cloned fingerprint during the
authentication process.
● The technology was rolled out in February 2023
and uses a combination of both finger
minutiae and finger image to check the
liveness of the fingerprint captured.
31
● The measure was implemented after instances
of people creating fake fingerprints using silicone
to syphon off money from unsuspecting
individuals’ bank accounts were reported.
● The problem gets compounded on account of
the fact that a large part of the AePS user base
is in rural areas.
● In effect, the AI-based technology is able to
identify whether the fingerprint is from a real, or
‘live’ finger, or a cloned one.
● About UIDAI
○ The UIDAI is a statutory authority established
under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
○ Nodal Ministry- Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology (MeitY).
○ Prior to its establishment as a statutory authority,
UIDAI was functioning as an attached office of
the then Planning Commission (now NITI
Aayog).
○ Under the Aadhaar Act 2016, UIDAI is
responsible for
■ Aadhaar enrolment and authentication, including
operation and management of all stages of
Aadhaar life cycle.
■ Developing the policy, procedure and system for
issuing Aadhaar numbers to individuals and
performing authentication.
○ It is also required to ensure the security of
identity information and authentication records
of individuals.
○ Aadhar
■ Aadhaar is a 12 digit individual identification
number which serves as proof of identity and
proof of address for residents of India.
Infrastructure investment trust (InvIT)
● The Central government is developing a plan to
introduce a new InvIT (Infrastructure Investment
Trust) for national highways, allowing domestic
retail investors to hold units of the trust.
● An Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvITs)
enables direct investment of small amounts of
money from possible individual/institutional
investors in infrastructure to earn a small portion
of the income as return.
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● InvITs work like mutual funds or real estate
investment trusts (REITs) in features.
● InvITs can be treated as the modified version of
REITs designed to suit the specific
circumstances of the infrastructure sector.
● Sebi notified the Sebi (Infrastructure Investment
Trusts) Regulations, 2014 on September 26,
2014, providing for registration and regulation of
InvITs in India.
● InvITs can be established as a trust and
registered with Sebi. An InvIT consists of four
elements: 1) Trustee, 2) Sponsor(s), 3)
Investment Manager and 4) Project Manager.
Sovereign Credit Rating
● Global credit rating agency Fitch has
downgraded US Sovereign rating from AAA to
AA+ citing expected fiscal deterioration over
next three years, a high and growing general
government debt burden and steady
deterioration in governance over the last 20
years.
● Sovereign Credit Rating
○ Credit rating involves evaluating the
creditworthiness of a borrower, which could be
an individual, a company, or a country.
○ Governments issue debt instruments like
government bonds to borrow funds.
○ Creditworthiness refers to the ability of a
government to repay its debt without default.
○ Sovereign credit ratings provide insights into the
risk associated with investing in a country's debt
instruments, including political risks.
○ The three most influential credit rating agencies
are Standard & Poor's, Moody's, and Fitch
Ratings.
○ When evaluating a country's creditworthiness,
agencies consider economic and financial
indicators like economic growth, fiscal policies,
public debt levels, political stability, and external
trade position.
○ Significance
■ A good credit rating helps a country access
funding for development projects in the
international bond market.
32
■ Countries with good credit ratings attract more
foreign direct investment.
■ It influences borrowing costs in global financial
markets, with higher-rated governments able to
borrow at lower interest rates, saving money in
interest payments.
Participatory notes (P-notes)
● Recently, P-note investments touched a 5-yr
high of Rs 1.13 trn at June-end in the country.
● About
○ Participatory notes also called P-Notes are
offshore derivative instruments with Indian
shares as underlying assets.
○ These instruments are used for making
investments in the stock markets. However, they
are not used within the country.
○ They are used outside India for making
investments in shares listed in the Indian stock
market. That is why they are also called offshore
derivative instruments.
○ Participatory notes are issued by brokers and
FIIs registered with SEBI.
○ The investment is made on behalf of these
foreign investors by the already registered
brokers in India.
○ For example, Indian-based brokerages buy
India-based securities and then issue
participatory notes to foreign investors.
○ Any dividends or capital gains collected from the
underlying securities go back to the investors.
Agricultural and Processed Food
Products Export Development
Authority (APEDA)
● The Agricultural and Processed Food Products
Export Development Authority (APEDA) has
effectively managed the export of the first
experimental consignment of fresh
pomegranates to the United States using air
transportation.
● About APEDA
○ It is a government agency established in 1985 as
a result of an act that is the export development
Compilation June-July-August 2023

authority act 1986 for agricultural processed
food products.
○ Nodal Ministry- Ministry of Commerce and
Industry
○ The product listed under the APEDA Act is called
schedule products, and APEDA licensed
exporters of such products are required.
○ It provides guidance, information, financial
support, for the production of scheduled goods.
○ Its goal is to promote the export schedule of
goods, and this body has undertaken these
various functions under central government
regulation.
○ The central government sets the rules and
regulations and implements the effective
administration of the APEDA Act through this
body.
○ It has its headquarters at New Delhi and has set
up five Regional Offices at Mumbai, Bengaluru,
Hyderabad, Kolkata and Guwahati along with 13
virtual offices.
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
● Interest rates in the Indian financial system will
remain unchanged following the decision of the
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
● RBI kept the main policy instrument – the Repo
rate – unchanged at 6.50 per cent.
● MPC has retained the policy stance as
‘withdrawal of accommodation’.
● It has hiked the inflation projection from 5.1 per
cent to 5.4 per cent for FY2024 in the wake of
the high food inflation, signalling that a rate cut
is unlikely in the near future.
● MPC
○ About
■ Under Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act,
1934, the central government is empowered to
constitute a six-member Monetary Policy
Committee (MPC).
■ The first such MPC was constituted on
September 29, 2016.
○ Functions
■ It determines the policy interest rate required
to achieve the inflation target.
33
■ Decisions are taken by majority with the
Governor having the casting vote in case of a
tie.
■ The decision of the Monetary Policy Committee
shall be binding on the Bank.
○ Composition
■ Six members (including the Chairman)-
● RBI Governor as its ex officio chairperson
● The Deputy Governor in charge of monetary
policy
● An officer of the Bank to be nominated by the
Central Board
● Three persons to be appointed by the central
government.
Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited
(CMRL)
● The Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile
Limited allegedly made illegal payments to
politicians, police officers, media houses, trade
unions and others to 'ensure smooth running of
business'.
● About CMRL
○ Established in 1989, CMRL, mainly an export-
oriented unit, commenced commercial
production in 1993.
○ The company is the only listed Indian entity in
the synthetic rutile space.
○ Mineral sand mined from the southern Kerala
coast, containing ilmenite, is its raw material.
○ It manufactures Synthetic Rutile, which is mainly
used in the production of titanium sponge.
○ Another major product is ferric chloride.
■ It is deployed for desalination of seawater for
drinking water, sewage treatment,
manufacturing of iron compound, for treatment
of effluent from textiles, paper mills, refineries
and other industrial units. It is also used in the
pharma industry.
○ Two other products are Ferrous Chloride and
Cemox
■ Ferrous Chloride
● It is used for treatment of effluents in leather
tanneries, textile mills, dying units and
breweries.
■ Cemox
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● It is used in the manufacture of bricks and tiles
to reduce the dependence on natural clay.
● Cemox is used as an additive in cement
industries.
Personal Loans
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 18 August
asked all regulated entities (REs), including
banks and NBFCs, to give personal loan
borrowers an option to switch over from a
floating rate to a fixed rate regime at the time of
resetting interest rate.
● The central bank said the borrowers will also be
given the choice to opt for enhancement in EMI
or elongation of the tenor.
● Personal Loans
○ As per the RBI definition, personal loans are the
loans given to individuals and consist of
consumer credit, education loan, loans given for
the creation or enhancement of immovable
assets (such as housing loans), and loans given
for investment in financial assets (shares and
debentures).
○ The total outstanding under the personal loan
category was Rs 42.60 lakh crore as of June
2023, which is almost 30 per cent of the non-
food bank credit.
International Relations
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
● Recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
stated that it would contribute to India’s urban-
focused flagship programmes and schemes.
● About ADB
○ The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a
multilateral development finance institution.
○ It is an official United Nations Observer.
○ It was founded in 1966 by 31 member
governments to promote the social and
economic progress of the Asian and Pacific
region.
○ It assists its members and partners by providing
loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity
investments to promote social and economic
development.
34
○ Membership
■ From 31 members at its establishment in
1966, ADB has grown to encompass 68
members—of which 49 are from within Asia
and the Pacific and 19 outside.
■ In 1986, India began receiving assistance from
the Asian Development Bank.
■ The ADB is controlled by member countries, with
the U.S. and Japan having the largest stake.
○ Headquarter
■ Manila, Philippines.
○ Top Share Holder as of 31 December 2020
■ Japan and the United States (each 15.571%),
China (6.429%0, India (6.317%) , Australia
(5.773%)
○ ADB offers its investors highest quality
investment products based on its triple-A credit
ratings.
■ Aaa: Moody's Investors Service.
■ AAA: Standard & Poor's Sovereign Ratings.
■ AAA: Fitch.
Duty Free Quota Free (DFQF) Scheme
● As stated in a report from the World Trade
Organization (WTO) by the group representing
the least developed countries, the Duty-free
quota-free (DFQF) scheme has not been utilized
by the nations classified as least developed
countries
● About DFQF
○ The initiative to grant duty-free quota-free
(DFQF) access to least developed countries
(LDCs) was initially approved during the 2005
WTO Hong Kong Ministerial Meeting.
○ In 2008, India achieved a milestone by being the
first developing nation to offer this privilege to
LDCs, affording them entry to 85 percent of
India's tariff categories.
○ Subsequently, the program's scope broadened
in 2014, enhancing preferential market access
for LDCs to approximately 98.2 percent of India's
tariff lines.
● About WTO
○ About
■ It is the only global international organization
dealing with the rules of trade between
Compilation June-July-August 2023

nations.
■ It was created in 1995 superseding the 1947
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
(GATT).
■ India is a founding member of the WTO.
○ Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland.
○ Goal
■ To ensure that trade flows as smoothly,
predictably and freely as possible.
○ Roles
■ It operates a global system of trade rules.
■ It acts as a forum for negotiating trade
agreements.
■ It settles trade disputes between its members.
■ It supports the needs of developing
countries.
○ Decision-making
■ The WTO's top decision-making body is the
Ministerial Conference.
■ Below this is the General Council and various
other councils and committees.
○ Membership
■ The WTO has over 160 members representing
98 percent of world trade.
OPEC+
● In the near future, Saudi Arabia is expected to
commit to additional voluntary production
reductions as a component of the broader
OPEC+ agreement aimed at limiting overall
output.
● About OPEC+
○ OPEC Plus was created in 2016 when OPEC
countries decided to ally with other oil-producing
countries outside the group to cut down the
global output of oil.
○ The non-OPEC countries which export crude oil
along with the 13 OPECs are termed as OPEC
plus countries.
○ OPEC plus countries include
■ Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan,
Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan
and Sudan.
● About OPEC
○ Established in 1960
○ OPEC is a permanent, intergovernmental
35
organization.
○ Founding members
■ Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
○ OPEC has since expanded and now has 13
member states.
○ Other OPEC Members are
■ The UAE, Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea,
Gabon, Libya, Nigeria, and the Republic of the
Congo.
○ Headquarter - Vienna (Austria)
○ The 13 member countries accounted for an
estimated 44 percent of global oil production
and 81.5 percent of the world's proven oil
reserves.
○ OPEC membership is open to any country
that is a substantial exporter of oil and which
shares the ideals of the organization.
○ Objectives
■ Coordinate and unify the petroleum policies
of its Member Countries.
■ Ensure the stabilisation of oil markets in order
to secure an efficient, economic and regular
supply of petroleum to consumers.
■ A steady income to producers and a fair return
on capital for those investing in the petroleum
industry.
Shangri-La Dialogue
● The Shangri-La Dialogue's 20th edition recently
came to a close in Singapore.
● About
○ The Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual security
forum that gathers high-level government
officials, military leaders, and experts from
various countries to discuss defense and
security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
○ Purpose: The dialogue serves as a platform for
open discussions on regional security
challenges, defense policies, and cooperation in
the Asia-Pacific region.
○ Organizer: The dialogue is organized by the
International Institute for Strategic Studies
(IISS), a leading global think tank.
○ Venue: The dialogue takes place in Singapore.
It has been held every year in Singapore since
2002.
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○ Participants: It brings together defense
ministers, military chiefs, policymakers, and
experts from different countries.
○ Topics: Discussions cover a wide range of
security-related topics, including geopolitical
tensions, maritime security, military
modernization, and cooperation.
○ Importance: The Shangri-La Dialogue is
considered an important forum for building
understanding, fostering cooperation, and
addressing security concerns in the region.
World Food Programme (WFP)
● Recently, the World Food Programme (WFP)
halted its provision of food assistance to Ethiopia
due to the diversion of supplies.
● About WFP
○ Founded in 1961.
○ It is the food-assistance branch of the United
Nations.
○ It is the world's largest humanitarian
organization focused on hunger and food
security, and the largest provider of school
meals.
○ It is a member of the United Nations
Development Group and part of its Executive
Committee.
○ It is headquartered in Rome and has offices in
80 countries.
○ As of 2020, it served 115.5 million people in 80-
plus countries, the largest since 2012.
● Goals
○ Eradicate hunger and malnutrition, attain food
security and augment nutrition by 2030 (Zero
Hunger).
● Functioning
○ WFP’s operations are entirely funded through
the generous voluntary contributions of
donor governments, institutions, corporations
and individuals.
○ It is governed by an Executive Board which
consists of representatives from member states
(36 Members).
○ It works in close tandem with the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the
International Fund for Agricultural Development
36
(IFAD).
● Key Reports
○ Global Report on Food Crisis
New Development Bank (NDB)
● The Indian Regional Office (IRO) of the New
Development Bank (NDB) has been inaugurated
within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City
(GIFT City).
● The IRO's primary goal is to tackle infrastructure
and sustainable development requirements in
India and Bangladesh, thereby fostering
economic growth and sustainability in the South
Asian region.
● The NDB has also established regional offices in
Africa, the Americas, and Eurasia.
● About NDB
○ It is a multilateral development bank jointly
founded by the BRICS countries at the 6th
BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014.
○ It was formed to support infrastructure and
sustainable development efforts in BRICS
and other underserved, emerging economies for
faster development through innovation and
cutting-edge technology.
○ Headquarter- Shanghai, China.
○ Members- BRICS nations, Bangladesh, UAE,
Egypt.
○ In 2018, the NDB received observer status in
the United Nations General Assembly.
United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
● Recently, the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
announced that the United States will rejoin it
after 4 years.
● About UNESCO
○ The United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a
specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
○ It aims to promote international collaboration in
the fields of education, science, culture, and
communication.
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○ Established on November 16, 1945, UNESCO is
headquartered in Paris, France.
○ Functions: UNESCO works to achieve its goals
through various programs, projects, and
initiatives that promote education for sustainable
development, protection of cultural heritage,
scientific research, freedom of expression,
media development, and more.
○ Priority Areas
■ UNESCO's work is organized into five main
program areas: Education, Natural Sciences,
Social/Human Sciences, Culture, and
Communication/Information.
○ UNESCO Initiatives
■ World Heritage Sites: UNESCO's World
Heritage program designates and protects
cultural and natural sites of outstanding
universal value, encouraging their preservation
for future generations.
■ Education for All Program: Ensuring inclusive
and equitable quality education for all.
■ International Hydrological Program:
Promoting sustainable water management and
cooperation.
■ Man and the Biosphere Program: Promoting
sustainable development and Conservation of
natural resources. Intangible
■ Cultural Heritage Program: Safeguarding and
promoting intangible cultural heritage
○ Headquarter: Paris, France.
○ Members:- It has 193 member states and 11
associate members, as well as partners in the
nongovernmental, intergovernmental, and
private sectors.
○ UNESCO member states not UN members:
Cook Islands, Niue, and Palestine.
○ UN member states not UNESCO members:
Israel, Liechtenstein, United States.
○ It is also a member of the United Nations
Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG).
■ UNSDG: a coalition of UN agencies and
organizations aimed at fulfilling the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
International Energy Agency (IEA)
37
● Recently, the executive director of the
International Energy Agency (IEA), said it
would review all its membership conditions for
India’s inclusion in the world’s premier energy
monitoring organization.
● About International Energy Agency (IEA)
○ It is an autonomous intergovernmental
organization.
○ Established in the framework of the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) in 1974 in the wake of
the 1973 oil crisis.
○ It mainly focuses on its energy policies which
include economic development, energy
security and environmental protection.
○ IEA member countries are required to maintain
total oil stock levels equivalent to at least 90
days of the previous year's net imports.
○ Membership- Only OECD member states can
become members of the IEA (31 Member)
○ India became an Associate member of IEA in
March 2017
○ Headquarter- Paris
○ Publication- World Energy Outlook (Annual).
United Nations Global Compact
(UNGC)
● Nord Security, home to NordVPN, NordLayer,
NordPass, and NordLocker, recently joined the
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)
community.
● UNGC is a call to companies everywhere to align
their operations and strategies with Ten
Principles in the areas of human rights, labour,
environment and anti-corruption.
● It was launched in 2000.
● UNGC is the largest corporate sustainability
initiative in the world, with more than 15,000
companies and 3,000 non-business signatories
based in over 160 countries, and more than 70
Local Networks.
● This UN-led initiative promotes activities that
contribute to sustainable development goals to
create a better world.
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International Maritime Organisation
(IMO)
● India recently asked the International Maritime
Organisation (IMO) to focus on a realistic target
to ensure that net zero carbon fuels occupy 5
percent of the Marine fuel mix by 2030, without
any additional checkpoints during this
explorative and take-off period.
● About IMO
○ The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is
a specialized agency of the United Nations,
tasked with enhancing the safety, security, and
environmental performance of international
shipping while preventing pollution from ships.
○ It serves as the global standard-setting authority
for regulating the shipping industry, aiming for a
fair, effective, universally adopted, and
implemented regulatory framework.
○ The IMO plays a crucial role in achieving the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal
(SDG) 14, focusing on the conservation and
sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine
resources for sustainable development.
○ Established as the Inter-Governmental Maritime
Consultative Organization (IMCO) in 1948, it
became a specialized UN agency in 1959 and
was renamed the International Maritime
Organization in 1982.
○ Membership: Currently, it has 174 Member
States, with its headquarters based in London.
○ Structure: The IMO's operations involve the
IMO Secretariat, Member States,
Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), and
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
○ IMO Secretariat: Responsible for day-to-day
operations, led by the Secretary-General,
supported by 300 international civil servants.
○ Member States, IGOs, and NGOs: Represented
during various IMO meetings, such as the
Assembly, Council, Committees, and Sub-
Committees.
○ Assembly: The highest governing body of the
IMO, consisting of all Member States, meets
biennially to approve the work program, vote on
the budget, and elect the Council.
38
○ Council: The executive organ of the IMO,
supervising the organization's work under the
Assembly's guidance.
○ Committees: Five policy-making committees
develop, review, update, and approve the IMO's
guidelines and regulations.
○ Funding: IMO's funding comes from
contributions by member states, voluntary
donations, and commercial activities.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
● The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently
approved USD 200 million additional financing
for the Rajasthan secondary towns development
sector project.
● About
○ The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a
multilateral development finance institution.
○ It is an official United Nations Observer.
○ It was founded in 1966 by 31 member
governments to promote the social and
economic progress of the Asian and Pacific
region.
○ It assists its members and partners by providing
loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity
investments to promote social and economic
development.
○ Membership
■ From 31 members at its establishment in
1966, ADB has grown to encompass 68
members—of which 49 are from within Asia
and the Pacific and 19 outside.
■ In 1986, India began receiving assistance from
the Asian Development Bank.
■ The ADB is controlled by member countries, with
the U.S. and Japan having the largest stake.
○ Headquarter
■ Manila, Philippines.
○ Top ShareHolder as of 31 December 2020
■ Japan and the United States (each 15.571%),
China (6.429%0, India (6.317%) , Australia
(5.773%)
○ ADB offers its investors highest quality
investment products based on its triple-A credit
ratings.
■ Aaa: Moody's Investors Service.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

■ AAA: Standard & Poor's Sovereign Ratings.
■ AAA: Fitch.
Israel’s disputed judicial overhaul is
back
● Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has
relaunched his government’s quest to change
Israel’s justice system, rekindling
unprecedented nationwide protests.
● Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist government
launched its judicial overhaul plan in January,
soon after it was sworn in.
● But with increasing alarm among Israel’s
Western allies, swelling unrest and a falling
shekel currency, Netanyahu suspended the
push in late March to allow for talks with
opposition parties.
● It is an amendment that would limit the
Supreme Court’s ability to void decisions
made by the government, ministers and
elected officials by stripping the judges of the
power to deem such decisions “unreasonable.”
● Proponents say this would allow more
effective governance while still leaving the
court with other standards of judicial review,
such as proportionality.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(SCO)
● Debate is heating up over the role of India in the
China-dominated SCO.
● The membership of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation (SCO) is growing — with Iran
being the newest entrant at the just-concluded
23rd leaders’ summit in New Delhi.
● SCO
○ It is a Eurasian political, economic and
military organization.
○ It was preceded by the Shanghai Five
mechanism (1996) formed by the leaders of
China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and
Tajikistan.
○ It was rechristened as the SCO in 2001.
○ The SCO entered into force on 19 September
2003.
39
○ SCO covers 40 percent of the global
population.
○ The SCO’s official languages are Russian and
Chinese.
○ Aims
■ Security-related concerns, Resolving border
issues, Military cooperation, Intelligence
sharing, Countering terrorism, Countering
American influence in Central Asia.
○ Members
■ China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia,
Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran.
■ Both India and Pakistan became full members of
the SCO in 2017.
■ Four Observer States- Afghanistan, Belarus,
Iran, and Mongolia.
■ Dialogue Partners- Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Turkey.
○ The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)
■ In 2004, at the SCO Summit held in Tashkent,
Uzbekistan, the Regional Anti-Terrorist
Structure (RATS) was established.
■ Through RATS, SCO members share crucial
intelligence, know-how, legal expertise as well
as allow for extradition of terrorists.
Schengen Visa
● As per new data released, India became the
second country with the highest rejection
rate for the Schengen Visa last year.
● In 2022, Indians reportedly spent over Rs 87
crores trying to get a Schengen Visa for their
Europe trips.
● A Schengen visa is an official document
mandatory for some non-Europeans to travel
to all the 27 countries which are part of the
Schengen area.
● Once granted, this visa allows the traveller to
cross the borders of the other member-states
without going through identity checks at the
border.
● Members of this area include 23 of the 27 EU
member states (except for Bulgaria, Cyprus,
Ireland and Romania) and all members of the
European Free Trade Association (Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● There are several types of Schengen visa but
the most common (the short-stay visa) allows to
travel/stay for 90 days maximum over a 6 month
period starting from the entry date stated on the
visa.
United Nations Human Rights Council
● Recently, India voted in favor of a draft resolution
tabled in the UN Human Rights Council that
condemns and strongly rejects recent “public
and premeditated” acts of desecration of the
Holy Quran.
● The Human Rights Council is an inter-
governmental body within the United Nations
system.
● It is responsible for strengthening the
promotion and protection of human rights
around the world.
● The Human Rights Council replaced the former
United Nations Commission on Human
Rights (UNCHR).
● Formation
○ It was created by the UNGA on March 15,
2006.
○ The body met in its first session from June 19-
30, 2006.
● Meetings
○ UNHRC holds no fewer than three regular
sessions a year, for a total of at least 10 weeks.
● Membership
○ The Council is made up of 47 UN Member
States
○ They are elected by the UNGA through a direct
and secret ballot.
○ Members serve for a period of three years.
○ Not eligible for immediate re-election after
serving two consecutive terms.
● Seats on the Council are distributed as
follows:
○ African States: 13 seats
○ Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats
○ Latin Americanand Caribbean States: 8seats
○ Western European and other States: 7 seats
○ Eastern European States: 6 seats
● Headquarter
○ Geneva, Switzerland.
40
Bastille Day
● Recently, the prime minister of India landed in
Paris on July 13 on a two-day visit.
● During this visit he held wide-ranging talks with
French President Emmanuel Macron and
attended the French National Day celebrations
as the Guest of Honour.
● The national day of France is celebrated on July
14.
● It is also known as Bastille Day or Fête nationale
française, and is marked by a long military
parade, along with dancing and other merriment
● While July 14 is more popularly associated with
the storming of the Bastille in 1789, it is also the
anniversary of Fête de la Fédération, an event
held in 1790 to celebrate the unity of the French
people.
● Bastille Day is often seen as the symbol of the
end of monarchy, kings and queens continued in
France till long after that.
Local Currency Settlement System
(LCSS)
● Recently, India and the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) have signed a pact to establish a
framework to promote the use of the rupee and
UAE Dirham (AED) for cross-border
transactions.
● The framework aims to put in place a Local
Currency Settlement System (LCSS).
● The creation of the LCSS would enable
exporters and importers to invoice and pay in
their respective domestic currencies, which in
turn would enable the development of an INR-
AED foreign exchange market.
● This arrangement would also promote
investments and remittances between the two
countries.
● The use of local currencies would optimise
transaction costs and settlement time for
transactions, including for remittances from
Indians residing in UAE.
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● New Delhi is likely to use this mechanism to pay
for crude oil as well as other imports from the
UAE, which is currently made in US dollars.
● Side Note
○ India is the third largest oil importer in the world
and the UAE was its fourth biggest supplier of
crude last year.
○ The RBI had last year announced a framework
for settling global trade in rupees, primarily
targeting trade with Russia. But this is yet to take
off in a substantive manner.
Comprehensive and Progressive
Agreement for Trans-Pacific
Partnership (CPTPP)
● Recently, the United Kingdom formally signed
a treaty (CPTPP) to join a major Indo-Pacific
bloc.
● It is the biggest trade deal since the country left
the European Union at the beginning of 2020.
● The pact is expected to take effect in the
second half of 2024.
● The CPTPP is a landmark pact agreed upon in
2018 that cuts trade barriers among 11
countries, including Australia, Brunei, Canada,
Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand,
Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
● The pact requires countries to eliminate or
significantly reduce tariffs and make strong
commitments to opening services and
investment markets.
● It also has rules addressing competition,
intellectual property rights and protections
for foreign companies.
● CPTPP is seen as a bulwark against China’s
dominance in the region, although Beijing has
applied to join, along with Taiwan, Ukraine,
Costa Rica, Uruguay and Ecuador.
Black Sea Grain Deal
● The last ship carrying grain from Ukraine, under
a UN-brokered deal that guarantees its safe
passage, left the port of Odesa on 16 July 2023.
● Background
41
○ Ukraine is among the world’s biggest exporter of
foodgrains, such as wheat and corn, and a major
contributor to the UN’s food aid programmes.
○ When Russia invaded the country and
blockaded its ports, it sent food prices soaring
and raised fears of food security in the poorer
nations of the world.
○ Pakistan, for instance, saw wheat prices
skyrocket to crisis levels.
● The Deal
○ On July 22, 2022, the UN and Turkey got
Russia to agree to the Black Sea Grain
Initiative.
○ Under this deal cargo ships would be allowed to
travel from and to three Ukrainian ports of
Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi
(Yuzhny), after inspection that they weren’t
carrying arms.
○ The safe passage in the Black Sea was 310
nautical miles long and three nautical miles wide.
○ Nearly 32 million tonnes of mostly corn and
wheat have been exported by Ukraine under the
deal.
○ The deal has been extended twice, and is due to
expire on 17 July 2023.
BIMSTEC
● The first-ever Foreign Ministers’ meeting of the
Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC) began in Bangkok, Thailand, on July
17.
● BIMSTEC is an economic bloc that came into
being on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok
Declaration.
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● BIMSTEC is an international organization of
seven South Asian and Southeast Asian
nations.
● It is housing 1.73 billion people and having a
combined gross domestic product of $3.8
trillion (2021).
● Members
○ Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka,
Myanmar and Thailand
○ Its members lie in the littoral and adjacent
areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a
contiguous regional unity.
● Headquarter
○ Dhaka
● Aims : To accelerate economic growth and
social progress among members across
multiple sectors — trade, technology, energy,
transport, tourism and fisheries, agriculture,
public health, poverty alleviation, counter-
terrorism, environment, culture, people to people
contact and climate change.
● Meetings : The grouping holds annual
meetings hosted by member states based on
alphabetical rotation.
India-France Cooperation on Advance
Aeronautical Technologies
● Recently, India and France announced that they
will extend their “ground-breaking” defense
cooperation in advanced aeronautical
technologies.
● It will support the joint development of a
combat aircraft engine and also an engine for
the Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH) being
designed and developed by Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited.
● General Electric (GE) Aerospace has signed an
agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(HAL) to produce F414 engines.
○ These engines will be utilized in the Indian Air
Force’s Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 jets, and the
agreement includes an 80% technology transfer.
● India has been in discussions with Safran SA, a
renowned French aircraft engine manufacturer,
for the development of engines for the AMCA
(Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) Mk II.
42
Organization for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD)
● OECD recently suggested exploring the scope of
the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) to
include real estate under the automatic
exchange of information (AEOI) among
countries on a voluntary basis.
● OECD was established on Dec. 14, 1960, by
18 European nations, plus the United States and
Canada.
● Headquarter- Paris, France.
● It is a group of 38 member countries that
discuss and develop economic and social policy.
● Members of the OECD are typically
democratic countries that support free-market
economies.
● Most OECD members are high-income
economies with a very high Human
Development Index (HDI) and are regarded as
developed countries.
● The OECD member states collectively
comprised 62.2% of global nominal GDP
(US$49.6 trillion) and 42.8% of global GDP
($54.2 trillion) at purchasing power parity in
2017.
● The stated goal of OECD is to shape policies
that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and
well-being for all.
● OECD is an official Permanent observer to
the United Nations and is referred to as a think-
tank or as a monitoring group.
● India is one of the many non-member
economies with which the OECD has working
relationships in addition to its member countries.
Mexico Border Barrier
● The US Justice Department sued the state of
Texas and its Republican Governor Greg Abbott
July 24 for installing floating barriers in the Rio
Grande River to stop migrants crossing from
Mexico.
● A 3,051-km-long river, the Rio Grande runs
from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico and is the
Compilation June-July-August 2023

effective US-Mexican border through most of
Texas.
● But it is also a key route for migrants from
Mexico to try and enter the United States.
● Hundreds of migrants every day attempt to reach
the American land through the river.
● In a bid to stop this influx, Abbott in June
announced his plan to build a barricade in the
Rio Grande, near the border city of Eagle Pass
in Texas.
● The barricade, whose installation is almost
complete now, is essentially a 1,000-foot (305-
meter) line of bright orange, wrecking ball-sized
buoys.
Kargil Vijay Diwas
● Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated all across the
country on July 26 every year.
● This year is going to mark the 24th anniversary
of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
● The day commemorates the victory of the Indian
armed forces in the Kargil War fought against
Pakistan.
● The day is observed to pay tribute and to honor
the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers in the
war of 1999.
● Kargil War
○ The armed conflict between Pakistan and India
started after the Pakistani troops intruded into
the Indian territory in the Kargil district of then
Jammu and Kashmir (now in Ladakh UT).
○ The Kargil War continued from May to July 1999.
○ Indian Army launched ‘Operation Vijay’ after
the first infiltration was reported by local
shepherds on May 3, 1999.
○ The target of Operation Vijay was to recapture
the Indian territory along the LoC, which was
occupied by the Pakistani infiltrators.
○ Indian Air Force launched the airstrike on May
26 under operation Safed Sagar to support the
Indian Army.
○ On July 26, 1999, Indian Army declared
Operation Vijay a success after recapturing all
the military posts in Kargil that were taken over
by Pakistani infiltrators.
African Union
43
● India's G-20 Sherpa recently said that the Indian
Prime Minister’s proposal to make the African
Union a permanent member of the G-20 has
received an overwhelming response from the
grouping.
● The African Union (AU) is a continental union
consisting of 55 countries of the continent of
Africa, with the exception of various territories
of European possessions located in Africa.
● The bloc was founded on 26 May 2001 in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia and launched on 9 July 2002 in
South Africa.
● It replaced its predecessor, the Organization of
African Unity (OAU), which was founded in
1963.
● Its objective is to promote unity, cooperation,
and development among African nations while
advancing the continent's interests on the
global stage.
● The AU’s secretariat, the African Union
Commission, is based in Addis Ababa.
● Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS)
○ It is a regional political and economic union
of fifteen countries located in West Africa.
○ Established in 1975, with the signing of the
Treaty of Lagos.
○ The goal of ECOWAS is to achieve “collective
self- sufficiency” for its member states by
creating a single large trade bloc by building a
full economic and trading union.
○ It also serves as a peacekeeping force in the
Compilation June-July-August 2023

region.
○ Considered one of the pillar regional blocs of
the continent-wide African Economic
Community (AEC).
13th Amendment to Sri Lanka’s
constitution
● Recently, the PM of India expressed the hope
that Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe
would be committed to implementing the 13th
Amendment to Sri Lanka’s constitution — which
flows from the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987
— and holding provincial council elections.
● The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987
○ The 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka’s constitution
was made after the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka
Accord between Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi
and President J R Jayewardene, on July 29,
1987, in Colombo.
○ The 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka's constitution
was a result of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed
on July 29, 1987, between Prime Minister Rajiv
Gandhi and President J R Jayewardene in
Colombo.
○ Prior to the amendment, Sri Lanka had a unitary
government with centralized powers in the
hands of the Centre.
○ The Tamil minority, concentrated in the Northern
and Eastern provinces, sought greater
autonomy and rights, leading to a prolonged
and violent civil war involving the Liberation
Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri
Lankan government, among other groups.
○ The 1987 Accord aimed to resolve the civil
war through constitutional means by
devolving some powers to the country's nine
provinces.
○ As a result of the Accord, the 13th Amendment
was made to the constitution to facilitate the
devolution of power to the provinces.
○ Additional clauses of the Accord included
■ Adopting Tamil and English as official languages
alongside Sinhala,
■ Lifting the state of emergency in the Eastern and
Northern Provinces by August 15, 1987,
■ The disarmament of militant groups, and
44
■ Granting a general amnesty to political and other
prisoners held under the Prevention of Terrorism
Act and other emergency laws.
○ The Accord also stated that the Government of
India would underwrite and guarantee the
resolutions and cooperate in their
implementation.
○ Over the years, Tamil groups in Sri Lanka have
appealed to India multiple times to ensure full
implementation of the Accord.
World Food Program (WFP)
● The Deputy Executive Director of the World
Food Program recently stated that the United
Nations has had to reduce food, cash payments,
and aid to millions of people in several countries
due to "a severe funding crisis."
● About WFP
○ Founded in 1961.
○ It is the food-assistance branch of the United
Nations.
○ It is the world's largest humanitarian
organization focused on hunger and food
security, and the largest provider of school
meals.
○ It is a member of the United Nations
Development Group and part of its Executive
Committee.
○ It is headquartered in Rome and has offices in
80 countries.
○ As of 2020, it served 115.5 million people in 80-
plus countries, the largest since 2012.
Goals
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● Eradicate hunger and malnutrition, attain food
security and augment nutrition by 2030 (Zero
Hunger).
Functioning: WFP’s operations are entirely
funded through the generous voluntary
contributions of donor governments,
institutions, corporations and individuals.
● It is governed by an Executive Board which
consists of representatives from member states
(36 Members).
● It works in close tandem with the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the
International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD).
Key Reports: Global Report on Food Crisis
ECOWAS
● Recently, soldiers in the West African nation of
Niger installed Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani as
head of state after ousting President Mohamed
Bazoum.
● Apart from the expected international players,
such as Russia and the United States, the
regional bloc ECOWAS or the Economic
Community of West African States has been
playing an active role.
● About ECOWAS
○ Also known as CEDEAO in French, the regional
group was established in 1975 through the
Lagos Treaty – with a mandate of promoting
economic integration among its members.
○ Today, ECOWAS has 15 members
■ Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’ Ivoire,
The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau,
Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone,
Senegal and Togo.
○ Around 400 million people live in this region.
○ Although, following coups in recent years in
some of the biggest countries in the bloc –
namely Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso – it
suspended the three members and refused to
recognise their new governments.
○ Aims
■ ECOWAS aims for a unified currency and
expansive trade bloc.
45
■ Focus on industry, transport, energy,
finance,and social and cultural matters
■ Vision: Integrated, borderless, well-governed
region which is guided by democracy, rule of law
and good governance.
Raisina Dialogue
● The Foreign Secretary recently informed a
parliamentary committee that the Raisina
Dialogue has attained a position of great
importance as a global-level think tank event
worldwide.
● About Raisina Dialogue
○ The first Raisina Dialogue was held in 2016.
○ The conference is a joint venture of the Ministry
of External Affairs (MEA) and independent
think tank Observer Research Foundation
(ORF).
○ The Raisina Dialogue is an annual conference
on geopolitics and geoeconomics addressing
issues facing the global community.
○ It takes its name from the Raisina Hill, the seat
of the Indian government.
○ Since its inception, the Raisina Dialogue has
emerged as a leading global conference on
international affairs featuring the participation
of heads of state, ministers, journalists,
academics and researchers.
Interpol Global Academy Network
● The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Academy has recently become the 10th member
of the Interpol Global Academy Network.
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● About Interpol Global Academy Network
○ It is an initiative launched by Interpol in 2019 to
enhance global law enforcement training.
○ The network supports academic collaboration
among law enforcement training institutions
across the world.
○ Since 2005, it has imparted training to over
50,000 police officers, including around 1,432
foreign nationals from SAARC nations, Africa,
South East Asia, Central Asia and West-Asia.
● About Interpol
○ About
■ The Interpol, or International Criminal Police
Organization, is an inter-governmental
organization.
■ It was established in 1923.
■ Headquarter- in Lyon, France.
○ Members
■ It comprises 195 member countries, which
helps police forces in all these countries to better
coordinate their actions.
■ India has been a member since 1956.
○ Objectives
■ The organization enables member countries to
share and access data on crimes and
criminals and offers a range of technical and
operational support.
○ Functioning
■ The Interpol general secretariat coordinates
the organisation’s day-to-day activities.
■ Interpol has a National Central Bureau (NCB) in
each member country.
■ NCB is the central point of contact for both the
general secretariat and the other NCBs around
the world.
■ The Interpol colour-coded ‘notices’ in four
languages – English, Spanish, French, and
Arabic.
■ The Interpol doesn’t have law enforcement
powers such as arrest.
BRICS
The Prime Minister of India is set to visit South
Africa for the BRICS Summit to be held from
August 22 to 24 in Johannesburg.
● About BRICS
46
○ In 2001, British economist Jim O’Neill of
Goldman Sachs coined the term ‘BRIC’.
○ It was standing for the initials of what he said
were the four emerging economies at the time –
Brazil, Russia, India, and China from an
investors’ interest perspective.
○ The first formal meeting was in 2009 (Russia).
○ South Africa joined in 2010, expanding it to
‘BRICS’.
○ BRICS includes these five economies,
representing 42% of the world’s population, 30%
of the world’s territory, 23% of global GDP, and
around 18% of world trade.
○ BRICS does not exist in the form of
organization, but it is an annual summit
between the supreme leaders of five nations.
○ The Chairmanship of the forum is rotated
annually among the members, in accordance
with the acronym B-R-I-C-S.
○ Over a period of time, BRICS countries have
come together to deliberate on important
issues under the three pillars of:
■ Political and security,
■ Economic and financial
■ Cultural and people to people exchanges.
International Criminal Court (ICC)
● Recently, Russia announced sanctions on the
International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor
and British ministers.
● About ICC
○ It is an intergovernmental organization and
international tribunal.
○ Its founding treaty, the Rome Statute, entered
into force on July 1, 2002.
○ Headquarter- Hague, Netherland
○ It has 2 working languages: English and
French
○ Role
■ It is the first and only permanent international
court with jurisdiction to prosecute individuals
for the international crimes of genocide, crimes
against humanity, war crimes and the crime of
aggression.
○ Limitations
■ It lacks universal territorial jurisdiction and
Compilation June-July-August 2023
 47

may only investigate and prosecute crimes ■ CITES – Appendix I

committed within member states, crimes
committed by nationals of member states, or
crimes in situations referred to the Court by the
United Nations Security Council.
○ Members
■ A total of 123 countries are parties to Rome
Statute
● 33 are from African Nations
● 19 are the Asia-Pacific States
● 18 are from Eastern Europe
● 28 are from Latin American and the Caribbean
States
● 25 from Western Europe and other states.
■ The notable exceptions being the US, China,
Russia, and India.
○ Judges ■ Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 –
■ 18; Elected for a 9-year term. Schedule 1
○ Funding ○ Diet
■ The Court’s expenses are funded primarily by ■ Omnivorous
States Parties. ○ Threat
■ It also receives voluntary contributions from ■ Human-animal conflict, rapid habitat loss,
governments, international organizations, poaching for fur, claws and organs and, in some
individuals, corporations and other entities. rare cases, bear baiting.

Environment Seaweed
● Recently, clusters of brown Sargassum
seaweed, reportedly harboring flesh-eating
Himalayan Brown Bear bacteria, were discovered along the shores of
● Recent reports show that encroachment is Florida.
pushing Himalayan brown bears into Kashmir’s ● About Seaweed
villages. ○ They are primitive, marine non-flowering marine
● About Himalayan Bear algae.
○ Distribution: ○ They are without root, stem and leaves.
■ Northwestern and central Himalaya, including ○ They generally grow in shallow waters in the tidal
India, Pakistan, Nepal, the Tibetan Autonomous zone.
Region of China and Bhutan. ○ Some seaweeds are microscopic, such as the
○ Habitat: phytoplankton that live suspended in the water
■ High altitude open valleys and pastures. column.
○ Conservation Status: ○ They contribute to about 50% of all
■ IUCN Red List- Critically Endangered (CR) photosynthesis in the world.
○ Some are enormous, like the giant kelp that grow
in abundant “forests” from their roots at the
bottom.
● Kelp forests

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○ They are formed by large seaweeds that form
dense underwater forests. They act as
underwater nurseries for fish, snails and sea
urchins.
● Sargassum Seaweed
○ A specific type of brown seaweed known as
Sargassum forms floating mats in the Sargasso
Sea and other ocean regions.
○ While it's important for marine life, excessive
Sargassum influx on beaches can pose
challenges.
● Importance of Seaweeds
○ Ecological Balance
■ Seaweeds contribute to oxygen production and
nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems.
○ Marine Life Habitat
■ Many marine creatures use seaweed as a
habitat, shelter, and source of food.
○ Human Consumption
■ Seaweeds are consumed as food in various
cultures, particularly in Asian cuisines. They are
rich in minerals and nutrients.
○ Industrial Uses
■ Seaweeds are used in various industries, such
as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
○ Carbon Sink
■ Seaweeds play a role in carbon sequestration,
helping to mitigate climate change.
World Environment Day
● Every year on June 5, World Environment Day is
observed worldwide.
● First held in 1973, it has been a platform for
raising awareness on environmental issues such
as marine pollution, overpopulation, global
warming, sustainable development and wildlife
crime.
● World Environment Day is a global platform for
public outreach, with participation from over 143
countries annually.
● Each year, the program has provided a theme
and forum for businesses, non government
organizations, communities, governments and
celebrities to advocate environmental causes.
48
● The theme of this year's World Environment Day
will focus on solutions to plastic pollution under
the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.
● This year’s event is hosted by Côte d'Ivoire in
partnership with the Netherlands.
United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP)
● UNEP is an agency of the United Nations. It
coordinates the UN’s environmental activities.
● It was founded as a result of the United
Nations Conference on the Human
Environment 1972.
● It works to identify and draw attention to
emerging issues of environmental concern.
● Functions
○ It sets the global environmental agenda,
promotes sustainable development within the
United Nations system, and serves as an
authoritative advocate for global environment
protection.
● Secretariats hosts by UNEP
○ The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),
○ The Minamata Convention on Mercury
○ The Convention on Migratory Species
○ The Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES)
● In 1988, the World Meteorological
Organization and UNEP established the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC)
● Headquarters : Nairobi, Kenya.
● Publications
○ Global Environment Outlook
○ Adaptation Gap Report
○ Emission Gap Report
○ Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet
● Major Campaigns : Clean up the World, Billion
Tree Campaign, Beat Pollution,UN75,World
Environment Day,Wild for Life.
Sea Lettuce
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● Recently, scientists have identified 20 previously
unknown species of Sea lettuce found along the
shores of the Baltic and Scandinavian regions.
● About Sea Lettuce
○ Sea lettuce refers to various species of edible
green algae that belong to the genus Ulva.
○ These algae are commonly found in coastal
waters and have a thin, sheet-like appearance
that resembles lettuce leaves.
○ They are often considered a type of seaweed
and are consumed by various marine organisms,
including some types of herbivorous fish and
invertebrates.
○ It needs a lot of sunlight to flourish.
○ It is perennial, and grows all year, although the
largest blooms occur during the summer.
○ Large masses of sea lettuce are often an
indicator of nutrient pollution in the water.
○ In some parts of the world, people eat sea
lettuce in soups and salads.
Leatherback Sea Turtle
● Recently, in a rare occurrence, a leatherback
sea turtle was seen after a gap of seven years in
Visakhapatnam.
● It is the largest turtle in the world.
● It is the only species of sea turtle that lacks
scales and a hard shell.
● They are named for their tough rubbery skin and
have existed in their current form since the age
of the dinosaurs.
● These turtles are highly migratory which can
swim over 10,000 miles a year between nesting
and foraging grounds.
● They are also accomplished divers with the
deepest recorded dive reaching nearly 4,000
feet deeper than most marine mammals.
● It has a unique thermoregulatory adaptation that
allows them to maintain core body temperatures
at extremely cold depths.
● It is found in every ocean except the Arctic and
Antarctic.
● They have the widest global distribution of any
reptile, with nesting mainly on tropical or
subtropical beaches.
● Conservation status
49
○ IUCN Red List- Endangered
○ CITES- Appendix I
SIGHT Programme
● The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy
(MNRE) has announced guidelines under the
National Green Hydrogen Mission for
manufacturing electrolysers and production of
green hydrogen.
● Earlier this year, MNRE launched the National
Green Hydrogen Mission, for implementing the
Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen
Transition (SIGHT) programme.
● About SIGHT Programme
○ This programme aims to establish an
electrolyser manufacturing base and green
hydrogen producing facilities.
○ It is a sub component under the National Green
Hydrogen Mission.
○ Aim
■ Component I: It aims at providing electrolyser
manufacturing incentives with a total outlay of
INR 4440 crore.
■ Component II: It focuses on green hydrogen
production with financial outlay of INR 13050
crore.
○ Nodal Agency
■ The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
would be the implementing agency responsible
for the scheme’s execution.
National Green Hydrogen Mission
● The National Green Hydrogen Mission was
approved by the Union Cabinet on 4 January
2022, with the intended objectives of:
○ Making India a leading producer and supplier
of Green Hydrogen in the world
○ Creation of export opportunities for Green
Hydrogen and its derivatives.
○ Reduction in dependence on imported fossil
fuels and feedstock.
○ Development of indigenous manufacturing
capabilities.
○ Attracting investment and business
opportunities for the industry.
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○ Creating opportunities for employment and
economic development Supporting R&D
projects.
○ The mission outcomes projected by 2030 are:
● The development of green hydrogen production
capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric
Tonnes) per annum.
○ An associated renewable energy capacity
addition of about 125 GW in the country.
○ Over Rs. Eight lakh crore in total
investments.
○ Creation of over Six lakh jobs Cumulative
reduction in fossil fuel imports over Rs. One lakh
crore.
○ Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual
greenhouse gas emissions.
Types of Hydrogen Based on
Extraction Methdos
● Depending on production methods, hydrogen
can be grey, blue or green – and sometimes
even pink, yellow or turquoise Image.
● Green Hydrogen:
○ Hydrogen is one of the most abundant
elements on earth for a cleaner alternative fuel
option.
○ Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water
into hydrogen and oxygen using an
electrolyzer powered by electricity from green
energy sources such as wind and solar.
○ When burnt, it gives out water vapour, with no
residue or climate-harming impact.
○ Hydrogen and fuel cells can provide energy for
use in diverse applications, including distributed
or combined-heat-and-power; backup power;
systems for storing and enabling renewable
energy; portable power etc.
50
● Grey Hydrogen:
○ It is produced via coal or lignite gasification
(black or brown), or via a process called steam
methane reformation (SMR) of natural gas or
methane (grey).
○ These tend to be mostly carbon-intensive
processes.
● Blue Hydrogen
○ It is produced via natural gas or coal gasification
combined with carbon capture storage (CCS)
or carbon capture use (CCU) technologies to
reduce carbon emissions.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
(WCCB)
● Recently, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
(WCCB) issued a ‘red alert’ against poachers
and hunters in tiger reserves.
● It is a statutory multi-disciplinary body
established under Wildlife (Protection) Act
(WLPA), 1972.
● Objective: to combat organized wildlife crime in
the country.
● Establishment: 2007.
○ It was established by amending the Wildlife
(Protection) Act (WLPA), 1972, a special Act to
protect the wildlife and fauna in the country.
● Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and
climate change.
● HQ: New Delhi.
● Regional offices: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,
Chennai and Jabalpur
● Sub-regional offices: at Amritsar, Guwahati, and
Cochin.
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
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● Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
imposed a fine of about 80,000 crore on states
for not disposing of sewage and garbage.
● About NGT
○ It was established in 2010 under the National
Green Tribunal Act 2010
○ Status- Statutory Body
○ Objectives-
■ Established for effective and expeditious
disposal of cases relating to
● Environmental protection.
● Conservation of forests and
● Other natural resources including enforcement
of any legal right relating to environment and
■ It gives relief and compensation for damages
to persons and property and for matters
connected therewith or incidental thereto.
○ NGT is mandated to make disposal of
applications or appeals finally within 6
months of the filing of the same.
○ New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of
the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and
Chennai shall be the other four places of
sitting of the Tribunal.
○ It is not bound by the procedure laid down
under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but
shall be guided by principles of natural justice.
○ Composition- 40 members (20 expert members
and 20 judicial members).
Project Cheetah
● As more deaths of cheetahs have been reported
recently from the Kuno National Park (KNP),
Madhya Pradesh, an expert committee has
recommended that all animals undergo a
thorough medical review.
● Project Cheetah is India’s cheetah relocation
programme and is perhaps among the most
ambitious of its kind in the world.
● The attempt is to, over the next decade, bring in
5-10 animals every year until a self-
sustaining population of about 35 cheetahs
is established.
● Unlike cheetahs in South Africa and Namibia
that are living in fenced reserves, India’s plan is
51
to have them grow in natural, unfenced, wild
conditions.
● As of today, 11 of the translocated cheetahs are
in the true wild with four in specially designed
one-square-kilometre enclosures called
‘bomas,’ to help the animals acclimatise to
Indian conditions.
● Five of the translocated animals and three of four
cubs born in India have died.
Cicada
● A ‘foreign’ cicada that is commonly found in
several parts of South India has assumed an
Indian identity.
● The insect species that has now been named as
Purana cheeveeda (after its Malayalam name
Cheeveedu) used to be mistaken for Purana
tigrina, a species that was first described in
Malaysia in 1850.
● In view of the differences in their morphological
characteristics, the Association for
Advancement in Entomology has corrected the
longstanding error in taxonomic identification
and has excluded the Malaysian species from
the South Indian cicada fauna.
● About Cicada
○ Cicadas are members of the superfamily
Cicadoidea and are physically distinguished by
their stout bodies, broad heads, clear-
membraned wings, and large compound eyes.
○ They are known for their loud, complex and
species-specific acoustic signals or songs.
○ There are more than 3,000 species of cicadas,
which fall into roughly two categories: annual
cicadas, which are spotted every year, and
periodical cicadas, which spend most of their
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lives underground and only emerge once every
decade or two.
○ The generic diversity of cicadas in India and
Bangladesh ranks the highest in the world,
followed by China.
○ Most cicadas are canopy dwellers and are found
in natural forests with large trees.
○ Cheeveeda could extend across the tropical
evergreen forests ranging from Goa to
Kanyakumari.
Gharial
● Recently, the Phoenix Herpetological Society
based in Arizona has applied for permission from
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to import six
gharials and another equal number of mugger
crocodiles from Tamil Nadu.
● Gharials (or gavials) are a type of Asian
crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin
snouts.
● Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that
includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and
more.
● In comparison to Crocodiles, Gharials are very
shy and unharmful species.
● India’s three species of Crocodilians and their
conservation status are as follows :
○ Gharial:
■ IUCN Red List- Critically Endangered
■ Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 Schedule I
■ CITES- Appendix I
○ Mugger crocodile: IUCN- Vulnerable.
○ Saltwater crocodile: IUCN- Least Concern.
○ All the three are listed on Appendix I of CITES
and Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act,
1972.
● However, Saltwater Crocodile populations of
Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea
are included in Appendix II of CITES.
● Habitats include: Fresh waters of northern
India – Chambal river, Ghagra, Gandak river
and the Sone river (Bihar).
● Population of Gharials is a good indicator of
clean river water.
● Conservation Efforts: Breeding Centres of
Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre in
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, National Chambal
52
Sanctuary (Gharial Eco Park, Madhya Pradesh).
International Day for the Conservation
of the Mangrove Ecosystem 2023
● International Day for the Conservation of the
Mangrove Ecosystem is celebrated every year
on July 26.
● This annual celebration is focused on raising
awareness about the importance of mangroves
in safeguarding our ecosystem and the steps
taken in this direction.
● This annual observance was adopted by the
General Conference of the UN Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
in 2015.
● Mangrove
○ A mangrove is a tiny tree or shrub that grows
along coastlines, taking root in saline soil,
typically underwater.
○ Mangroves are salt-resistant and heat-
resistant plant groups found in tropical and
subtropical intertidal zones around the world.
○ High rainfall (1,000 to 3,000 mm) and
temperatures (varying from 26°C to 35°C)
define such places.
○ There are more than 50 species of mangroves
found throughout the world.
○ Values and Function of Mangrove
■ Mangroves trap and cycle various organic
materials, chemical elements, and important
nutrients in the coastal ecosystem.
■ It provides one of the basic food chain
resources for marine organisms.
■ It provides physical habitat and nursery
grounds for a wide variety of marine organisms.
■ Mangroves serve as storm buffers by reducing
wind and wave action in shallow shoreline areas.
■ They act as effective carbon stores, holding
up to four times the amount of carbon as other
forested ecosystems.
○ States
■ As per ISFR 2021 report, the mangrove cover
in India is 4,992 sq km, which is 0.15% of the
country’s total geographical area.
■ Top 5 States with Mangrove Cover
● West Bengal > Gujarat > Andaman and Nicobar
Compilation June-July-August 2023

Islands > Andhra Pradesh > Maharashtra >
Odisha.
■ South Asia houses some of the most extensive
areas of mangroves globally.
■ Indonesia hosts one-fifth of the overall amount.
■ India holds around 3 percent of South Asia’s
mangrove population.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC)
● Recently, Jim Skea (UK) was elected as the new
chair of IPCC.
● About IPCC
○ IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing
the science related to climate change.
○ Established in 1988 by the WMO and UNEP
○ IPCC assessments provide a scientific basis
for governments at all levels to develop
climate related policies.
○ Its main activity is to prepare Assessment
Reports, special reports, and methodology
reports assessing the state of knowledge of
climate change.
○ The IPCC does not itself engage in scientific
research.
○ It asks scientists from around the world to go
through all the relevant scientific literature
related to climate change and draw up the logical
conclusions.
Biodiversity Act
● Recently, the Lok Sabha on July 25, 2023 gave
its approval to a Bill to amend some provisions
of the Biological Diversity Act of 2002.
● Need for the Amendments
○ The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill seeks
to address concerns of several central
ministries, state governments, researchers,
industry, and other stakeholders, regarding
the implementation of the 20-year-old law.
○ The amendments aim to encourage Indian
systems of medicine like Ayurveda, attract
more foreign investment in the preservation
and commercial utilization of India’s biological
resources, and simplify and streamline
53
processes so that it is easy for everyone to
comply with its provisions.
○ It is meant to preserve the country’s biological
diversity and to ensure its sustainable use.
● Biodiversity Act 2002
○ Biological diversity refers to all kinds of life forms
— animals, plants and microorganisms — their
gene pools, and the ecosystems that they
inhabit.
○ The 2002 Act was a response to the global need
to protect and conserve biological resources,
which are under threat due to human activities.
○ The Act provides-
■ Regulation of access to biological resources of
the country.
■ Conservation and sustainability of biological
diversity.
■ Protecting the knowledge of local
communities regarding biodiversity.
■ Secure sharing of benefits with local people.
■ Protection and rehabilitation of threatened
species.
■ Any offense under this Act is non-bailable and
cognizable.
○ The act provide a three-tier structure to
regulate the access to biological resources:
■ The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
■ The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
■ The Biodiversity Management Committees
(BMCs) (at local level).
Forest (Conservation) Act 1980
● Recently, a Bill to amend the Forest
(Conservation) Act cleared the Lok Sabha test.
● The FC Act was legislated in 1980 to regulate
the diversion of forests for construction and
mining.
● After more than four decades, the government
proposes to “broaden the horizons of the Act.
○ To keep its provisions in tandem with the
dynamic changes in the ecological, strategic and
economic aspirations” of the country.
● Provisions of Proposed Amendment Bill
○ December 1996: Supreme Court ruled that the
Forest Conservation Act (FC Act) would apply
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to all land parcels either recorded as 'forest' or
resembling the dictionary meaning of forest.
○ Prior to the ruling, the FC Act only applied to
areas notified as forests under the Indian
Forest Act, 1927.
○ The blanket order made the FC Act applicable to
all land recorded as forest and standing forests,
regardless of their land status, restraining
"development or utility-related work."
○ Proposed Bill aims to limit the FC Act's
applicability to notified forest land and land
identified as forest on government records,
except forests already put to other use before
the 1996 SC order.
○ Another primary goal of the Bill is to fast track
projects of strategic importance, national
security, and public utility within 100 km of
international borders and in Left Wing Extremism
affected areas.
○ The Bill encourages plantations in private
lands to enhance the carbon sink since natural
forests lost from diversion cannot be replaced
with plantations.
○ Forest clearance requires compensatory
afforestation on equivalent non-forest land or
degraded forest land twice the extent of the
diverted forest area.
○ This condition acts as an effective check on the
demand for forest land, considering that land is
always at a premium.
International Tiger Day
● July 29 is International Tiger Day.
● It is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness
about tiger conservation.
● It was first established in 2010 at the Tiger
Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, where 13 tiger
range countries initiated Tx2, a global goal to
double the number of wild tigers by the year
2022.
● As per the World Wildlife Fund, while countries
in Southeast Asia struggled to control population
decline, others, like India, fared much better.
● The successes in India can be attributed largely
to the success of Project Tiger, which celebrated
its fiftieth anniversary earlier this year
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● Project Tiger
○ Project Tiger was launched by the Central
government on April 1, 1973, in a bid to promote
conservation of the tiger.
○ It is an ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme
of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and
Climate Change.
○ Project Tiger was launched at the Jim Corbett
National Park.
○ The programme was initially started in nine
tiger reserves of different States as follows
■ Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
and West Bengal, covering over 14,000 sq km.
○ Project Tiger didn’t just focus on the
conservation of the big cats.
■ It also ensured the preservation of their natural
habitat as tigers are at the top of the food chain.
○ The tiger reserves are constituted on a
core/buffer strategy.
○ The core areas have the legal status of a
national park or a sanctuary, whereas the
buffer or peripheral areas are a mix of forest
and non-forest land, managed as a multiple-
use area.
○ The current population of tigers in the country
stands at 3,167 as opposed to 1,411 in 2006,
1,706 in 2010 and 2,226 in 2014.
● About Tiger
○ The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest living cat
species and a member of the genus Panthera.
○ Traditionally eight subspecies of tigers have
been recognized, out of which three are extinct
(Caspian tiger, Javan tiger, Bali tiger).
○ Protection Status
■ IUCN Red List- Endangered
■ WPA 1972- Schedule I
■ CITES- Appendix I
LiFE Mission
● Recently, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and
the Indian Consulate General in Birgunj held a
series of events on the LiFE mission.
● It is a global awareness program that was
introduced by the Prime Minister of India at 26th
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UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties
(COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021.
● PM launched Mission LiFE movement (Lifestyle
for the Environment) at the Statue of Unity in
Gujarat in October 2022.
● It is piloted by NITI Aayog and implemented by
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change.
● It seeks to create an ecosystem that will
reinforce and enable environmentally friendly
behaviors to be self-sustainable.
● Objectives
○ Promoting an environmentally conscious
lifestyle, emphasizing mindful and deliberate
utilization over mindless and wasteful
consumption.
○ Encouraging simple climate-friendly actions in
daily lives through collective action worldwide.
○ Establishing a global network of 'Pro-Planet
People' (P3) committed to adopting and
promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles.
○ Utilizing social networks to influence climate-
related social norms.
Kawal Tiger Reserve (KTR)
● According to the National Tiger Conservation
Authority (NTCA) the population of big cats in
Telangana's protected areas of Kawal and
Amrabad tiger reserves declined from 26 in 2018
to 21 in 2022.
● About KTR
○ The Kawal Tiger Reserve (KTR) is located at
Jannaram mandal of Adilabad district in
Telangana.
○ The reserve covers a core area of 892.23 sq km
and a buffer zone of 1,123.21 sq km.
○ The reserve is the catchment for the rivers
Godavari and Kadam, which flow towards the
south of the sanctuary.
○ The area is connected to the Tadoba-Andhari
Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra in the North and
to the Indravati tiger reserve of Chhattisgarh in
the North-Eastern direction.
○ Flora-
■ There are more than 600 kinds of trees with
various compositions such as pure teak,
55
bamboo with teak, pure bamboo and so on.
○ Fauna-
■ It is home to many mammal species such as
tiger, leopard, gaur, cheetal, sambar, nilgai,
barking deer, chowsingha, sloth bear, etc.
■ There are around 300 bird species.
■ Green-winged teal, northern pintail, painted
stork, river lapwing, painted storks, and many
other bird species were spotted in KTR.
■ Rare birds such as the grey-headed fish eagle,
crested-tree swift, river-lap wing, white-
rumped munia, block stork, and others also
can be seen.
● National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA)
○ It is a statutory body under the Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
○ It was established in 2005 following the
recommendations of the Tiger Task Force.
○ It was constituted under enabling provisions of
the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as
amended in 2006, for strengthening tiger
conservation, as per powers and functions
assigned to it.
○ It is the apex body that administers ‘Project
Tiger’.
○ The NTCA conducts a country-level
assessment of the status of tigers, co-
predators, prey, and habitat once every four
years, using the Tiger Task Force-approved
methodology.
Climate Change is Altering the Colour
of the Oceans
● The color of the Earth’s oceans has significantly
altered over the past two decades, most likely
due to human-induced climate change,
according to a new study.
● Over 56 per cent of the oceans, more than the
total land area on the planet, has experienced
the shift in color.
● Impact of this Phenomenon
○ The change in color of the oceans doesn’t
impact marine life directly.
○ It indicates that marine ecosystems are in a state
of flux and they could completely go out of
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balance in the future, severely affecting ocean
life and humans dependent on them.
● Reasons for Ocean Colors
○ Oceans appear blue or navy blue in most
regions worldwide due to the absorption and
scattering of light.
○ According to a report by NASA, when sunlight
hits deep and clear water:
■ Colors with longer wavelengths (red, yellow,
green) are absorbed by water molecules.
■ Colors with shorter wavelengths (blue and violet)
are reflected back.
○ This phenomenon leads to the perception of
blue or navy blue color in the oceans.
○ When water isn't deep or clean, oceans can
appear in different colors.
○ Along Argentina's coastline, where major rivers
merge into the Atlantic Ocean:
■ Ocean exudes a brown tint due to dead leaves
and sediments from the rivers.
○ In other parts of the world, oceans appear green
due to the presence of phytoplankton on the
water's surface.
■ Phytoplankton are microscopic marine algae
containing green pigment called chlorophyll.
■ Chlorophyll helps phytoplankton absorb sunlight
for photosynthesis and convert carbon dioxide
into sugars.
■ Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light spectrum,
reflecting green light, causing the green
appearance of the ocean.
IPCC Assessment Cycles
● Recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) on July 28 concluded
its elections, marking the beginning of the
seventh assessment cycle.
● The primary role of the IPCC Chair is to oversee
the reports which come out in each assessment
cycle.
● Together with the IPCC Bureau, the Chair also
sets the research agenda, which could include
the release of additional special reports on
specific topics.
● The tenure of the Chair usually lasts five to
seven years, depending on the duration of the
56
assessment cycle, and they can serve up to two
terms only.
● India’s RK Pachauri remains the only person till
now to serve two terms as the Chair.
○ He headed the fourth and fifth assessment
cycles of the IPCC, between 2002 and 2015.
● About IPCC
○ Established in 1988 by the World Meteorological
Organisation (WMO) and the UN Environment
Programme (UNEP).
○ IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing
the science related to climate change.
○ Its main activity is to prepare Assessment
Reports, special reports, and methodology
reports assessing the state of knowledge of
climate change.
○ The IPCC doesn't conduct research.
■ It relies on authors to assess thousands of
scientific papers yearly for a comprehensive
summary of climate change drivers, impacts,
future risks, and ways to reduce them through
adaptation and mitigation.
● Assessment Reports (ARs)
○ The IPCC produces comprehensive assessment
reports (ARs) that are considered the most
authoritative source of scientific knowledge on
climate change.
○ So far, it has released six ARs.
■ The final synthesis report of the sixth AR came
out in March 2023.
■ The previous ones were in 1990, 1995, 2001,
2007 and 2013.
■ With the latest elections, the body has initiated a
new cycle of producing the next AR.
Great Barrier Reef
● The UNESCO heritage committee recently
refrained from designating Australia's Great
Barrier Reef as a site "in danger."
● However, they cautioned that the world's largest
coral reef ecosystem is still under "serious
threat" due to pollution and ocean warming.
● The GBF is the world's largest coral reef
system composed of over 2,900 individual
reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300
kilometers.
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● The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the
coast of Queensland, Australia.
● It was world heritage listed in 1981 by
UNESCO as the most extensive and spectacular
coral reef ecosystem on the planet.
● Since 1985, the Great Barrier Reef has lost
more than two-thirds of its corals.
Perucetus Colossu
● Recently, researchers have identified a gigantic
species of extinct whale, Perucetus colossus
from bones excavated more than a decade ago.
● The giant bones were discovered more than a
decade ago in southern Peru.
● Perucetus colossus may have been heavier than
even the largest blue whales.
● The title of heaviest known animal, living or
extinct, previously belonged to the blue whale
(180 metric tons).
● Perucetus is believed to have been around 20
meters (66 feet) long and to have weighed up to
340 metric tons.
● The animal's bones exhibited an unusually large
volume and extreme density.
● This combination of bone thickening and
densification is known as
pachyosteosclerosis.
● Pachyosteosclerosis is not found in living
whales, dolphins, and porpoises, but it is present
in sirenians, which include sea cows.
● Whales that dive deep can completely empty
their lungs to descend into the ocean's depths,
but colossus likely lived in shallow coastal areas.
● This suggests that it probably dived with air in its
lungs, making it difficult to stay near the seafloor,
which is where the heavy bones play a role.
● The skeletal mass of P. colossus would have
been between five and eight tons, double the
size of a blue whale.
Manas National Park
● Recently, green activists said that Manas
National Park is almost 63% short of staff.
● About Manas National Park
57
○ Manas National Park is a UNESCO world
heritage site, national park, Project Tiger
reserve, biosphere reserve and an elephant
reserve in Assam, India.
○ It is located in the Himalayan foothills, it is
contiguous with Royal Manas National Park
in Bhutan.
○ River Manas, a major tributary of the
Brahmaputra, divides this National Park into
two halves and forms a border with Bhutan.
○ Flora
■ The combination of Sub-Himalayan Bhabar
Terai and the Himalayan subtropical
broadleaf forests makes Manas National Park
one of the richest biodiversity in India.
○ Fauna
■ The park is famous for its endangered and rare
endemic wildlife such as the hispid hare,
Assam roofed turtle, pygmy hog, and golden
langur.
■ This national park is also famous for its wild
water buffalo population.
Monitor Lizards
● A monitor lizard measuring three and a half feet
was recently saved from a residential zone in
Thane city.
● About
○ It is mainly a terrestrial animal, and its length
ranges from about 61 to 175 cm (24 to 69 in)
from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail.
○ It is known as bis-cobra in western India,
Goyra in Rajasthan, guishaap or goshaap in
Bangladesh and West Bengal, goh in Punjab
and Bihar, as ghorpad in Maharashtra and as
Thalagoya in Sri Lanka.
○ The Bengal monitor’s belly skin has
traditionally been used in making the drum
head for the kanjira (known as Dimadi in
Maharashtra), a South Indian percussion
instrument.
○ Food
■ Young monitors may be more arboreal, but
adults mainly hunt on the ground, preying
mainly on arthropods, but also taking small
Compilation June-July-August 2023

terrestrial vertebrates, ground birds, eggs
and fish.
○ Distribution
■ Distributed widely in the Indian Subcontinent,
as well as parts of Southeast Asia and West
Asia.
○ Habitat
■ The species is mainly distributed through lower
elevations below an altitude of 1500 meters,
and is found both in dry semiarid desert
habitats to moist forest.
■ They are often found in agricultural areas.
○ Conservation Status
■ IUCN Red List- Least Concern (LC)
■ WPA 1972- Schedule I
■ CITES- Appendix I
Vaquita porpoise
● Recently, The International Whaling
Commission (IWC) has issued its inaugural
'extinction alert' concerning the vaquita
porpoise.
● About Vaquita Porpoise
○ Scientific Name: Phocoena sinus
○ Population: About 10 individuals.
○ The vaquita is a species of porpoise endemic to
the northern end of the Gulf of California in Baja
California, Mexico.
○ Reaching a maximum body length of 150 cm
(4.9 ft) (females) or 140 cm (4.6 ft) (males), it is
the smallest of all living cetaceans.
○ The vaquita has a large dark ring around its eyes
and dark patches on its lips that form a thin line
from the mouth to the pectoral fins.
○ The species is currently on the brink of
extinction, and currently listed as Critically
Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
■ CITES- Appendix I
○ The steep decline in abundance is primarily due
to bycatch in gillnets from the illegal totoaba
fishery.
● About IWC
○ HQ- Impington, near Cambridge, England.
○ IWC is an international body charged with the
conservation of whales and the management of
whaling.
58
○ It was set up under the International Convention
for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW).
○ ICRW governs the commercial, scientific, and
aboriginal subsistence whaling practices of the
member nations.
○ It was signed in 1946.
Microplastics
● In a recent discovery in China, a team of
scientists detected microplastics within the
human heart for the very first time.
● About Microplastics
○ Microplastics are tiny plastic debris that are
smaller than 5 mm in length, tinier than even a
grain of rice.
○ There are two types of microplastics-
■ Primary microplastics are tiny particles-
● They are purposely designed as such for
commercial use, like in cosmetics, nurdles-
plastic pellets used in industrial manufacturing
and in fibers from synthetic textiles like
nylon.
■ Secondary microplastics
● They are formed through the degradation of
larger plastic items like bottles, fishing nets and
plastic bags.
● This occurs through exposure to the
environment, like radiation from the sun, wind
and ocean waves.
○ Microplastics are not biodegradable and once
they are found in the environment, they begin to
accumulate.
● Impacts of Microplastics
○ Microplastics do not undergo biodegradation,
resulting in their accumulation and persistence
as both primary and secondary particles within
the environment.
○ Marine organisms may consume these
microplastics, potentially causing harm to
aquatic life and facilitating their accumulation
within the food chain.
○ Moreover, microplastics have the capacity to
harbor toxic substances and pollutants, thereby
posing further threats to ecosystems and the
organisms residing within them.
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 59

Geography ○ Positioned at the entrance of the Strait of

Malacca.
● Importance of Malacca Straits:
Telangana’s Woollen Gongadi Shawls ○ The Malacca Straits is a narrow sea passage
● There have been recent efforts noticed in between Indonesia and Malaysia.
repurposing the traditional woollen gongadi ○ Holds significant global strategic importance as
shawls of Telangana into footwear designed for a vital choke point.
farmers.
● Gongadi is the traditional woolen blanket woven
by the indigenous Kuruma communities.
● It is made from the wool of the indigenous
Deccani sheep, which is locally known as Nalla
gorrae.
● Nalla gorrae is a breed of sheep found in the
Deccan Plateau region.
● The blanket is famous for its durability and
versatility.
● It lasts for more than a decade due to its unique
hand weaving.
● Unique nature of gongadi- it does not fade but
grows darker in time.
● The traditional gongadi is produced organically,
without using any dyes either natural or
synthetic. ● Strategic Significance:
● Sizing of the strings is done using the paste of ○ Successful development of Sabang Port could
soaked and cooked tamarind seeds. offer India improved access to the Malacca
Straits.
Sabang Port ○ This development may enhance India's
geopolitical and military positioning in relation to
China within the Indian Ocean region.
● Collaborative Initiatives:
○ During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2018
visit to Indonesia:
■ Both nations agreed to collaborate on
connectivity between Andaman & Nicobar
Islands and Aceh Province.
■ Decision to establish a joint task force for port-
related infrastructure projects around Sabang.
● Key Takeaways:
● In recent times, a collaborative feasibility study
○ Sabang Port's location could provide India with
between India and Indonesia has been
a strategic advantage in terms of maritime
concluded for the development of the Sabang
access and influence.
port.
○ Strengthening India-Indonesia ties through joint
● Sabang Port and Its Location:
infrastructure initiatives holds the potential to
○ Situated in Indonesia's Aceh Province.
shape regional dynamics.
○ Approximately 700 km away from the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands.

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Mettur Dam
● With the impending release of Cauvery water
from the Mettur dam, local farmers are making
preparations to initiate kuruvai cultivation
promptly once the river water reaches their
fields.
● About the Dam
○ Magnificent Dam Structure:
■ Erected in 1934, it stands as one of India's
largest dams.
○ Geographical Location:
■ Found in Mettur, Salem District, Tamil Nadu.
■ Nestled within a gorge where the Kaveri River
enters the plains.
○ Irrigation Scope:
■ Facilitates irrigation for extensive farmlands:
● Salem, Erode, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappali,
and Thanjavur districts.
● Benefits 271,000 acres (110,000 ha) of
agricultural land.
○ Notable Features:
■ The dam's length measures 1700 m.
■ It reaches a maximum height of 120 feet.
■ Holds a capacity of 93.4 thousand million cubic
feet (tmc ft).
○ Stanley Reservoir Creation:
■ The dam forms the Stanley Reservoir,
contributing to water management.
○ Hydroelectric Power Generation:
■ Adjacent to the dam's base, the Mettur
hydroelectric and thermal power plant was
established in 1937.
■ Yields 32 MW through hydro-power generation.
○ Aesthetic Park and Statue:
■ An adjoining park features lawns, fountains, and
the presence of the Muniappan/Aiyanar statue.
Pet Coke
● The Government recently permitted the import of
pet coke as a raw material for lithium-ion
batteries.
● About Pet Coke
○ Formation: Pet coke is a residue left behind
after the distillation of crude oil to produce fuels
like gasoline and diesel. It is a carbon-rich
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material composed of carbon, hydrogen, sulfur,
and trace elements.
○ India is the world’s biggest consumer of pet
coke.
○ Types: There are two main types of pet coke:
■ Green Pet Coke: This is obtained directly from
the crude oil refining process and has a higher
sulfur content.
■ Calcined Pet Coke: Green pet coke is further
processed to remove moisture and volatile
matter, resulting in calcined pet coke, which has
a lower sulfur content and higher carbon purity.
○ Uses:
■ Fuel: Pet coke is used as a fuel in various
industries, including power generation, cement
production, and industrial heating.
■ Anode Material: Calcined pet coke is a key
component in the production of carbon anodes
used in aluminum smelting.
■ Industrial Processes: It is utilized in various
industrial processes, including in the production
of steel, titanium dioxide, and other chemicals.
○ Environmental Concerns
■ High Sulfur Content: Green pet coke has a
higher sulfur content, which can contribute to air
pollution and emissions of sulfur dioxide when
burned.
■ Carbon Intensity: The combustion of pet coke
releases carbon dioxide, contributing to
greenhouse gas emissions.
Kilauea Volcano
● As per an advisory issued by the U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS), a recent volcanic eruption
occurred at the Kilauea volcano situated on
Hawaii's Big Island.
● About Kilauea Volcano
○ Located on the southern part of the Island of
Hawai'i, also known as Big Island.
○ Recognized as the youngest and most active
Hawaiian shield volcano.
○ Eruptions frequently originate from vents at its
summit (caldera) or rift zones.
○ Boasts a substantial summit caldera housing a
central crater called Halemaumau.
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○ In Hawaiian legends, Halemaumau is regarded
as the dwelling of the fire goddess Pele.
○ Notably, it maintained a lava lake within its crater
until 1924.
● Mechanism of Volcano Eruptions
○ The deeper one goes under the surface of the
Earth towards its core, the hotter it gets.
○ The geothermal gradient, the amount that the
Earth’s temperature increases with depth,
indicates heat flowing from its warm interior to its
surface.
○ At a certain depth, the heat is such that it melts
rocks and creates what geologists call ‘magma’.
○ Magma is lighter than solid rock and hence it
rises, collecting in magma chambers.
○ Chambers which have the potential to cause
volcanic eruptions are found at a relatively
shallow depth, between six to ten km under the
surface.
○ As magma builds up in these chambers, it forces
its way up through cracks and fissures in Earth’s
crust.
○ This is what we call a volcanic eruption.
○ The magma that surfaces on the Earth’s crust is
referred to as lava.
● Explosive Volcanic Eruption
○ Runny magma makes for less explosive
volcanic eruptions that typically are less
dangerous.
○ Since the magma is runny, gases are able to
escape, leading to a steady but relatively gentle
flow of lava out of the mouth of the volcano.
○ If magma is thick and sticky, it makes it harder
for gases to escape on a consistent basis.
○ This leads to a build-up of pressure until a
breaking point is reached.
○ At this time, the gases escape violently, all at
once, causing an explosion.
● Measuring Explosivity of a Volcano
○ The Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) is a scale
used to measure the explosivity of a volcano.
○ It has a range of 1 to 8 with a higher VEI
indicating more explosivity.
● Some Important Volcanoes
○ Krakatoa, Indonesia
○ Mount Vesuvius, Italy
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○ Mount Fuji, Japan
○ Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
○ Kīlauea, Hawaii
○ Mount St Helens, USA
Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) Method
● For this kharif season, the Punjab Government
has established a goal of cultivating paddy using
the direct-seeded rice (DSR) technique across
five lakh acres.
● About DSR Method
○ The 'broadcasting seed technique', commonly
known as Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), is an
efficient approach to paddy cultivation that
conserves water.
○ In this method, paddy seeds are directly sown
into the fields, contributing to groundwater
preservation as opposed to the conventional
water-intensive method involving transplanting
seedlings into waterlogged fields from nurseries.
○ To implement the DSR technique effectively,
farmers are required to sow paddy after pre-
sowing irrigation (rauni), and the fields should be
laser levelled.
○ Some of its benefits encompass:
■ Minimal yield reduction under optimal
conditions.
■ Water conservation with potential irrigation
water savings of 12-35% through efficient water
management practices.
■ Reduction of labor and effort by eliminating
seedling uprooting and transplanting.
■ Accelerated cultivation process, energy savings,
and cost reduction.
■ Elimination of plant stress from transplanting.
■ Quicker crop maturation.
■ Lower greenhouse gas emissions.
■ Mechanized DSR contributing to employment
opportunities.
■ Enhanced income by lowering cultivation
expenses.
○ However, there exist certain challenges in its
current implementation:
■ Elevated seed rates.
■ Vulnerability of seeds to pests and birds.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

■ Weed management issues. Heightened risk of
lodging.
■ Potential for uneven or poor crop establishment.
Anak Krakatau
● In a recent event, the Anak Krakatau volcano in
Indonesia erupted, releasing ash that reached
heights of up to 3 kilometers above the ground.
● About Anak Krakatau
○ Location: Anak Krakatau is situated in
Indonesia, within the Sunda Strait, between the
islands of Java and Sumatra.
○ Formation: Anak Krakatau emerged from the
sea following the massive eruption and collapse
of the original Krakatoa volcano in 1883.
○ Volcanic Activity: It is an active volcano that
has been known for its frequent eruptions since
its emergence.
○ Name Meaning: "Anak Krakatau" translates to
"Child of Krakatoa" in Indonesian, reflecting its
origin from the original Krakatoa.
○ Eruption History: Anak Krakatau's eruptions
have ranged from minor ash emissions to
significant explosive events.
Wind Energy in India
● To commemorate Global Wind Day on June 15,
the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in
India arranged a full-day event in New Delhi.
● The event aimed to mark the achievements in
embracing wind energy and to delve into the
possibilities it holds for the future.
● Rajasthan was felicitated for achieving the
highest wind capacity addition, Gujarat for
achieving the highest wind capacity addition
through open access and Tamil Nadu for
initiating the repowering of wind turbines.
● India’s Status in Wind Energy
○ India ranks fourth in wind power capacity in the
world.
○ India currently has 4 GW of prospective projects
in wind energy.
○ India has a potential of about 60 GW of wind.
○ Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of wind
energy
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Mekedatu Reservoir Project
● Environmentalists recently advocated for the
revival of the raja kaluve network and dead lakes
in Bengaluru to resolve the city’s drinking water
problem instead of moving ahead with the
Mekedatu Reservoir Project.
● The Mekedatu multi-purpose (drinking and
power) project will be built near Kanakapura in
Ramanagara district, Karnataka.
● The project site is located 4 km from the Tamil
Nadu border and 100 km from Bengaluru.
● The estimated cost of the project is Rs 9,000
crore.
● The main objectives are to provide drinking
water to Bengaluru and neighboring areas (4.75
TMC) and generate 400 MW of power.
● The reservoir's capacity will be 284,000 million
cubic feet (TMC).
● The project is named after the village where it
will be constructed.
● It will be situated at the confluence of the
Cauvery river with its tributary, Arkavathi.
● Issue: Tamil Nadu, the lower riparian state,
claims that the project is against its water
requirements.
● According to the Cauvery tribunal and Supreme
Court order, the lower riparian state must
provide its no-objection for any project on the
Cauvery river.
Pangong Tso Lake
● Three years after the violent clash between
Indian and Chinese forces in Galwan, both
countries ramp up infrastructure on the north
bank of Pangong Tso.
● The lake in Leh Ladakh is famously known as
Pangong Tso, derived from the Tibetan term
"Pangong Tso," which translates to "high
grassland lake."
● It is alternatively referred to as Pangong Lake
and is a long, narrow, and landlocked
(endorheic) lake situated at an altitude of over
14,000 ft (4,350 meters) in the Ladakh
Himalayas.
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● Highest saltwater lake: Pangong Tso holds the
distinction of being the world's highest saltwater
lake.
● India's share: Approximately one-third of the 135
km-long boomerang-shaped Pangong lake falls
within the territory of India.
● International division: The lake is divided
between India and China, with India possessing
one-third of its expanse, and the remaining two-
thirds lying in China.
● Changing colors: The lake is renowned for its
mesmerizing color variations, which can appear
as blue, green, and red at different times.
Gucchi
● Recent reports highlight the effects of climate
change on the gucchi mushroom pickers in
Kashmir.
● The local name for morel mushrooms is gucchi,
which belongs to the genus of edible fungi
known as morel.
● Both professional chefs and amateur food
enthusiasts highly value gucchi mushrooms for
their delightful nutty and earthy flavor.
● These mushrooms are part of the Morchellaceae
family within the Ascomycota group of fungi.
● Gucchi mushrooms are distinguishable by their
pale yellow color, featuring large pits and ridges
on the surface of their cap.
● Their colors can range from blonde to dark black,
adding to their uniqueness.
● These mushrooms thrive in temperate forests
and are primarily harvested from the forests and
pastures of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir.
● Additionally, they can be found in high-altitude
regions such as Kupwara, Pahalgam, Shopian,
Kishtwar, and Poonch in Jammu & Kashmir.
● Known for their spongy, honeycombed head and
savory taste, gucchi mushrooms are one of the
most expensive mushrooms globally.
● Due to their rarity, gucchi mushrooms are highly
sought after and cherished by those fortunate
enough to find them.
Metallurgical Coke
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● India has recently initiated a safeguard
investigation into the abrupt and significant
surge in the imports of metallurgical coke.
● Metallurgical coke is a carbonaceous material
obtained by heating bituminous coal without air.
● The production process involves heating coal in
coke ovens at high temperatures (around 1,000
to 1,200 degrees Celsius).
● It serves as a fuel and reducing agent in the iron
and steel manufacturing process.
● Properties:
○ It has an open, porous structure and can appear
glassy in some varieties.
○ Due to the heat treatment process, it has a low
volatile content and minimal waste products.
○ It boasts a high carbon content, low ash content,
and excellent strength.
○ The porous structure enables efficient gas flow
and structural support in blast furnaces.
○ The finished product retains the "ash"
constituents from the original bituminous coal
feedstock.
● Metallurgical coke is available in various sizes,
ranging from fine powder (30 mm) to basketball-
sized lumps (20 cm).
Solar Flare
● Recently, an X-class solar flare led to a radio
blackout in parts of the US, Pacific Ocean.
● About Solar Storms/Flare
○ Solar storms are magnetic plasma ejected at
great speed from the solar surface.
○ They occur during the release of magnetic
energy associated with sunspots.
■ Sunspots- ‘dark’ regions on the Sun that are
cooler than the surrounding photosphere.
○ They can last for a few minutes or hours.
○ Types of Solar Flare
■ There are four classes of solar storms–B, C,
M and X.
■ Just like the Richter scale, solar flares are
classified on a logarithmic scale.
■ So this means that a C-class storm is 10 times
more powerful than a B-class storm and so on.
■ The X-class denotes the most intense flares.
■ While the X-class denotes the strength of the
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flare, the number that comes after it signifies
their strength at a finer scale.
■ Each class is therefore divided into nine
subdivisions. For example, X1 to X9.
■ X-class flares can trigger planet-wide radio
blackouts and long-lasting radiation storms,
which is exactly what happened in parts of
southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
● Effects of Solar Flare on Earth
○ Not all solar flares reach Earth, but solar
flares/storms, solar energetic particles
(SEPs), high-speed solar winds, and coronal
mass ejections (CMEs) that come close can
impact space weather in near-Earth space and
the upper atmosphere.
○ Solar storms can hit operations of space-
dependent services like global positioning
systems (GPS), radio, and satellite
communications.
○ Geomagnetic storms interfere with high-
frequency radio communications and GPS
navigation systems.
○ Aircraft flights, power grids, and space
exploration programmes are vulnerable.
○ CMEs, with ejectiles loaded with matter traveling
at millions of miles an hour, can potentially
create disturbances in the magnetosphere, the
protective shield surrounding the Earth.
○ Astronauts on spacewalks face health risks
from possible exposure to solar radiation outside
the Earth’s protective atmosphere.
Farmers Distress Index
● The Central Research Institute for Dryland
Agriculture (CRIDA) in India has developed a
unique early warning system called the "farmers'
distress index.
● Significance of the Index
○ Its purpose is to reduce agrarian distress,
including crop loss, failure, and income shocks,
which have contributed to an increase in farmer
suicides.
○ The index's methodology involves monitoring
local newspapers, news platforms, and social
media for distress reports, followed by
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telephonic interviews with small and marginal
farmers.
○ These interviews assess early signs of distress
using standardized questions.
○ The index enables targeted interventions, such
as focusing on improving women's incomes in
cases of gender-based distress.
Taylor Glacier
● After over a century of mystery, scientists have
recently uncovered the reason behind Taylor
Glacier in Antarctica releasing 'crimson red'
drool from its tongue.
● The glacier responsible for the mesmerizing
‘Blood Falls’ is known as Taylor Glacier.
● Its bleeding phenomenon was first observed and
documented back in 1911 during a British
expedition to Antarctica.
● Scientists have since dedicated their efforts to
unravel the secrets of this captivating natural
wonder.
● The red waterfall is located in the McMurdo Dry
Valleys region of Antarctica.
● The red hue in the Blood Falls is caused by the
presence of iron-rich nanospheres within the
glacier.
● These tiny particles were previously undetected
due to their non-mineral nature, leading to the
confusion surrounding the source of the red
drool.
● Along with iron, the nanospheres also contain
silicon, calcium, aluminium, and sodium.
Protection of Plant Varieties and
Farmers' Rights Act, 2001
● Recently, The Delhi High Court upheld an order
by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’
Rights Authority (PPVFRA).
● Delhi HC revoked the intellectual property
protection granted to PepsiCo India Holdings
Pvt. Ltd with respect to a potato variety
developed by it.
● Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers'
Rights Act, 2001
○ Objective
Compilation June-July-August 2023

■ It establishes an effective system for the
protection of plant varieties, the rights of farmers
and plant breeders and to encourage the
development of new varieties of plants.
○ Rights under the Act
■ Breeders Rights
● They will have exclusive rights to produce, sell,
market, distribute, import or export the protected
variety.
■ Researchers Rights
● A researcher can use any of the registered
varieties under the Act for conducting an
experiment or research.
■ Farmers Rights
● A farmer who has evolved or developed a new
variety is entitled to registration and protection in
like manner as a breeder of a variety.
● Farmer’s variety can also be registered as an
extant variety;
● Farmers are eligible for recognition and rewards
for the conservation of Plant Genetic Resources
of land races and wild relatives of economic
plants;
● They are not liable to pay any fee in any
proceeding before the Authority or Registrar or
the Tribunal or the High Court under the Act.
Shelf Cloud
● Recently, a video claiming to show shelf clouds
in Uttarakhand's Haridwar has appeared on
social media.
● Shelf clouds - also known as Arcus clouds -
are often associated with powerful storm
systems, and many times they are reported as
wall clouds, funnel clouds, or rotation.
● These clouds are sometimes seen beneath
cumulonimbus clouds, the dense, towering
vertical cloud that cause intense rain.
● Formation
○ When a cold downdraft from a cumulonimbus
cloud reaches the ground, the cold air may
spread rapidly along the ground, pushing
existing warm moist air upwards.
○ As this air rises, water vapour condenses into
the patterns associated with shelf clouds.
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○ The new cloud may roll if it experiences different
wind directions above and below.
Anthropocene Epoch
● Geologists have said sediments at Crawford
Lake in Canada’s Ontario have provided
evidence of the beginning of the Anthropocene
epoch.
● The 35 geologists have estimated that the new
epoch started sometime between 1950 and
1954.
● It is a major development that could change the
Earth’s official geological timeline.
● The Anthropocene epoch as a term was first
coined by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Paul
Crutzen and biology professor Eugene
Stoermer in 2000.
● It denotes the present geological time interval, in
which the Earth’s ecosystem has gone through
radical changes due to human impact, especially
since the onset of the Industrial Revolution.
● There are numerous phenomena associated
with this epoch, such as global warming, sea-
level rise, ocean acidification, mass-scale soil
erosion, the advent of deadly heat waves,
deterioration of the biosphere and other
detrimental changes in the environment.
Kaas Plateau
● The Kaas Plateau, nestled in Maharashtra, has
gained recognition for its unique environmental
characteristics and cultural significance.
● A recent study conducted by the Agharkar
Research Institute (ARI), Pune, sheds light on
significant shifts in the Indian Summer
Monsoons, providing valuable insights into the
region’s climate past.
● The Kaas Plateau, locally known as Kaas
Pathar, is a captivating location situated in
Maharashtra.
● It earned its place in the UNESCO World Natural
Heritage Site in 2012, owing to its natural beauty
and biodiversity.
● Located approximately 140 km from Pune, the
plateau showcases a stunning floral carpet
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during August and September, attracting nature
enthusiasts from far and wide.
Heat Waves
● Recently, scorching heat waves have affected
millions of people not just in North America but
also in Asia and Europe.
● About Heat Waves
○ Qualitatively, a heat wave is a condition of air
temperature which becomes fatal to the
human body when exposed.
○ Quantitatively, it is defined based on the
temperature thresholds over a region in terms
of actual temperature or its departure from
normal.
○ Criterion for Declaring Heat Waves
■ Heat wave is considered if the maximum
temperature of a station reaches at least 40
degree Celsius or more for Plains and at least
30 degree Celsius or more for Hilly regions.
■ Criterion Based on Departure from Normal
● Heat Wave- Departure from normal is 4.50
degree Celsius to 6.40 degree Celsius.
● Severe Heat Wave- Departure from normal is >
6.40 degree Celsius.
■ Criterion Based on Actual Maximum
Temperature
● Heat Wave- When actual maximum temperature
≥ 45 degree Celsius
● Severe Heat Wave- When actual maximum
temperature ≥ 47 degree Celsius
■ If the above criteria met at least in 2 stations
in a Meteorological subdivision for at least two
consecutive days and it declared on the
second day.
Surat Diamond Bourse
● The Prime Minister of India is expected to
inaugurate the Surat Diamond Bourse, claimed
to be the world’s biggest office space in a single
project, on November 21.
● The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) has been
planned to expand and shift the diamond trading
business from Mumbai to Surat, the hub of
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cutting and polishing diamonds, and also
expand it.
● Surat’s diamond trading market is located at
present in Mahidharpra Hira bazaar and
Varachha Hira Bazaar, where traders make
transactions standing on the streets with almost
no security measures.
● A major part of the diamond trading, however,
happens in Mumbai at Bandra Kurla Complex
(BKC), which has the amenities for international
buyers.
Heat Domes and Anticyclones
● Most parts of the world are currently
experiencing sweltering heat due to the onset of
heat waves but their cause remains different
across regions.
● While in the USA and Algeria, heat domes are
responsible for unleashing heat waves, Europe
has suffered due to the arrival of two consecutive
anticyclones that originated in Africa.
● Anticyclones
○ An anticyclone is also known as a high-pressure
system.
○ It is essentially an area of high pressure in which
the air goes downwards towards the Earth’s
surface.
○ As the air sinks, its molecules get compressed,
which increases the pressure, making it warmer.
○ This causes dry and hot weather.
○ The winds remain calm and gentle during an
anticyclone, and there is almost no formation of
clouds because here the air sinks rather than
rises.
● Heat Domes
○ A heat dome, on the other hand, occurs when an
area of high-pressure stays over a region for
days and weeks.
○ It traps warm air, just like a lid on a pot, for an
extended period.
○ The longer that air remains trapped, the more
the sun works to heat the air, producing warmer
conditions with every passing day.
○ Heat domes, if they last for a long period, may
cause deadly heat waves.
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 67

Zombie fire ○ They force species to change their behavior in a

● As global temperatures rise, fires are spreading way that puts wildlife at increased risk of harm.
farther north and into the Arctic, leading to a rise
in “zombie fires.” Batagaika Crater
● A "zombie fire" – more commonly known as an
overwintering fire or a holdover fire – occurs
when a wildfire that burned deep
underground in the previous year has
continued to smoulder all winter long.
● Zombie fires" smouldering in the biomass, such
as the roots and bowls of trees or in peat soils,
of the affected landscape.
● These "residual hot spots" can re-emerge with
the onset of warmer, dry weather in the spring.
● Zombie fires occur in carbon-rich peatlands and ● Batagaika crater permafrost in Russia's
can have significant environmental impacts, Siberia, also known as "mouth to hell", is melting
contributing to climate change and air pollution. as a result of the planet getting warmer day by
day.
● Batagaika crater is a 282-feet-deep gaping hole
Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)
in the Earth’s surface and locals believe it is a
● Ocean temperatures have remained at record-
passage to the underworld.
high levels, giving rise to marine heat waves
● The crater is situated in Russia’s Far East,
(MHWs) around the globe.
specifically in the Sakha Republic.
● At present, MHWs have gripped the north-east
● This remote region has become a focal point for
Pacific, the southern hemisphere in the southern
studying the effects of climate change on
Indian Ocean and the Pacific, the north-east
permafrost.
Atlantic, tropical North Atlantic, and the
● The expansion of the Batagaika crater can be
Mediterranean.
attributed to the thawing of permafrost, a
● A marine heat wave is an extreme weather
phenomenon triggered by global warming.
event.
● As temperatures rise, the once-frozen ground
● It occurs when the surface temperature of a
undergoes a process of degradation, leading to
particular region of the sea rises to 3 or 4
the formation of this colossal crater
degree Celsius above the average temperature
● Permafrost
for at least five days.
○ Permafrost refers to ground or soil that remains
● MHWs can last for weeks, months or even years.
frozen at or below the freezing point (0 degrees
● Impact of Marine Heat Waves on Ocean Life
Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit) for two or
○ The sudden and unexpected death of many
more consecutive years.
aquatic animals.
○ It is typically found in high-latitude regions near
○ MHWs destroyed kelp forests and fundamentally
the poles, such as the Arctic and subarctic
altered the ecosystem of the coast.
areas.
○ Kleps usually grow in cooler waters, providing
habitat and food for many marine animals. Parkachik Glacier
○ A massive coral bleaching event due to MHWs. ● According to a recent study conducted by
○ MHWs also fuel the growth of invasive alien scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan
species, which can be destructive to marine food Geology, it is projected that rapid ice melt will
webs. result in the formation of three glacial lakes near
Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh.

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● The Parkachik glacier is one of the largest
glaciers in the Suru River valley, covering an
area of 53 square km and is 14 km long.
● The Suru River valley is a part of the southern
Zanskar Ranges in the western Himalayas.
● There are two main reasons for the rapid melting
of the glacier.
○ The first is global warming and increasing
temperatures in the region, and
○ The second is that it is at a lower altitude than
other glaciers in the Zanskar region.
Bhojpatra Tree
● During the 103rd edition of 'Mann ki Baat', Prime
Minister of India highlighted how the business of
'bhojpatra calligraphy' by the women of Mana
village near Badrinath, regarded as the last
village before the India-China border at
Uttarakhand, has taken off, helping them
improve the economy of the region.
● About the Tree
○ Found at a height of 3,000m or above,
bhojpatra (Himalayan Birch) is a tree whose bark
acts as paper on which text can be written.
○ Commonly known as Himalayan Birch, it is
abundant in the Himalayas.
○ This is a deciduous tree and native to the
Western Himalayas.
○ It displays a remarkable freezing tolerance,
making it a dominant treeline species in the
Himalayan region.
○ With a lifespan of up to 400 years, it is the sole
angiosperm in the Himalayas that dominates a
vast sub-alpine area.
○ The tree is widely distributed in the altitude
range of 3100 - 3800 meters in the North-
western Himalaya.
○ Its presence aids in preserving the Himalayan
ecosystem by reducing soil erosion and forming
a bio-shield for the forests and sub-alpine
meadows below the treeline.
○ Historically, the bark of this tree was extensively
used in our country for writing lengthy scriptures
and texts in Sanskrit and other scripts,
particularly in Uttarakhand and Kashmir.
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Jalesar Dhatu Shilp
● Recently, the Geographical Indication (GI) tag
was granted to seven products from various
regions of India, including Jalesar Dhatu Shilp.
● The GI tags were secured by ‘Jalesar Dhatu
Shilp’ (a metal craft), ‘Goa Mankurad Mango’,
‘Goan Bebinca’, ‘Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft’,
‘Bikaner Kashidakari Craft’, ‘Jodhpur Bandhej
Craft’, and ‘Bikaner Usta Kala Craft’.
● About Jalesar Dhatu Shilp
○ Jalesar is located in the Etah district of Uttar
Pradesh. It was the capital of Magadha King
Jarasandha.
○ The metal art of Jalesar is highly esteemed for
its intricate designs and exceptional
craftsmanship.
○ The art form blends elements of both traditional
and contemporary styles.
○ Skilled artisans employ various techniques such
as casting, molding, hammering, engraving, and
filigree work.
○ They create a diverse array of metal products
using these techniques.
Technical Textile
● According to a recent research report, the global
Technical Textile market size is expected to
reach USD 272.3 billion by 2030.
● Technical textiles are engineered products
with definite functionality.
● These products have applications across
various industries including automobiles, civil
engineering and construction, agriculture,
healthcare, industrial safety, personal protection
etc.
● Technical Textiles products are divided into 12
following broad categories
○ Agrotech, Buildtech, Clothtech, Geotech,
Hometech, Indutech, Mobiltech, Meditech,
Protech, Sportstech, Oekotech, Packtech
depending upon their application areas.
● Technical Textile in India
○ Technical textiles in India are currently growing
at 8% per annum.
○ Annual average growth of the segment is 12%.
○ The current world market is $250 billion and
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India’s share in it is $19 billion.
○ The biggest players are the US, Western
Europe, China and Japan (20-40% share).
● National Technical Textile Mission (NTTM)
○ It’s flagship scheme of the Ministry of
Textiles to position the country as a global
leader in technical textiles.
○ The scheme has been approved by Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for
creation at a total outlay of Rs.1480 Crore; with
a four-year implementation period from FY
2020-21 to 2023-24.
○ The mission comprise the following four
components
■ Research, Innovation and Development
■ Promotion and Market Development
■ Export Promotion
■ Education Training, Skill Development;
Sponge Cities
● The sponge city concept was proposed by
Chinese researchers in 2013 and Professor
Kongjian Yu is the mastermind behind it.
● A ‘sponge city’ is a nature-based solution which
uses the landscape to retain water at its source,
slow down water flow and clean it throughout the
process.
● The focus is to retain rainwater in urban areas by
waterproofing the paved floor so that part of it
evaporates and the rest is gradually drained.
● As well as proofing the roads and pavements,
more trees are planted and smart buildings are
constructed to adapt to the city's sponge.
● This means roofs are covered in grass for
greater absorption of water and buildings are
also painted in light colors to reflect more heat
instead of absorbing it.
● The point is that this keeps floods at bay.
● These are being built as new eco-cities and offer
a strategy to incorporate the water cycle into
town planning.
Deepor Beel
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● Recent reports show that locals in Assam are
taking initiatives to save the dying Deepor Beel
Lake.
● About
○ Deepor Beel is a perennial freshwater lake
located 10 km south-west of Guwahati city.
○ It is the only wetland in Assam designated as
a site of importance for “conservation and
sustainable use” under the Ramsar
Convention on Wetlands.
○ It is known for its fish and bird diversity and
rich aquatic vegetation that attracts wild
elephants, faces conservation threats from
garbage dumping, quarrying, and the
construction of a railway line.
○ It sustains over 200 species of birds, including
about 70 species of migratory birds.
○ Some globally threatened birds are supported,
including Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Greater
Adjutant Stork and Baer's Pochard.
○ The Rani and Garbhanga hills, the habitat of the
Asiatic elephants in the southern side of the beel
, are part of this ecosystem.
○ In 2021, the Environment Ministry notified it as
an Eco-sensitive zone.
Cloudburst
● Recently, the Chief Minister of Himachal
Pradesh said that along with landslides, reports
of cloudbursts have also emerged in the state.
● Cloudburst
○ A cloudburst refers to an extreme amount of
rain that happens in a short period,
sometimes accompanied by hail and thunder,
and this has a precise definition.
○ The India Meteorological Department (IMD)
defines it as unexpected precipitation
exceeding 100mm (or 10 cm) per hour over a
geographical region of approximately 20 to 30
square km.
○ Significant amounts of rainfall such as this can
result in floods.
○ Basically, all instances of cloudbursts involve
heavy rain in a short period, but all instances of
heavy rain in a short period are not cloudbursts
if they do not fit this criterion.
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○ It is difficult to predict when exactly a cloudburst
will occur.
○ Mechanism
■ They are more likely to occur in mountainous
zones mainly because of terrain and elevation.
■ In hilly areas, sometimes saturated clouds
ready to condense into rain cannot produce
rain, due to the upward movement of the very
warm current of air.
■ Instead of falling downwards, raindrops are
carried upwards by the air current.
■ New drops are formed and existing raindrops
increase in size.
■ After a point, the raindrops become too heavy
for the cloud to hold on to, and they drop down
together in a quick flash.
Lake Titicaca
● The water levels in Lake Titicaca have reached
historic lows, prompting concerns about the
future of this important freshwater resource.
● Located at a high elevation and spanning a
significant area, Lake Titicaca plays a crucial
role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of
people in the region.
● Location: Lake Titicaca straddles the border
between Peru and Bolivia, situated at an
elevation of about 3,800 meters (12,500 feet)
above sea level.
● Size: It covers an area of approximately 8,372
square kilometers, making it one of the largest
lakes in South America.
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● Depth: The lake reaches depths of up to 280
meters (920 feet), showcasing its impressive
dimensions.
● Reasons for Decline: Climate change,
distortion in weather cycles, pollution from urban
areas, and overfishing have contributed to its
decline.
Hurricane
● The United States sees its fair share of
hurricanes. As per the country’s National
Weather Service (NWS), in an average 3-year
period, roughly five hurricanes strike the US
coastline – but never in the west coast.
● About Hurricane
○ A hurricane is a powerful and destructive tropical
cyclone that forms over warm ocean waters,
primarily in tropical and subtropical regions.
○ It is characterized by strong winds, heavy
rainfall, and low atmospheric pressure.
○ Formation
■ Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters when
the sea surface temperature reaches around
26.5°C (80°F) or higher.
■ They develop from clusters of thunderstorms
that come together and organize into a circular
pattern.
○ Stages
■ A hurricane goes through various stages of
development: tropical depression, tropical
storm, and hurricane.
■ As the storm gains strength, it progresses from
a tropical depression to a tropical storm, and
eventually, if conditions are favorable, it
becomes a hurricane.
○ Components
■ The eye: The center of the hurricane,
characterized by calm and clear weather.
■ Eyewall: The region surrounding the eye with
the most intense winds and heavy rainfall.
■ Rainbands: Spiral bands of clouds and
precipitation that extend outward from the
center.
○ Categories
■ Hurricanes are categorized based on the Saffir-
Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranks
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them from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5
(strongest) based on sustained wind speeds.
○ Impacts
■ Hurricanes bring strong winds, heavy rain, storm
surges (ocean water pushed onto land), and
flooding.
■ They can cause extensive damage to
infrastructure, homes, and natural
environments.
■ Hurricanes also pose risks to lives due to strong
winds and flooding.
○ Names in Different Regions of the World
■ Typhoons: Tropical cyclones are known as
Typhoons in the China Sea and Pacific Ocean.
■ Hurricanes: In the West Indian islands in the
Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
■ Willy-willies: In north-western Australia and
■ Tropical Cyclones: In the Indian Ocean
Region.
Matti Banana
● The Matti banana variety native to
Kanniyakumari district has been granted the
Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
● It is known for its exclusive traits thriving only in
its specific climate and soil condition.
● Size and Taste: Matti bananas are slightly
larger-than-human finger-sized fruits with a
sweet fragrance and honey-like taste that
remains unmatched outside their native region.
● Variety Diversity: There are six distinct types of
Matti bananas, each boasting unique qualities in
terms of color, aroma, and flavor.
● Its low total soluble solids content (TSSC)
recommends it as a baby food.
Science and Technology
Higgs Boson
● The European Organization for Nuclear
Research (CERN), home to the Large Hadron
Collider (LHC), has recently declared a
groundbreaking discovery.
● Scientists at the institution have detected the
initial indications of the rare phenomenon where
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the Higgs boson transforms into a Z boson and
a photon.
● About Higgs Boson
○ The Higgs boson is a fundamental particle in the
realm of particle physics.
○ It was postulated as part of the Higgs
mechanism, a theoretical framework that seeks
to explain how other particles acquire mass.
○ The existence of the Higgs boson was confirmed
in 2012 through experiments conducted at the
Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.
○ Key Points
■ Theoretical Prediction: The concept of the Higgs
boson was proposed in the 1960s by physicists
Peter Higgs, François Englert, and others as a
solution to a major gap in the understanding of
particle behavior.
■ Mass Origin: The Higgs boson plays a pivotal
role in the mechanism that gives mass to
elementary particles. This mechanism is
essential for explaining why some particles are
heavy while others are light.
■ Field Interaction: The Higgs boson is associated
with the Higgs field, an invisible energy field that
permeates all of space. Particles interact with
this field and acquire mass through this
interaction.
■ LHC Discovery: After decades of theoretical
work and experimental efforts, the Higgs boson
was finally discovered at CERN's LHC. The
discovery was a triumph for the field of particle
physics and garnered the Nobel Prize in Physics
for Higgs and Englert.
■ Unraveling the Universe: Understanding the
Higgs boson contributes to comprehending the
early moments of the universe's existence,
shedding light on how particles came together
and formed the structures we observe today.
○ In essence, the Higgs boson's discovery was a
monumental achievement that deepened our
understanding of the building blocks of the
universe and how they acquire the properties we
observe.
Chytridiomycosis
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● Recently , researchers created a diagnostic test
for chytridiomycosis.
● About the Disease
○ Causative Agent
■ Chytridiomycosis is caused by certain species of
chytrid fungi, specifically Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium
salamandrivorans.
○ Amphibian Impact
■ This disease affects amphibians, including frogs,
toads, and salamanders. It can cause skin
infections that disrupt the amphibians' ability to
regulate their electrolyte balance through their
skin.
○ Transmission
■ The fungus spreads through water and moist
environments. It can be transmitted by direct
contact between infected and susceptible
individuals, as well as through waterborne
zoospores.
○ Global Impact
■ Chytridiomycosis has been linked to amphibian
population declines and extinctions in various
parts of the world. It has been identified as a
major contributor to the decline of numerous
amphibian species.
○ Symptoms
■ Infected amphibians may exhibit symptoms such
as lethargy, skin discoloration, ulcers, and
shedding of skin. The disease can lead to the
disruption of the amphibians' immune and
physiological functions.
○ Conservation Concern
■ Chytridiomycosis poses a significant threat to
amphibian biodiversity. Efforts to combat the
disease involve both in-situ and ex-situ
conservation strategies, including captive
breeding and management of affected
populations.
Apoptosis
● Scientists have, for the first time, elucidated a
unique molecular mechanism involved in the
initial stages of programmed cell death,
commonly referred to as apoptosis.
● Apoptosis
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○ It is the process of Programmed Cell Death:
■ This process involves the orchestrated demise
of cells.
■ Cells initiate self-destruction in response to
specific triggers.
○ Process Overview:
■ Nucleus and cytoplasm condense, followed by
cellular fragmentation for elimination.
■ The disposal of damaged cells follows an orderly
pattern.
○ Development and Maintenance:
■ During embryonic development, apoptosis
eliminates unnecessary cells, like those
between developing digits.
■ In adults, it rids the body of cells that pose a
threat, including cancer cells or those infected by
pathogens.
■ Also eliminates superfluous cells, like antibody-
producing cells when their role is fulfilled.
○ External Stimuli:
■ Apoptosis can be provoked in normal cells by
external factors- nutrient deprivation, toxins,
hormones, heat, and radiation.
○ Neurodegenerative Concerns:
■ Excessive apoptosis in normal individuals can
lead to neurodegenerative diseases, causing
cells to perish prematurely.
○ Annual Cell Removal:
■ Approximately the mass equivalent to one's
body weight is eliminated via apoptosis every
year.
Abaucin
● In a recent development, scientists have
harnessed machine learning to detect a
prospective novel antibiotic named abaucin,
designed to combat the formidable
Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria known for its
strong resistance.
● About Abaucin
○ It is recognized for interfering with the regular
activity of the CCR2 protein.
○ Its mechanism seems to involve the interruption
of lipoprotein transportation within A. baumannii.
○ Genetic Insight:
■ Derived from genetic investigations, there's a
hypothesis that abaucin might hinder the
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movement of internally generated lipoprotein to
the bacterium's outer membrane.
○ Selective Action:
■ A distinguishing characteristic of abaucin is its
"species-selective" nature.
■ It exclusively disrupts the growth of A. baumannii
while sparing other Gram-negative bacterial
species.
● About Acinetobacter baumanni
○ It is a Gram-negative bacteria, which means it
has a protective outer membrane that allows it to
resist antibiotics.
○ It has been associated with hospital-acquired
infections in India.
○ It was acknowledged to be a “red alert” pathogen
because of its exceptional ability to develop
resistance to all currently available antibiotics.
Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System
● Pioneering healthcare innovation, Apollo
Hospitals in Ahmedabad has introduced the Da
Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System.
● This system empowers surgeons to conduct an
array of procedures encompassing gynecology,
urology, head and neck, thoracic, colorectal,
cardiac, and general surgeries.
● Employing small incisions, the da Vinci system
minimizes trauma to the body, translating to
reduced pain, fewer complications, and swifter
recovery periods.
● The system finds application in various domains
such as colorectal surgeries, urology, oncology,
gynecology, thoracic, cardiology, pediatrics,
gastro-intestinal surgeries, kidney and liver
transplants.
● Comprising three distinct components:
○ Console/Control Center: Surgeons operate
while seated at a console equipped with hand
and foot controls, along with a magnified, 3D,
high-definition view.
○ Patient Cart: This cart houses surgical
instruments and the camera.
○ Vision Cart: Featuring a video screen, this cart
allows healthcare providers in the operating
room to observe the surgical procedure in real-
time.
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Kavach
● The railway authorities have recently verified
that the trains engaged in the accident within
Odisha's Balasore district were not equipped
with the 'Kavach' system.
● It is India’s very own automatic protection
system in development since 2012, under the
name Train Collision Avoidance System
(TCAS).
● It was renamed as Kavach.
● Mechanism
○ It is a set of electronic devices and Radio
Frequency Identification devices installed in
locomotives, in the signaling system as well as
the tracks.
○ These devices talk to each other using ultra
high radio frequencies to control the brakes
of trains and also alert drivers.
● Features
○ It Includes the key elements from already
existing, and tried and tested systems like the
European Train Protection and Warning
System, and the indigenous Anti Collision
Device.
○ It will also carry features of the high-tech
European Train Control System Level-2 in
future.
○ The current form of Kavach adheres to the
highest level of safety and reliability
standard called Safety Integrity Level 4.
● Significance
○ It prevents accidents due to human error
resulting in Signal Passing at danger and over-
speeding.
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○ The devices continuously relay the signals
ahead to the locomotive, making it useful for loco
pilots in low visibility, especially during dense
fog.
Li-ion Battery Recycling Technology
● Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology (MeitY) imparted
cost-effective technology for recycling Lithium-
ion batteries to nine recycling industries and
start-ups.
● The technology, developed within the country, is
designed to efficiently process various types of
discarded Lithium-ion batteries.
● Capable of recovering over 95% of Lithium (Li),
Cobalt (Co), Manganese (Mn), and Nickel (Ni)
components, these elements are transformed
into their corresponding oxides/carbonates with
approximately 98% purity.
● The recycling procedure includes leaching,
followed by a systematic and selective extraction
of metal values through a solvent extraction
process.
● The resultant secondary raw materials can find
utility in battery manufacturing or other potential
applications.
● This technological advancement has been
achieved under the auspices of the Centre of
Excellence on E-waste Management.
● About Lithium
○ It is a chemical element which is a soft, silvery-
white metal. Under standard conditions, it is the
lightest metal and the lightest solid element.
○ It has the lowest density of all metals.
○ It is highly reactive and flammable, and must
be stored in mineral oil.
○ The most important use of lithium is in
rechargeable batteries for mobile phones,
laptops, digital cameras and electric
vehicles.
○ Australia, Chile, China and Argentina are the
world’s top four lithium-producing countries.
○ As of now, India currently imports all its
lithium needs.
■ The Department of Atomic Energy, Government
of India has discovered 1600kg Lithium in
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Mandla district of Karnataka.
Smart Bandage
● Scientists have created an intelligent bandage
designed to aid in the treatment of persistent
wounds.
● It involves a pliable and stretchable polymer that
facilitates the bandage's adherence and
connection to the skin.
● The bioelectronics system comprises
biosensors that oversee biomarkers present in
the wound exudate.
● The information gathered by the bandage is
transmitted to a flexible printed circuit board,
which then wirelessly sends it to a smartphone
or tablet for evaluation by a medical
professional.
● A set of electrodes manages the dispensation of
drugs from a hydrogel layer and additionally
stimulates the wound to promote the
regeneration of tissue.
● Mechanism
○ Biosensors assess the condition of the wound
through continuous monitoring of the evolving
chemical makeup of the exudates, which
undergo changes during the healing process.
○ Supplementary sensors gauge the pH levels and
temperature, providing immediate insights into
infection and inflammation.
○ Simultaneously, a duo of electrodes, responsible
for both tissue stimulation and drug
administration, regulate the controlled release of
medications from a hydrogel layer.
○ The wireless functionality of this device
circumvents the limitations seen in conventional
electrical stimulation equipment, which often
necessitate bulky apparatus and wired
connections, thereby restricting their practicality
in clinical settings.
Foot Rot Disease
● Recently, a number of farmers expressed their
worries regarding the occurrence of the 'foot rot'
disease among Basmati paddy saplings in
nurseries
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● About the Disease
○ Referred to as Bakanae Disease, this ailment
specifically affects the Basmati variety of paddy.
○ It stems from a lethal soil and seed-borne fungus
known as 'Fusarium verticillioides'.
○ Infected saplings undergo a transformation,
developing a pale yellow hue and elongated
form, which is subsequently followed by drying
and eventual death.
○ In some cases, symptoms manifest post-
transplantation, with afflicted plants exhibiting
abnormal growth in height before succumbing
within a few days."
Sonic Boom
● Washington and Virginia in the US experienced
a sonic boom not long ago, following the pursuit
of an 'unresponsive aircraft' by two F-16 fighter
jets.
● About Sonic Boom
○ A sonic boom emerges as a resounding uproar
generated when an object, such as an aircraft,
exceeds the speed of sound in motion.
○ Mechanism
■ When the object streaks through the
atmosphere, it forcefully displaces surrounding
air molecules, which in turn triggers the
formation of shockwaves along its flight path.
■ The sonic boom is the auditory result of the
pressure release that transpires after the buildup
of these shockwaves.
■ Sonic booms yield substantial sound energy.
■ The strength of a sonic boom is influenced by
● The gap between the craft and the ground.
● The aircraft's dimensions, shape, maneuvers.
● Atmospheric factors like pressure, temperature,
and wind patterns.
■ Typically, larger aircraft produce more potent
shockwaves, resulting in louder sonic booms.
■ In cases where the aircraft is particularly
elongated, the occurrence of double sonic
booms might be discerned—one from the
leading edge and another from the trailing edge.
■ Although sonic booms have the potential to
break glass, the threat to people on the ground
is generally low.
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Norovirus
● In the 2023 journey of the Celebrity Summit, 25
crew members and 152 out of the 2,144
passengers on board have recently exhibited
symptoms of norovirus.
● About Norovirus
○ Norovirus has been circulating among
humans for over 50 years and is thought to be
one of the primary causes of gastroenteritis.
○ It is commonly referred to as 'food poisoning'
or a 'stomach bug'. Norovirus is highly
contagious.
○ The virus is estimated to kill 200,000 persons
globally every year.
○ Most deaths are occurring among those below
the age of five years and those over the age of
65 years.
○ The virus is capable of surviving low
temperatures, and outbreaks tend to be more
common during the winter and in colder
countries — that is why it is sometimes referred
to as “winter vomiting disease”.
○ Symptoms
■ Norovirus leads to diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea,
and abdominal pain.
■ Being a diarrhoeal disease, it can lead to
dehydration, so drinking plenty of fluids is
recommended.
○ Transmission
■ Most outbreaks of this virus happen when
infected people spread the virus to others
through direct contact.
■ Food, water, and surfaces contaminated with
norovirus can also cause outbreaks.
Varunastra
● On June 6, 2023, a significant accomplishment
was realized by the Indian Navy and the Defence
Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) when the domestically developed
heavyweight torpedo, Varunastra, effectively
intercepted an underwater target during a live
test.
● About Varunastra
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○ Indigenous Development: Created within
India, Varunastra is a ship-launched anti-
submarine torpedo that showcases homegrown
technological expertise.
○ Design and Development: The Naval Science
and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), located in
Vizag, developed and designed Varunastra
under the umbrella of DRDO. The manufacturing
responsibility lies with Bharat Dynamics Ltd
(BDL).
○ Specifications:
■ Maximum Speed: Capable of reaching speeds
up to 40 knots.
■ Maximum Operating Depth: Can function
effectively at depths reaching 600 meters.
■ Extended Range: Possesses a substantial
operational range coupled with multifaceted
maneuvering capabilities.
○ Advanced Features:
■ Navigation: Equipped with advanced low drift
navigational systems.
■ Homing Capabilities: Utilizes acoustic homing
for precise targeting.
■ Autonomous Guidance: Employs autonomous
guidance algorithms to enhance its
effectiveness.
○ Other Indian Navy Torpedoes:
■ Advanced Light Torpedo Shyena (ALT-S)
■ Whitehead Torpedoes
INS Trishul
● In a recent event, INS Trishul docked at Durban
port in South Africa to mark the 130th
anniversary of the episode at Pietermaritzburg
railway station, which witnessed the eviction of
Mahatma Gandhi from a train.
● About INS Trishul
○ Part of the Indian Navy's Talwar class, it is the
second frigate of this series.
○ Entered service with the Indian Navy in 2003.
○ Jointly built by India and Russia as part of a
collaborative production effort.
○ Derived from Russia's Krivak III class frigates,
with significant modifications.
○ Features a displacement capacity of 4,000 tons
and a speed of 30 knots.
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○ Primary roles include anti-submarine warfare
and engaging large surface ships.
○ Incorporates stealth technologies and a
specialized hull design for reduced radar cross
section (RCS) and minimized electromagnetic,
acoustic, and infrared signatures.
Agni Prime
● In a recent achievement, the Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO)
effectively conducted a flight test of the New
Generation Ballistic Missile named 'Agni Prime'
from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island.
● This short-range ballistic missile is designed with
a distance capability spanning from 1000 km to
1500 km.
● Functioning as a surface-to-surface missile, it
holds the capacity to transport approximately
1,000 Kg payload or even a nuclear warhead.
● The missile features novel propulsion
mechanisms, composite rocket motor casings,
alongside advanced navigation and guidance
systems.
● Integrated Guided Missile Development
Program (IGMDP)
○ It was conceived by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to
enable India to attain self-sufficiency in the field
of missile technology.
○ 5 missiles developed under this program are:-
■ Prithvi: Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic
missile.
■ Agni: Ballistic missiles with different ranges.
■ Trishul: Short-range low-level surface-to-air
missile.
■ Nag: 3rd generation anti-tank missile.
■ Akash: Medium-range surface-to-air missile.
■ Other Agni Class of Missiles
● Agni I: Range of 700-800 km.
● Agni II: Range more than 2000 km.
● Agni III: Range of more than 2,500 Km
● Agni IV: Range is more than 3,500 km and can
fire from a road-mobile launcher.
● Agni-V: The longest of the Agni series, an Inter-
Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range
of over 5,000 km.
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Cyclone Biparjoy
● In recent times, a cyclonic storm named Biparjoy
has originated in the east-central region of the
Arabian Sea.
● The name ‘Biparjoy’ was given by It means
‘calamity’ or ‘disaster’.
● Formation of Cyclone
■ Cyclones are a type of low-pressure
environment with rapid inward air circulation.
■ Tropical cyclones occur near the equator over
warm ocean water.
■ Usually, a high temperature anywhere means
the existence of low-pressure air, and a low
temperature means high-pressure wind.
■ As air warms over hotter regions it ascends,
leading to low pressure at the surface it is
covering.
■ When air cools in colder areas it descends,
leading to high pressure at the surface.
■ In a depression or low-pressure situation, the air
is rising and blows in an anticlockwise
direction around the low in the northern
hemisphere and in a clockwise direction in
the southern hemisphere.
■ This is because of the Coriolis effect, a result of
the earth’s rotation on its axis.
■ As warm air rises and cools, water vapor
condenses to form clouds and this can lead to
rains.
■ A tropical storm occurs when winds exceed 63
miles per hour, and a tropical cyclone or
hurricane occurs when winds reach 119 miles
per hour.
■ Weather systems formed over the Bay of Bengal
in the peak of summer in May are among the
strongest in the North Indian Ocean region.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
● In recent developments, regulatory authorities in
Europe have granted approval to the first
vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in
the region.
● The vaccine named Arexvy, manufactured by
British pharmaceutical company GSK, has been
formulated to safeguard individuals aged 60 and
above.
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● About Respiratory Syncytial Virus
○ It is a commonplace respiratory virus, generally
inducing mild cold-like symptoms.
○ Infants and older adults are especially
susceptible to severe infections.
○ Among children under one year old in the United
States, it is the leading cause of bronchiolitis
(inflammation of small airways) and pneumonia.
○ The virus's intricate molecular structure and
previous vaccine safety concerns have posed
obstacles to successful vaccine development.
● Understanding Viruses
○ A virus is an infectious microorganism
encompassing a nucleic acid segment (DNA or
RNA) encased in a protein coat.
○ It lacks the ability to replicate independently; its
replication relies on infecting host cells and
utilizing the host's components for replication.
Tactical LAN Radio
● In recent developments, the Indian Army has
announced the finalization of an agreement with
a Bengaluru-based firm for the acquisition of the
domestically-produced "tactical LAN radio.
● About Tactical LAN Radio
○ This advanced technology entails high-
bandwidth backhaul wireless radio equipment,
designed to ensure dependable and resilient
communication.
○ The LAN radio solution extends communication
range significantly and integrates a frequency
hopping mechanism to prevent potential
interceptions.
○ It facilitates long-range point-to-multipoint
communication with high bandwidth.
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○ The system is also fortified with improved safety
measures and can sustain continuous operation
for 48 hours on a single set, without experiencing
any disruptions.
Taurine
● A recent research study has revealed that
Taurine, a nutrient naturally present in meat and
fish and also available as a supplement, has the
potential to prolong life and enhance well-being
across a variety of animal species.
● Findings from experiments conducted on
middle-aged animals demonstrated that
elevating taurine levels to that of youthfulness
resulted in a life extension of more than 10% and
led to notable enhancements in both physical
and cognitive health.
● About Taurine
○ Taurine, an amino acid, serves significant
functions within the body, contributing to immune
health and the proper functioning of the nervous
system.
○ According to the scientific study, taurine seems
to play a crucial role in mitigating cellular
senescence, a process in which cells cease to
divide, which is a distinctive feature of aging.
○ Additionally, the nutrient appeared to support the
maintenance of mitochondria, the cellular
powerhouses responsible for generating energy.
○ Notably, taurine is notably scarce in plant-based
sources, making animal protein in the diet or
endogenous synthesis within the body the
primary sources of this nutrient.
Protosterol Biota
● In recent times, researchers have uncovered a
forgotten realm that holds the potential to unveil
the narrative behind the evolution of life on
Earth.
● About Protosterol Biota
○ This microscopic organism belongs to the
category of eukaryotes, a family of organisms.
○ It has been found within a rock situated in the
ocean's depths, near the present-day Northern
Territory in Australia.
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○ Notably, these organisms exhibit a sophisticated
structure characterized by the incorporation of
mitochondria.
● About Eukaryotes
○ Eukaryotic refers to the type of cell or organism
that possesses a defined nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles.
○ Cell Structure: Eukaryotic cells have a distinct
nucleus, which houses genetic material (DNA).
○ Membrane-Bound Organelles: They contain
various organelles, such as mitochondria,
endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and
more, each enclosed by membranes.
○ Complex Organization: Eukaryotic cells are
structurally more complex compared to
prokaryotic cells.
○ Plant and Animal Cells: Eukaryotic cells are
found in both plant and animal organisms.
○ Genetic Diversity: Eukaryotes can have a
diverse range of forms and functions due to their
complex cellular structures.
○ Division: Eukaryotic cells divide through mitosis
(asexual) or meiosis (sexual reproduction).
○ Examples: Animals, plants, fungi, and protists
are examples of eukaryotic organisms.
Dimethyl Ether (DME)
● In a recent development, scientists from IIT
Kanpur have successfully engineered an engine
powered entirely by DME (dimethyl ether) fuel,
featuring a mechanical fuel injection system.
● About Dimethyl Ether (DME)
○ Chemical Composition: DME is a simple
chemical compound with the molecular formula
CH3OCH3.
○ Physical State: At room temperature and
pressure, DME is a colorless, odorless gas. It
can be easily liquefied under moderate pressure.
○ Clean Fuel: DME is considered a clean fuel
because it produces minimal pollutants and
emissions when burned.
○ Energy Source: DME can be used as a
substitute for diesel fuel in engines and as a fuel
for heating systems.
○ Combustion Characteristics: DME has a high
cetane number, which indicates its good ignition
Compilation June-July-August 2023

quality, making it suitable for compression
ignition engines.
○ Lack of Sulfur: DME is sulfur-free, contributing
to lower emissions of sulfur dioxide and reducing
air pollution.
○ Safe Handling: DME is less toxic than
traditional fuels, making it safer for handling,
storage, and transportation.
○ Applications: DME can be used as a fuel in
transportation, power generation, and
household heating systems. It can also be a
feedstock for the production of chemicals and
plastics.
Chikungunya
● As per a recently published research paper, a
human clinical trial for a vaccine candidate
aimed at preventing chikungunya has yielded a
remarkable immune response rate of 99%.
● About Chikungunya
○ Chikungunya is a viral infection primarily
transmitted to humans through the bite of
infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti
and Aedes albopictus.
○ Symptoms: The infection causes symptoms
such as high fever, joint pain, muscle pain,
headache, fatigue, and rash. These symptoms
can be severe and disabling.Symptoms usually
begin 4 to 8 days after a mosquito bite but can
appear anywhere from 2 to 12 days.
○ Transmission: The primary vectors for
chikungunya transmission are Aedes
mosquitoes, which also transmit other diseases
like dengue and Zika.
○ Geographical Spread: Chikungunya is found in
regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the
Americas. Outbreaks have occurred in various
parts of the world.
○ Outbreaks: Chikungunya outbreaks can cause
significant morbidity and impact public health
systems, particularly in regions with a high
density of mosquito vectors.
○ Treatment: There is no specific antiviral
treatment for chikungunya. Symptomatic
treatment, including rest, hydration, and pain
relief, is usually recommended.
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○ Prevention: Preventive measures include
controlling mosquito populations through vector
control programs, using mosquito nets, wearing
protective clothing, and using insect repellents.
Gravitational Lensing
● Recently, astronomers have managed to
capture four images of a single distant
supernova, as its light is bent and magnified by
the strong gravitational field of a foreground
supernova.
● This phenomenon is known as gravitational
lensing.
● About Gravitational Lensing
○ Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon in which
the gravitational field of a massive object, such
as a galaxy or a black hole, bends and distorts
the path of light from a background object, such
as a more distant galaxy or a quasar.
○ This effect is a consequence of Einstein's theory
of general relativity, which describes how
massive objects warp the fabric of spacetime.
● Types: There are two main types of
gravitational lensing:
○ Strong Lensing:
■ In strong lensing, the foreground massive object
creates multiple, distorted, and magnified
images of the background source.
■ This can result in the formation of "Einstein
rings" and other intricate patterns.
○ Weak Lensing:
■ Weak lensing causes a subtle distortion of the
background source's shape, which requires
careful statistical analysis to detect.
■ It provides information about the distribution of
dark matter in the foreground object.
Cholederm
● Approval has been granted by the Central Drugs
Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to the
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical
Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) for its
innovative wound care product named
Cholederm.
● About Cholederm
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○ It is classified as a Class D medical device that
has been created using the extracellular matrix
from a pig's gallbladder, engineered into
membrane forms of the scaffold.
○ Benefits: Animal testing has shown that it leads
to quicker healing of different types of skin
wounds, such as burns and diabetic wounds,
while also minimizing scarring.
○ Cholederm is anticipated to lower treatment
expenses and enhance the accessibility of
advanced wound care.
○ Importance: This achievement signifies a
noteworthy advancement in the domain of
domestically produced medical devices derived
from animals, while also adhering to all
regulatory standards.
Polio
● Researchers have applied extensive
modifications to polio vaccines in order to
prevent their mutation into a hazardous variant
capable of triggering outbreaks and paralysis.
● The oral vaccine has genetic instability, with just
one mutation capable of reversing its safety and
causing paralysis. Vaccine-derived polio cases
now outnumber wild poliovirus cases.
● About
○ Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a disabling and life-
threatening disease caused by the poliovirus.
○ The virus spreads from person to person and
can infect a person’s spinal cord, causing
paralysis (can’t move parts of the body).
○ Poliovirus can invade the central nervous
system.
○ It multiplies and destroy the nerve cells that
activate muscles, causing irreversible
paralysis in hours.
○ Of those paralysed, 5-10% die when their
breathing muscles become immobilised.
○ It largely affects children under 5 years of age.
● There are three types of polio virus
serotypes-
○ Types 1, 2 and 3.
● Cure
○ There is no cure for polio, but there are safe,
effective vaccines which, given multiple times,
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protect a child for life.
○ Polio held the world in a bind of fear until Jonas
Salk developed the first polio vaccine.
○ Later, Albert Sabin made a ‘live’ polio vaccine
that could be administered orally.
● Vaccines
○ Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
■ It is given orally as a birth dose for institutional
deliveries, then primary three doses at 6, 10 and
14 weeks and one booster dose at 16-24 months
of age.
○ Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV)
■ It is introduced as an additional dose along with
the 3rd dose of DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and
Tetanus) under the Universal Immunisation
Programme (UIP).
● Side Note : World Polio Day: Observed on 24
October, to commemorate the birthday of Jonas
Salk.
● India’s Polio-Free Status
○ In 2012, the WHO removed India from the list of
endemic countries.
○ As per the India Polio Learning Exchange portal,
the last case of
■ Poliovirus Type 2 case was recorded in India in
October 1999 at Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
■ Poliovirus type 3 case was recorded on
October 22, 2010, at Pakur, Jharkhand.
■ Poliovirus type 1 case was recorded on
January 13, 2011, at Howrah, West Bengal.
○ India received polio-free certification by the
World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2014, after
three years of zero cases.
○ As of October 2022, the WHO said only two
countries worldwide remain with indigenous
transmission of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) —
Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Leptospirosis
● Leptospirosis is a dangerous infectious disease
that has become significant worldwide,
especially during monsoon season.
● About
○ Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by
the bacterium Leptospira interrogans.
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○ It is transmitted to humans through contact with
water or soil contaminated with the urine of
infected animals.
○ Common sources of infection include rodents,
livestock, and pets.
○ Symptoms can range from mild flu-like
symptoms to severe infections affecting the liver
and kidneys.
○ Leptospirosis is prevalent in tropical and
subtropical regions with high rainfall and
flooding.
○ Preventive measures include avoiding contact
with contaminated water, wearing protective
clothing, and maintaining proper hygiene.
○ Treatment typically involves antibiotics,
especially when detected early.
Precision Fermentation
● R2 is a biomanufacturing facility in Karnataka,
known for its precision fermentation technology.
● It produces proteins without the need for
traditional livestock farming, offering potential
benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas
emissions, land conservation, and a decrease in
animal cruelty.
● About Precision Fermentation
○ Fermentation is the process by which living
microorganisms break down organic
compounds (i.e. sugars) into useful
components.
○ In precision fermentation, microbes act as tiny
cell factories and are directed to produce a
specific product.
○ The directions on what to make are provided to
the microbe in strain engineering.
○ After being engineered, the microbes are
cultivated in massive quantities, often in the
hundreds of thousands of gallons, and fed
essential nutrients to sustain their growth.
○ Once a critical mass has been reached, the
target product is recovered and purified to yield
a functional product.
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Enceladus
● Recently, NASA's Cassini spacecraft discovers
‘phosphorous on Saturn's moon Enceladus.
● About Enceladus
○ It stands as the second closest among Saturn's
major regular moons and holds the distinction of
being the brightest among all its moons.
○ English astronomer William Herschel's
discovery in 1789 led to its naming after a figure
from Greek mythology, one of the Giants
(Gigantes).
○ This dynamic moon is home to a concealed
global ocean of liquid saline water underneath its
outer layer.
○ The surface, covered in ice, displays a
remarkable uniformity and a brilliant white hue,
making it the solar system's most reflective
entity.
Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)
Attack
● Microsoft recently acknowledged that the series
of service disruptions experienced by users of
Microsoft Azure, OneDrive and Outlook were the
result of a major distributed denial of service
(DDoS) attack.
● DDoS Attack
○ A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is
a malevolent endeavor to disrupt the regular flow
of traffic to a specific server, service, or network
by inundating the target or its surrounding
infrastructure with a torrent of internet traffic.
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○ DDoS attacks attain their effectiveness by
leveraging numerous compromised computer
systems as sources of attack traffic.
○ These compromised machines can include
computers and other interconnected resources
like Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
○ Unlike other forms of cyberattacks, DDoS
assaults don't aim to breach the security
perimeter.
○ Instead, they strive to render websites and
servers inaccessible to legitimate users.
○ DDoS attacks can also serve as a diversion for
other malicious activities and to disable security
appliances, thereby breaching the target's
security defenses.
○ Mechanism of the Attack
■ DDoS attacks are orchestrated using networks
of internet-connected devices.
■ These networks comprise computers and
devices (such as IoT devices) that have been
infected with malware, enabling remote control
by the attacker.
■ Each of these individual devices is known as a
"bot" or "zombie," and a collection of bots forms
a "botnet."
■ Once a botnet is established, the attacker can
command the attack by sending remote
instructions to each bot.
■ When a victim's server or network is targeted,
each bot sends requests to the target's IP
address, potentially overwhelming the server or
network and causing a denial of service to
regular traffic.
○ DoS vs DDoS
■ A DDoS attack falls under the category of a
broader denial-of-service (DoS) attack.
■ In a DoS attack, the perpetrator uses a single
internet connection to either exploit a software
vulnerability or inundate a target with fictitious
requests, often to deplete server resources.
■ On the contrary, DDoS attacks employ
thousands or even millions of interconnected
devices to accomplish their objective.
Nano Urea
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● Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd
(IFFCO) recently said it had signed an
agreement with California-based Kapoor
Enterprises Inc to export liquid nano urea to the
US.
● About Nano Urea
○ Nano Urea is a nutrient to provide nitrogen to
plants as an alternative to the conventional
urea.
○ It is developed and patented by the Indian
Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO).
○ IFFCO Nano Urea is the only nano fertiliser
approved by the Government of India and
included in the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO).
○ Nano Urea Liquid can curtail the requirement
of the same by at least 50%.
○ It contains 40,000 ppm of nitrogen in a 500 ml
bottle which is equivalent to the impact of
nitrogen nutrient provided by one bag of
conventional urea.
○ Nano nitrogen (Nano Urea) can enhance
farmer’s crop yields beside nitrogen saving
to the extent of 50%.
Artemis Accords
● Recently, India has finally taken a leap of faith by
signing the Artemis Accords.
● About
○ Artemis Accords established in 2020.
○ It is based on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967
(OST).
○ It was Initiated by the U.S. State Department and
NASA.
○ Seven other founding members: Australia,
Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United
Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
○ 28 countries, including the USA (founding
member), have signed the Accords (as of June
2023).
○ Aim: Set common principles for civil exploration
and use of outer space, moon, Mars, comets,
and asteroids.
○ It emphasizes peaceful purposes in space
activities.
○ Under the Artemis Accords, the signatories will
implement memorandum of understanding
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(MOUs) between governments or agencies to
conduct space activities for peaceful purposes in
accordance with international law.
● Significance
○ Joining Artemis Accords benefits ISRO with
valuable technologies and opportunities for
scientific advancements.
○ Collaboration with NASA enables knowledge-
sharing and technology transfer. Enhances
India's space exploration efforts.
○ Joint mission to the International Space Station
(ISS) in 2024 coupled with Gaganyaan human
module flights sets the stage for India to elevate
its space aspirations.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
● Recently, the One Health Priority Research
Agenda on Antimicrobial Resistance was
unveiled by a Quadripartite.
● The Quadripartite: Comprising the United
Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO), the UN Environment Programme
(UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO),
and the World Organisation for Animal Health
(WOAH).
● The agenda aims to advocate for increased
research and investment in antimicrobial
resistance (AMR).
● About AMR
○ Antimicrobials – including antibiotics,
antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics – are
medicines used to prevent and treat infections in
humans, animals and plants.
○ Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when
bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change
over time and no longer respond to medicines
making infections harder to treat and
increasing the risk of disease spread, severe
illness and death.
■ As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and
other antimicrobial medicines become
ineffective and infections become increasingly
difficult or impossible to treat.
● Mechanism of Causing Antibiotic Resistance
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○ Antibiotics work by binding to a specific target
protein on a bacteria, then entering to kill it
from the inside.
○ Penicillin, for example, weakens the bacterial
cell wall, causing the cell to disintegrate.
○ The most common ways bacteria evade
antibiotics come from mutations that allow them
to stop drugs from binding to bacteria.
○ It’s like the bacteria changed the locks so the
antibiotic key no longer opens the cell door.
Parker Solar Probe
● Recently, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe
completed its 16th close approach to the Sun.
● During this orbit, the probe had a close
encounter with the Sun, reaching within 8.5
million kilometers of the Sun's surface.
● The Parker Solar Probe was moving at a
remarkable speed of approximately 586,782
kilometers per hour during the close approach.
● About Parker Solar Probe
○ Parker Solar Probe was launched in 2018 by
NASA. .
○ The spacecraft will fly close enough to the Sun
to watch the solar wind speed up from
subsonic to supersonic, and it will fly through
the birthplace of the highest-energy solar
particles.
○ The spacecraft and instruments are being
protected from the Sun’s heat by a 4.5-inch-
thick carbon-composite shield, which can
withstand temperatures outside the spacecraft
that reach nearly 1,377 degrees Celsius.
○ Parker Solar Probe will use Venus’ gravity
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during seven flybys over nearly seven years to
gradually bring its orbit closer to the sun.
○ The spacecraft will fly through the sun’s
atmosphere as close as 3.9 million miles to our
star’s surface, well within the orbit of Mercury
and more than seven times closer than any
spacecraft has come before.
○ Objectives
■ To trace how energy and heat move through the
corona.
■ To explore what causes the acceleration of solar
winds and solar energetic particles.
Dinutuximab (Qarziba)
● Recently, In a relief to patients, the GST Council
has exempted cancer medicine dinutuximab and
food for special medical purposes used in
treatment of rare diseases from GST.
● The drug costs Rs 36 lakh is imported by
individuals for personal use. It was taxed at a
rate of 12 percent IGST.
● Branded as Qarziba, dinutuximab is used to treat
neuroblastoma, a cancer of nerve cells in
patients over 1 year of age.
○ Neuroblastoma: Cancer of immature nerve cells
arising from the adrenal gland, nerve ganglia or
the neck.
● It is used in 2 groups of patients who have high-
risk neuroblastoma (which has a high chance of
coming back):
○ Patients who have had some improvement with
previous treatments, which included blood stem-
cell transplantation (a transplant of blood-
producing cells)
○ Patients whose neuroblastoma has not
improved with other cancer treatments or has
come back.
Brahmos Missile
● The Philippine Army has started negotiations
with India's BrahMos Corporation to acquire
batteries of the BrahMos supersonic anti-ship
cruise missile.
● About Brahmos
○ The name BrahMos is a portmanteau formed
from the names of two rivers, the
Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of
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Russia (A joint collaboration between India and
Russia)
○ It is a supersonic cruise missile.
○ It is capable of being launched from land, sea,
sub-sea and air against surface- and sea-
based targets.
○ The missile flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach or
almost three times the speed of sound.
○ It can carry both conventional and nuclear
warheads of 300 kilograms.
○ The range of the missile was originally capped
at 290 km as per obligations of the Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
○ Following India’s entry into the club in June
2016, the range would be extended to 450 km
and to 600 km at a later stage.
○ In December 2021 the air version of BrahMos
was test fired from the Indian Air Force’s
Sukhoi 30 MK-I aircraft.
○ On January 11, 2022 an advanced sea-to-sea
variant of BrahMos was tested from the newly
commissioned INS Visakhapatnam.
○ Several Asian countries have shown a keen
interest in BrahMos.
Geocoding
● Recently, the Goods and Services Tax Network
(GSTN) implemented the geocoding
functionality for all states and union territories.
● Geocoding converts an address or description of
a location into geographic coordinates.
● It has been introduced to ensure the accuracy of
address details in GSTN records and streamline
the address location and verification process.
● The GSTN said submission of geocoding will be
a one-time activity.
● This is a one-time activity, and once submitted,
revision in the address is not allowed.
● The functionality will not be visible to the
taxpayers who have already geocoded their
address through new registration or core
amendment.
● About Goods and Services Tax Network
(GSTN)
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○ It is registered as a nonprofit non-government
company under Section 8 of the Companies Act,
2013.
○ It serves as a shared IT infrastructure and
service provider for both central and state
governments, as well as taxpayers and other
stakeholders.
○ The GSTN is jointly owned, with private players
holding 51% equity and the Centre and State
governments holding 49% equity.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission
● Set to be launched from Andhra Pradesh’s
Sriharikota on July 14 at 2.35 pm,
Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission.
● It is a follow-up to the 2019 Chandrayaan-2
mission, which partially failed after its lander
and rover couldn’t execute a soft-landing on the
Moon.
● The Chandrayaan-3 will reach the lunar orbit
almost a month after its launch, and its lander,
Vikram, and rover, Pragyaan, are likely to
land on the Moon on August 23.
● Notably, the landing site of the latest mission is
more or less the same as the Chandrayaan-2:
near the south pole of the moon at 70 degrees
latitude.
● If everything goes well, the Chandrayaan-3 will
become the world’s first mission to soft-land
near the lunar south pole.
● The furthest that any spacecraft has gone from
the equator was Surveyor 7, launched by
NASA.
● Significance of Lunar South Pole
○ There are indications of the presence of ice
molecules in substantial amounts in the deep
craters in this region.
○ India’s 2008 Chandrayaan-1 mission indicated
the presence of water on the lunar surface with
the help of its two instruments onboard.
○ The extremely cold temperatures here mean that
anything trapped in the region would remain
frozen in time, without undergoing much change.
○ The rocks and soil in Moon’s north and south
poles could therefore provide clues to the early
Solar System.
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New Wheat Variety (PBW RS1)
● Recently, the Ludhiana-based institution has
developed a new variety of wheat called PBW
RS1.
● It contains high amylose starch content.
● Resistant starch (RS) won’t cause an
immediate and rapid rise in glucose levels.
● The high amylose and resistant starch,
instead, ensure that glucose is released more
slowly into the bloodstream.
● Amylose starch content is known to reduce
risks of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular
diseases.
● Food prepared from its whole grain flour also has
a lower glycemic index.
● Being slower to digest also increases a feeling
of satiety; a person consuming 4 chapatis from
normal wheat would now feel full after having
just two.
Project 75 (India)- P75 (I) - Submarine
Program
● Recently, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) said it has
signed a teaming agreement with Spain-based
Navantia for submission of a techno-
commercial bid for the Indian Navy’s prestigious
P75 (India) submarine programme.
● P75 (I), succeeds P75, is part of a 30-year
submarine building plan that ends in 2030.
● P75 (I) requires an Indian bidder to tie up with a
foreign collaborator.
● P75 (India) Submarine Project is expected to be
valued at €4.8 billion (over Rs 43,500 crore)
and is India‘s largest defense acquisition project.
● It envisages construction of six conventional
submarines with better sensors and weapons
and Air Independent Propulsion System (AIP).
● It will provide a boost to indigenous design and
construction capability of submarines, in addition
to bringing in the latest submarine design and
technologies.
Brucellosis Disease
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 86

● Recently, a seven-year-old student from ■ The most common sign of this form is muscle
Kadakkal in Kollam has tested positive for weakness that starts in the lower body and
Brucellosis Disease. spreads to the upper body.
● It is a bacterial infection that spreads from ○ In Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), the paralysis
animals to people. starts with the eyes. This syndrome is less
● Most commonly, people are infected by eating common in the US, and more common in Asia.
raw or unpasteurized dairy products. ○ The acute motor axonal neuropathy is more
● Sometimes, the bacteria that cause brucellosis common in China, Japan, and Mexico.
can spread through the air or through direct
contact with infected animals. Different Kinds of Moon Missions
● Signs and symptoms of brucellosis may include
fever, joint pain and fatigue.
● The infection can usually be treated with
antibiotics.
● Treatment may take several weeks to months,
and the infection can recur.
● Brucellosis affects hundreds of thousands of
people and animals worldwide.

Guillain-Barre syndrome
● Recently, Peru declared a 90-day national
health emergency after a massive spike in
cases of a rare neurological disorder - the
Guillain-Barre syndrome.
● The Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare
neurological disorder in which the body's
immune system attacks the nerves.
● It starts with a tingling sensation and weakness
in the hands and feet, and can quickly spread
further - ending up paralyzing the body.
● Most people with this condition need to be
hospitalised for the treatment.
● While the exact cause of the disorder is not
yet known, reports suggested that two-thirds of
patients saw symptoms of an infection - Covid-
19 or gastrointestinal infection or Zika virus - in
the six weeks preceding.
● The Guillain-Barre syndrome has three forms -
acute inflammatory demyelinating
polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), Miller Fisher
syndrome, and acute motor axonal
neuropathy.
○ Acute inflammatory demyelinating
polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) is the most
common form found in North America and
Europe.
● There are largely six kinds of Moon missions,
including flybys, orbiters, impact missions,
landers, rovers, and human missions.
● Flybys
○ These are the missions in which the spacecraft
passed near the Moon but did not get into an
orbit around it.
○ These were either designed to study the Moon
from a distance or were on their way to some
other planetary body or deep space exploration
and happened to pass by the celestial body.
○ Ex- Pioneer 3 and 4 by the United States and
Luna 3 of the then USSR.
● Orbiters
○ These were spacecraft that were designed to get
into a lunar orbit and carry out prolonged studies
of the Moon’s surface and atmosphere.

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○ Ex- Chandrayaan-1
● Impact Mission
○ While the main spacecraft keeps going around
the Moon, one or more instruments on board
make an uncontrolled landing on the lunar
surface.
○ They get destroyed after the impact, but still
send some useful information about the Moon
while on their way.
○ Ex- One of the instruments on Chandrayaan-1,
called Moon Impact Probe.
● Landers
○ These missions involve the soft landing of the
spacecraft on the Moon.
○ So far, landings have been possible only on the
Moon, Mars and Venus.
○ Ex- The first landing on the moon was
accomplished on January 31, 1966, by the Luna
9 spacecraft of the then USSR.
● Rovers
○ Rovers are special wheeled payloads on the
lander that can detach themselves from the
spacecraft and move around on the moon’s
surface, collecting very useful information.
○ Ex- The rover onboard Vikram lander in the
Chandrayaan-2 mission was called Pragyaan.
● Human Missions
○ These involve the landing of astronauts on the
moon’s surface.
○ So far only NASA of the United States has been
able to land human beings on the moon.
○ With NASA’s Artemis III, currently planned for
2025, humanity is set to once again reach the
lunar surface in more than 50 years.
Quantum Supercomputer
● In a recent study, researchers reported that they
had taken an important step towards topological
quantum computing.
● The claim pertains to particles called Majorana
zero modes, whose unique properties could
help build quantum computers that are much
less fragile than they are today, making them
computationally superior.
● Fermions and Antiparticles
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○ All subatomic particles that constitute matter are
known as fermions, with each fermion having an
associated antiparticle that annihilates upon
interaction.
● Majorana Fermions
○ Italian physicist Ettore Majorana in 1937,
discovered that certain particles, known as
Majorana fermions, can satisfy specific
conditions and be their own antiparticles.
● Understanding Majorana Zero Modes
○ Quantum Numbers and Spin
■ All particles have four quantum numbers, with
one called the quantum spin having half-integer
values for fermions. This property allows any
fermion, even a large entity like an atom, to be
classified as a fermion.
○ Bound States and Fermions
■ Bound states composed of two particles can also
be classified as fermions if their total quantum
spin possesses a half-integer value.
○ Majorana Zero Modes
■ When these bound states are their own
antiparticles and do not readily de-cohere, they
are known as Majorana zero modes, which have
been sought after by physicists for many years.
Floating Gold
● Recently, A massive chunk of "floating gold" has
been found in the belly of a dead whale beached
on the Spanish island of La Palma.
● The highly valuable substance — called
ambergris — is a waxy material secreted by
sperm whales when they swallow indigestible
material such as squid beaks.
● Ambergris is used to make perfumes and can
sell for thousands of dollars per pound.
● Only 1% to 5% of sperm whales (Physeter
macrocephalus) are found with ambergris — a
secretion from the bile duct that is believed to
coat indigestible objects the animal has eaten.
● Normally whales regurgitate these objects, but
when they don't, the ambergris helps protect the
whale's organs from the sharp material.
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
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● Google’s decision to allow developers to expand
the ways non fungible tokens can be used in
their games on the Play Store was met with a
collective sigh of relief on crypto Twitter.
● Non-fungible tokens, often referred to as NFTs,
are blockchain-based tokens that each
represent a unique asset like a piece of art,
digital content, or media.
● An NFT can be thought of as an irrevocable
digital certificate of ownership and authenticity
for a given asset, whether digital or physical.
● Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are designed to be
i) cryptographically verifiable, ii) unique or scarce
and iii) easily transferable.
● Non-fungible tokens can be created to represent
virtually any asset, whether physical, digital or
metaphysical.
● However, the most common NFT assets are
digital art, digital collectible items, pieces of
content like video or audio, and event tickets.
New Scorpene Class Submarines for
the Navy
● Recently, the Defence Acquisition Council, the
apex decision-making body for the acquisition of
military equipment for India’s armed forces,
cleared proposals worth thousands of crores to
buy three additional Scorpene submarines.
● The three additional Scorpene submarines will
be procured under Buy (Indian) category and will
be built by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Limited (MDL).
● The MDL is building six Scorpene class
submarines under the Project-75, as part of a $
3.75 billion deal signed in October 2005.
● Of these, five have already been commissioned
and the last one will likely be commissioned
early next year.
● The fifth submarine under this project, INS Vagir,
was commissioned in January this year. The
others — INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj
and INS Vela were commissioned between 2017
and 2021.
● In May this year, the sixth submarine Vagsheer
began her sea trials.
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Rafale Marine Jet
● Recently, the Defence Acquisition Council
(DAC) held a crucial meeting to clear proposals
to buy 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Navy.
● The Rafale Marine fighters are the naval variant
of the Rafale fighter jets, 36 of which are
operated by the Indian Air Force.
● Manufactured by France’s Dassault Aviation, the
Rafales are advanced twin engine, multirole
fighter jets are equipped with
○ Latest weapon systems — including Meteor-
beyond visual range air-to-air missiles,
○ Hammer air to surface smart weapon system,
○ Scalp cruise missiles — and are fitted with
modern sensors, and radar to detect and track
and attack targets.
○ Certain India-specific enhancements and can
carry out a range of missions.
● The jets can carry exceptionally high payloads.
● The Navy currently operates the MiG-29Ks from
its aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.
● The Russian MiG-29Ks are a carrier-based
multirole fighter aircraft and can have a
maximum speed over twice the speed of sound
(about 2,000 kmph) and can climb to an altitude
of over 65,000 feet.
Perseverance Rover
● Recently, A new study using data from NASA’s
Mars Perseverance rover has found potential
evidence of organic molecules on Mars,
indicating a complex organic geochemical cycle
and the possibility of prolonged habitability.
● The research used a novel technique with the
SHERLOC instrument to detect signs of past life,
setting the stage for future extraterrestrial
investigations.
● Perseverance is a car-sized Mars rover
designed to explore the crater Jezero on Mars
as part of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission.
● The rover was launched in July 2020.
● It landed at the Jezero Crater of Mars in
February 2021.
● Perseverance has a similar design to its
predecessor rover, Curiosity, from which it
was moderately upgraded.
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● It carries seven primary payload instruments,
nineteen cameras, and two microphones.
● The rover also carried the mini-helicopter
Ingenuity to Mars, an experimental aircraft and
technology testbed that made the first powered
flight on another planet on 19 April 2021.
● Objective
○ Looking for habitability: identify past
environments that were capable of supporting
microbial life.
○ Seeking biosignatures: seek signs of possible
past microbial life in those habitable
environments, particularly in specific rock types
known to preserve signs over time.
○ Caching samples: collect core rock and regolith
("soil") samples and store them on the Martian
surface.
Hwasong-18
● North Korea tested its latest Hwasong-18
intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on
July 12, 2023.
● The Hwasong-18 is a solid-fuelled ICBM and
was first unveiled at the February 8 parade
earlier this year.
● This ICBM is the first to use solid propellants.
● The use of solid propellants in the Hwasong-18
allows for faster deployment of missiles. Solid
propellants can fire faster and accelerate more
quickly at liftoff.
● ICBMs
○ It is a rocket-propelled self-guided strategic-
weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory
to deliver a payload from its launch site to a
predetermined target.
○ Ballistic missiles are powered initially by a rocket
or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an
unpowered trajectory that arches upwards
before descending to reach its intended target.
○ ICBMs have a range of over 5,500 km and have
nuclear weapons delivery technology.
○ Presently, in addition to the DPRK, Russia, the
United States, France, the United Kingdom,
China, India and Israel are the only countries
that are in documented possession of land-
based ICBMs.
Aspartame
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● WHO, FAO and International Agency for
Research on Cancer declare artificial
sweetener aspartame as possibly
carcinogenic.
● Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used as a
sugar substitute in a wide range of food and
beverage products as it is a low-calorie
sweetener.
● It is approximately 200 times sweeter than
sucrose (table sugar), making it an attractive
option for those looking to reduce their calorie
intake or manage diabetes.
● Aspartame is composed of two amino acids -
aspartic acid and phenylalanine linked
together.
○ These two components are naturally found in
various foods and are metabolised by the body
during digestion however, aspartame is
synthesised through a chemical process and is
considered an artificial sweetener.
○ It is approved for use in various food and
beverage products including diet sodas or diet
drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy
products such as yogurt, breakfast cereal,
toothpaste, medications etc.
Measles
● Recently, the UK Health Security Agency
(UKHSA) warned that London is standing at risk
of a major measles outbreak.
● About
○ It is a highly contagious viral disease which
affects mostly children.
● Symptoms
○ Fever, dry cough, running nose, sore throat,
and rash (appear around 10 to 14 days after
exposure to the virus.)
● Means of Transmission
○ Coughing and sneezing, close personal
contact
● Treatment
○ Vaccines are available.
○ The WHO recommends immunization for all
children with two doses of the measles vaccine,
either alone, or in a measles-rubella (MR) or
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) combination.
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○ As per the guidance of the National Health
Mission, in India, measles vaccination is given
under the Universal Immunization
Programme at 9-12 months of age and the
second dose at 16-24 months of age.
● Rubella (German measles or Three-day
Measles)
○ It is a contagious viral infection best known by its
distinctive red rash.
○ It can cause serious problems for unborn
babies whose mothers become infected during
pregnancy.
○ Rubella isn't the same as measles, but the two
illnesses share some signs and symptoms.
○ The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is
safe and highly effective in preventing rubella
(lifelong protection).
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever
(CCHF)
● As Europe reels under a heatwave and wildfires,
the rising temperatures have also raised fears of
spread of viruses generally not found in colder
climates.
● Alert has been sounded about the Crimean-
Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF).
● Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a
viral haemorrhagic fever usually transmitted by
ticks.
● It can also be contracted through contact with
viraemic animal tissues (animal tissue where the
virus has entered the bloodstream) during and
immediately post-slaughter of animals.
● The CCHF is endemic to Africa, the Balkan
countries, Middle East, and parts of Asia.
● The first fatality from the disease in Europe was
in Spain, in 2016.
● In India, one person succumbed to CCHF last
month in Gujarat.
● Animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and hares
“serve as amplifying hosts for the virus.
● The ticks can also be hosted by migratory
birds, thus carrying the virus over long
distances.
● Transmission to humans occurs through contact
with infected ticks or animal blood.
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● CCHF can be transmitted from one infected
human to another by contact with infectious
blood or body fluids”, such as sweat and saliva.
● CCHF symptoms include fever, muscle ache,
dizziness, neck pain, backache, headache, sore
eyes and sensitivity to light.
● There is no vaccine for the virus in either
humans or animals, and treatment generally
consists of managing symptoms.
Alzheimer’s Disease
● Less than two weeks after an Alzheimer’s drug
developed by Biogen and Eisai won full approval
from the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), Eli Lilly’s monoclonal antibody
donanemab has been shown to significantly
slow the progression of the disease if treated
early.
● Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disorder
that slowly robs people of their memory and
thinking abilities.
● Worldwide, it is the most common form of
dementia or loss of cognitive functioning —
thinking, remembering, and reasoning –
contributing 60%-70% cases.
● It is progressive and irreversible.
● It usually begins with mild memory loss, and as
symptoms grow severe, patients lose the ability
to perform even simple tasks.
● Pathology of the disease is deposition of an
abnormal protein called beta-amyloid in the
brain.
● Alzheimer’s disease affects at least 55 million
people worldwide.
● In India, only 1 in 10 people with dementia
receive any diagnosis, treatment or care for
the disease.
● Lack of awareness is a major problem in
battling the disease. Most of the Indian
population accepts it as normal aging, which is
incorrect.
● An increasing prevalence of diabetes,
hypertension, and obesity is expected to drive
up the incidence of dementia in India in the
coming decades.
● India could see a 197% jump in dementia,
Compilation June-July-August 2023

including Alzheimer’s, from 3.84 million cases in
2019 to 11.44 million cases by 2050.
Bacteriophages
● With antibiotic resistance rising, scientists think
bacteriophages could cure bacterial
infections.
● The vast majority of viruses inside us are
bacteriophages — viruses that kill bacteria in
our microbiomes.
● Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are
harmless to human cells as they do not
recognize them as their bacterial prey.
● They work by hunting down bacteria and
attaching themselves to the surface of a
bacterial cell, before injecting viral DNA material
into the cell.
● The viral DNA then replicates inside the bacteria,
sometimes by borrowing the DNA replication
hardware of the bacteria.
● Once enough new viruses have been created
inside the bacterial cell, the cell then bursts to
release the new viral particles.
● All this takes just 30 minutes, meaning one virus
can become many in a couple of hours.
Parkinson’s Disease
● In a new study, researchers have examined the
physical, emotional, and financial toll of the
Parkinson’s disease, as well as the importance
of early diagnosis and treatment.
● Parkinson's disease is a chronic and
progressive neurological disorder that affects
the motor system of the human body.
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● The incidence increases with age, with the
highest rates of diagnosis occurring in people
over the age of 60.
● It is caused by the degeneration of neurons in
the brain which leads to deficiency of dopamine.
● Many studies have suggested that men are more
likely to be affected by Parkinson’s than women.
● Symptoms
○ Parkinson's disease is primarily a motor disorder
that affects movement, causing slowness and
stiffness of body movements, including gait.
○ Initially, the disease affects one side of the body
and gradually progresses to the other side.
○ It can impact their employability, ability to write,
and drive.
● Currently, no blood laboratory or radiological
tests are available to diagnose Parkinson’s
disease.
● It has no cure.
BepiColombo
● The BepiColombo mission captured a beautiful
image of Mercury’s crater-marked surface as the
spacecraft flew close to the planet for a gravity
assist maneuver.
● It is Europe’s first mission to Mercury.
● It was launched on 20 October 2018. — It is on
a seven-year journey to the smallest and least
explored terrestrial planet in our Solar System.
● When it arrives at Mercury in late 2025, it will
endure temperatures in excess of 350 °C and
gather data during its one-year nominal mission,
with a possible one-year extension.
● The mission comprises two spacecraft: the
Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the
Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (Mio).
● BepiColombo is a joint mission between ESA
and the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency (JAXA), executed under ESA
leadership.
● Mercury’s closeness to the Sun makes the
mission very challenging. It is difficult for a
spacecraft to reach the planet and survive in
harsh environmental conditions.
● Missions to Mercury
○ Mariner 10 – NASA Flyby Mission to Venus and
Mercury (1973).
Compilation June-July-August 2023

○ MESSENGER – NASA Orbiter to Mercury
(2004).
Picolinic Acid
● A new study by researchers at the Indian
Institute of Science (IISc.) and collaborators has
revealed that picolinic acid, a natural compound
produced by mammalian cells, can block
several viruses, including those responsible
for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A.
● The study describes the compound’s
remarkable ability to disrupt the entry of
enveloped viruses into the host’s cell and
prevent infection.
● Picolinic acid is known to help in the absorption
of zinc and other trace elements from our gut,
but, in its natural form, it stays inside the body
only for a short duration, and is usually excreted
out quickly.
● In recent years, scientists have begun noticing
that it may also exhibit anti-viral activity.
● It is effective against a variety of enveloped
viruses, including flaviviruses like the Zika
virus and the Japanese encephalitis virus.
● When the compound was tested in SARS-CoV-
2 and influenza animal models, it was found to
protect the animals from infection.
● It was also found to reduce viral load in the lungs
when given to infected animals.
● In addition, the researchers found that picolinic
acid led to an increase in the number of immune
cells in the animals.
mRNA Vaccines
● Recently, researchers developed an mRNA-
based vaccine that can effectively target and
stimulate protective immune cell responses
against the malaria-causing parasite
Plasmodium.
● mRNA Vaccines
○ Individuals who get an mRNA vaccine are not
exposed to the virus, nor can they become
infected with the virus by the vaccine.
○ mRNA vaccines work by introducing a small
piece of a protein found on the virus’s outer
membrane.
92
○ By using this mRNA, cells can produce the viral
protein.
○ As part of a normal immune response, the
immune system recognizes that the protein is
foreign and produces antibodies.
○ Once produced, antibodies remain in the body,
even after the body has rid itself of the pathogen,
so that the immune system can quickly respond
if exposed again.
● Advantages
○ Conventional flu vaccines target only the specific
viruses they are designed for, but mRNA
vaccines seem to produce antibodies that
defend the body against a broader range of
viruses than those included.
Biofortification
● As the global market of biofortification is
projected to reach $217.21 million by 2030 from
the current $100.84 million (in 2022), the
government is seeking the private sector’s help
to popularize the access to nutrient-rich crops.
● The industry wants separate branding of
biofortified foods, similar to what has been done
for “organic” products.
● Biofortification is the process of improving the
nutritional quality of food crops.
● This can be achieved through agronomic
practices, conventional breeding or
biotechnology-based approaches like genetic
engineering and genome editing.
● Biofortification of staple crops such as rice is
intended as a sustainable and cost-effective.
● It is a food-based means of delivering target
micronutrients to populations who do not have
access to or cannot afford diverse diets and
other existing interventions such as fortified
foods and supplementation.
Satellite Network Portal Site
● The Gujarat government through its
Department of Science and Technology
(DST) on July 19 signed a memorandum of
understanding with OneWeb India
Communications Pvt Ltd for setting up a
Compilation June-July-August 2023

‘satellite network portal site’ — a first for India —
at Mehsana in Gujarat.
● OneWeb has 648 satellites orbiting at 1,000-
1,200 km making 13 orbits per day, covering
the entire globe.
● The satellite network portal (SNP) site will serve
as a signal and data downlink and uplink
terminal or base station on the ground, an
intermediary for data transmission through
satellite tracking antenna systems.
● To cover the entire Earth, we need 40 such
SNPs but for India we need at least 2 such SNPs
because India is such a large geography.
● It has been decided to set up one in Gujarat and
another is being planned in the southern part of
India, likely to be in Tamil Nadu.
● OneWeb
○ OneWeb Ltd is a global communication network
powered from space (low Earth orbit (LEO)),
enabling internet connectivity for governments
and businesses.
○ LEO satellites operate at an altitude of 500 to
1,200 km, making it ripe for high-speed and low
latency — a lower time lag between a user
seeking data, and the server sending that data,
compared to geostationary Earth orbit
positioned satellites.
○ Though OneWeb is UK-based, India’s Bharti
Enterprises serves as a major investor and
shareholder in the company, and Bharti
Enterprises’ founder Sunil Bharti Mittal serves as
OneWeb’s executive chairman.
National Broadcasting Day 2023
● National Broadcasting Day in India is marked on
July 23.
● It is symbolic of the Radio Club of Bombay
(established by some businessmen) making the
first-ever broadcast in the country in June 1923.
● The broadcast was followed by the setting up of
the Calcutta Radio Club five months later.
● The Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC)
came into being on July 23, 1927, although it
was soon facing liquidation in less than three
years.
93
● But it would eventually lead to the birth of a name
recognisable to Indians for generations in the
form of the All India Radio (AIR).
● In 1956 the name AKASHVANI was adopted for
the National Broadcaster.
● It was used interchangeably with AIR, often to
specifically refer to its Hindi broadcasting.
● With a network of around 260 radio stations, AIR
today is accessible to almost the entire
population of the country and serves nearly 92%
of the total area.
● A broadcasting giant, it broadcasts in 23
languages and 146 dialects.
Brain Fog
● Researchers recently suggested the “brain
fog” symptom associated with long Covid is
equivalent to aging 10 years.
● Brain fog itself is not a medical condition but
instead a symptom of other medical conditions.
● It’s a type of cognitive dysfunction involving:
○ Memory problems, a lack of mental clarity, poor
concentration , an inability to focus etc.
● Some people also describe it as mental fatigue.
● Causes
○ Brain fog is typically rooted in a lifestyle that
promotes hormonal imbalances.
○ Electromagnetic radiation – from computers,
mobile phones, tablets.
○ Stress – reduces blood flow to the brain causing
poor memory.
○ Lack of sleep, no exercise, food allergies or
sensitivities.
○ Toxins, pollution, chemical substances, and
insecticides, medications.
● Treatment
○ Treatment depends on the cause. For example,
if you’re anemic, iron supplements may increase
your production of red blood cells and reduce
your brain fog.
Cannabis Medicine Project
● Recently, the Union Minister of State
(Independent Charge) Science & Technology
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 94

said that Jammu is going to pioneer India's first

Cannabis Medicine Project.
● It is the first-ever cannabis medicine project in
India.
● Location: Jammu.
● Implementing Agencies: CSIR-Indian Institute
of Integrative Medicine.
● CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine
International Collaborations: It will be
established in collaboration with Canada.
● This project will be the first major foreign
investment in Jammu and Kashmir after it
became a Union Territory (UT).
● Significance
○ The medicine prepared from Cannabis is used
to produce pain-relief medicine.
○ This project will explore the therapeutic
properties of Cannabis, a plant which is
otherwise prohibited and known for abuse.
○ Cannabis
○ Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant
chronic pain, nausea, epilepsy, multiple
from the Cannabis sativa species that has
sclerosis, and more.
been used for various purposes for thousands of
○ Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug
years.
under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
○ It contains chemical compounds called
Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. This means it
cannabinoids, the most well-known being delta-
is illegal to possess, sell, or consume cannabis
9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and
in any form.
cannabidiol (CBD).
○ THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects
of cannabis, while CBD is non-psychoactive and Aeolus Wind Satellite
has potential therapeutic properties. ● The European Space Agency's (ESA) Aeolus
○ Cannabis has a long history of medicinal, wind satellite, after exceeding its planned life in
recreational, and industrial use in different orbit, is making its way back to Earth.
cultures around the world. ● The satellite, which has been orbiting our planet
○ Medicinal cannabis is used to alleviate for nearly five years, is currently falling at a rate
symptoms of various medical conditions such as of around 1 km per day, with its descent
accelerating.
● Aeolus was launched on August 22, 2018,
from the Guiana Space Centre in French
Guiana.
● It is a 1,360-kilogram satellite.
● Mission Objectives
○ To measure global wind profiles from space.
○ To provide accurate and comprehensive data on
wind patterns in the Earth's atmosphere to
improve weather forecasting, understand

Compilation June-July-August 2023


climate dynamics, and enhance our knowledge
of the Earth's atmospheric circulation.
○ It is the first satellite mission to acquire profiles
of Earth’s wind on a global scale.
DART Mission
● Months after the Double Asteroid Redirection
Test (Dart) mission crashed into asteroid
Dimorphos, the Hubble telescope has observed
boulders escaping out.
● The Dart mission intentionally impacted the
asteroid Dimorphos on September 26, 2022, in
a test to alter the asteroid's trajectory.
● The crash has resulted in a swarm of boulders
being dislodged from the asteroid's surface.
● The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART)
mission is a trial of NASA's planetary defense
plans.
● It was launched in November 2021.
● It is the first-ever mission to attempt to redirect
the path of an asteroid by crashing a
spacecraft into it.
● The mission is part of NASA’s planetary defence
strategy and aims to build on our ability to model,
predict and prepare for an asteroid that might
provide a threat to Earth, should one be
discovered.
Fluorochemicals
● Recently, Scientists from the University of
Oxford have come up with a new way to obtain
fluorine atoms in a much safer and less
energy-intensive way.
● Members of the scientific community have hailed
the finding as a major breakthrough that could
transform the synthesis of these compounds.
● Formation of Fluorochemicals
○ Fluorine is a highly reactive element used to
make fluorochemicals, which in turn are used to
produce plastics, agrochemicals, lithium-ion
batteries, and drugs.
○ Fluorine comes from a calcium salt called
calcium fluoride, or fluorspar.
○ Fluorspar is mined and then treated with
sulphuric acid at a high temperature to release
hydrogen fluoride (HF).
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○ HF is then made to react with other compounds
to create fluorochemicals.
○ A major downside of this process is that HF is
an extremely poisonous and corrosive liquid
that irritates the eyes and respiratory tract
even at low concentrations.
○ It also requires special transportation and
storage requirements.
● New Method
○ New method takes inspiration from the natural
Biomineralization process which forms teeth and
bones.
○ In this method, fluorochemicals are made
directly from Fluorspar, bypassing production of
HF.
Silver Cockscomb
● The Soliga tribal community employs silver
cockscomb, a plant often considered a weed, but
it has been found to offer various advantages.
● Silver cockscomb is a beautiful but troublesome
weed.
● If left unchecked, it can spread quickly and
suppress the growth of other crops, affecting
their yield.
● It also attracts insects, caterpillars, worms and
moths that can harm crops.
● Silver Cockscomb
○ It is also known as lagos spinach, the weed
belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, which
includes economically important plants like
spinach (Spinacia oleracea), beetroot and
quinoa.
○ The plant is known as Celosia argentea in
scientific lexicon, kurdu in Marathi and pannai
keerai in Tamil.
○ It is a short-lived 50-60 cm-tall plant that bears
simple, spirally arranged leaves around the stem
with pinkish or silky white flowers.
○ Since it grows widely on farmlands across the
country, most farmers use the plant as fodder.
● Advantages
○ For the Soligas, silver cockscomb is a nutritious
leafy green vegetable that grows well even on
fallow land and in drought-like conditions.
○ It is high in nutrients such as beta-carotene and
folic acids, and has vitamin E, calcium and iron.
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○ It is frequently used in traditional Chinese and membrane called the conjunctiva that covers the
Indian medicine for treating eye diseases and eyelid and eyeball.
ulcers. ● Pink Appearance
○ The eyes appear pink or reddish when small
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen
and irritated, making them more visible.
(MERS)
● Causative Agents
● Recently, The World Health Organisation
○ Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses,
(WHO) confirmed a case of the potentially fatal
bacteria, or allergies. Bacterial and viral
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
conjunctivitis are highly contagious, while
Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Abu Dhabi.
allergic conjunctivitis is not.
● Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a
● Route of Transmission
viral respiratory disease caused by Middle East
○ The infection can spread through direct or
respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV)
indirect contact.
that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
○ Direct transmission occurs through droplets from
● Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that
coughs or sneezes of an infected person or
can cause diseases ranging from the common
through hand-to-eye contact.
cold to Severe acute respiratory syndrome
○ Indirect transmission can happen via shared
(SARS) and Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-
personal items like towels, makeup, pillows, or
19).
contact lenses.
● Typical MERS symptoms include fever, cough
● Signs and Symptoms
and shortness of breath.
○ Common symptoms include redness, swelling,
● Pneumonia is common, but MERS patients may
and itching in the eyes.
not always develop this condition.
○ During the onset of the flu, the eyes may also
● Gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea,
feel watery.
have also been reported among MERS patients.
● Treatment
● Approximately 35% of MERS cases reported to
○ Treating conjunctivitis often involves a
WHO have died.
combination of medicines.
● MERS-CoV is a zoonotic virus, meaning it is
○ Using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
transmitted between animals and people.
helps maintain moisture.
● MERS-CoV has been identified and linked to
○ Warm or cold compresses provide relief from
human infections in dromedary camels in
inflammation and swelling.
several Member States in the Middle East, Africa
and South Asia.
● Human-to-human transmission is possible and Markarian 421
has occurred predominantly among close ● Supermassive black holes sometimes create
contacts and in health care settings. powerful jets of high-energy particles which
stand out as bright rays in the vast darkness of
space.
Conjunctivitis
● Markarian 421, one such supermassive black
● Due to the continuous heavy rainfall in Delhi and
hole, is firing those particles directly towards our
its surrounding areas in recent weeks, numerous
planet.
cases of conjunctivitis are being reported in the
● The “blazar,” which is the name given to black
National Capital Region.
hole systems that have jets pointed at Earth, is
● About Conjunctivitis
about 400 million light-years away in the
○ Conjunctivitis, commonly known as Pink Eye, is
constellation Ursa Major.
an infection or inflammation of the transparent

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● The result here is that blazars can outshine all
the stars in the galaxy that they inhabit.
World Hepatitis Day (WHD)
● World Hepatitis Day (WHD) takes place every
year on 28 July bringing the world together
under a single theme to raise awareness of the
global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence
real change.
● In 2023 the theme is ‘We’re not waiting.
● The date of 28 July was chosen because it is the
birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr
Baruch Blumberg, who discovered hepatitis B
virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and
vaccine for the virus.
● About Hepatitis
○ Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most
commonly caused by a viral infection.
○ There are five main hepatitis viruses, referred to
as types A, B, C, D and E.
○ Other causes include excessive alcohol
consumption, certain medications, toxins,
and autoimmune diseases.
○ Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice
(yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain,
loss of appetite, and nausea.
○ Hepatitis A and E are primarily transmitted
through contaminated food and water.
○ Hepatitis B, C, and D are usually transmitted
through contact with infected blood, unprotected
sex, and from mother to child during childbirth.
○ Chronic hepatitis can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver
failure, and liver cancer.
○ Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B
to prevent infections.
○ Treatment varies depending on the type and
severity of hepatitis, ranging from supportive
care to antiviral medications.
○ These five types are of greatest concern
because of the burden of illness and death they
cause and the potential for outbreaks and
epidemic spread.
International Regulations Governing
Space Debris
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● A large object found on the shores of western
Australia a couple of weeks ago has been
confirmed to be the debris of an Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO) rocket (PSLV).
● The object was most likely an unburned part of
the PSLV rocket that launched a navigation
satellite for the IRNSS constellation two months
ago.
● It is possible that one of the parts of the rocket
did not burn completely while dropping back into
the atmosphere, and fell into the ocean.
● Convention on International Liability for
Damage Caused by Space Objects.
○ International regulations govern space debris
and its potential impact on Earth.
○ The Convention on International Liability for
Damage Caused by Space Objects is an
important treaty related to space debris.
○ Most space-faring countries are signatories to
this convention.
○ The Convention complements the Outer
Space Treaty, which guides the behavior of
countries in space.
○ It primarily addresses damage caused by space
objects to other space assets but also covers
damage caused by falling objects on Earth.
○ According to the Liability Convention, the
launching country is "absolutely liable" for
compensating any damage caused by its
space object on Earth or to aircraft in the air.
○ If a country is affected by falling space debris, it
can claim compensation for the damages
caused.
○ The Convention's provision for compensation
has been utilized only once.
■ Canada sought damages from the Soviet Union
for a fallen satellite with radioactive material in
1978.
■ The incident occurred in an uninhabited region
of Canada's northern territory.
■ The Soviet Union paid 3 million Canadian dollars
as compensation for the damages.
WorldCoin
● A new cryptocurrency project called WorldCoin,
from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has claimed
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over 2 million sign-ups across the world around
a week after its official launch on July 24.
● OpenAi was the company behind the AI chatbot
ChatGPT.
● About WorldCoin
○ The Worldcoin protocol aims to create the
world's largest identity and financial public
network.
○ It aims to provide a unique, verified identity
for everyone, regardless of their country,
background, or economic status.
○ Worldcoin wants to enable universal access to
the global economy by distributing a new digital
token freely to billions of people, including those
without a passport or legal identification.
○ To achieve this, they offer a "World ID" obtained
through an in-person eye scan using an orb to
differentiate between real humans and AI
systems.
○ The project has three aspects:
■ A World ID or a digital identity for “proving an
individual’s unique personhood,”
■ A Worldcoin token (WLD) that is its
cryptocurrency.
■ A World App that enables “payment, purchases
and transfers globally using digital assets and
traditional currencies.”
○ While creating a World ID is not mandatory for
using the app or tokens, there are certain
incentives for users to do so.
Akira
● Recently, the central government’s Computer
Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued
an advisory flagging the emergence of a new
ransomware called Akira.
● Ransomware is essentially a kind of malware —
a software used to gain unauthor\sed access to
systems to steal data.
● This data can then be used by cyber criminals to
demand a ransom.
● Akira targets computer systems that run on
Windows and Linux operating systems and is
known to spread laterally across networks.
● Akira steals personal data, encrypts it, and later
extorts money from the victims.
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● In case a user refuses to pay, the ransomware
actors threaten to release their data on the dark
web.
● About CERT-In
○ Established in 2004 .
○ Functions
■ CERT-In is a nodal government agency that
deals with cyber security threats like hacking
and phishing in India.
■ CERT-in coordinates with public and private
organizations in India when cyber incidents like
data breaches and ransomware attacks are
reported.
■ It also issues advisories for software
vulnerabilities as guidance for organizations.
○ Nodal Ministry
■ It comes under the aegis of the Union Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology.
○ Headquarters: New Delhi
Voyager 2 Spacecraft
● NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) detected
a carrier signal from Voyager 2.
● A communication loss occurred after an
inadvertent command.
● Voyager 2, currently located more than 12.3
billion miles away in interstellar space, was
effectively cut off from its handlers on Earth.
● Voyager 2 is in interstellar space, beyond the
Solar System.
● Its twin, Voyager 1, which is nearly 15 billion
miles from Earth, continues to operate as
expected and communicate with the DSN.
● About Voyager 2 and Voyager 1 spacecraft
○ The Voyager 2 and Voyager 1 spacecraft are
two of NASA's most iconic and long-lasting
missions, both part of the Voyager program.
○ Voyager 2:
■ Launch Date: August 20, 1977
■ Mission: Voyager 2's primary mission was to
study the outer planets of the Solar System.
■ Planetary Encounters: It conducted close
flybys of Jupiter in 1979, Saturn in 1981, Uranus
in 1986, and Neptune in 1989.
■ Discoveries: Voyager 2 provided
unprecedented data and images, revealing
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details about the planets, their moons, and rings.
It discovered active volcanoes on Jupiter's moon
Io and found new moons around Uranus and
Neptune.
■ Interstellar Journey: After completing its
planetary mission, Voyager 2 continued its
journey beyond the heliosphere, entering
interstellar space in 2018.
○ Voyager 1
● Launch Date: September 5, 1977
● Mission: Similar to Voyager 2, Voyager 1's
primary mission was to study the outer planets
of the Solar System.
● Planetary Encounters: Voyager 1 conducted
close flybys of Jupiter in 1979 and Saturn in
1980.
● Historic Moment: On February 14, 1990,
Voyager 1 captured the famous "Pale Blue Dot"
image of Earth from a distance of about 6 billion
kilometers (3.7 billion miles).
● Interstellar Journey: After its Saturn encounter,
Voyager 1 altered its trajectory to head out of the
Solar System. It officially entered interstellar
space in August 2012, becoming the first
human-made object to do so.
Superconductivity
● Recently, two South Korean researchers posted
two related papers on the internet, not yet peer-
reviewed, claiming that a lead-based compound
they had developed had shown superconducting
properties at room temperature, under normal
pressure conditions.
● it has the potential to revolutionize the
technology space, and be one of the most
impactful scientific discoveries of this century.
● About Superconductivity
○ Superconductivity refers to zero or near-zero
resistance to electric current in materials.
○ Electric current is the movement of charged
particles, mainly electrons, interacting with other
atoms in the material.
○ Resistance in electrical conductivity leads to
energy loss, usually in the form of heat.
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○ Eliminating resistance could lead to super-
efficient electrical appliances and reduced
transmission losses in power cables.
○ Superconducting materials exhibit unique
behavior under magnetic fields, enabling
applications like MRI scan machines and Maglev
trains.
○ Superconductors find critical uses in various
scenarios but require extreme conditions to
function effectively.
○ Current limitations in using superconductors
stem from the challenges in creating and
maintaining extreme conditions.
● Relation among Superconductivity,
Temperature and Pressure
○ As of now, superconductivity can be achieved
only at very low temperatures, more than 250
degree Celsius below zero, very close to
absolute zero which is – 273 degree Celsius.
○ Mercury was the first material discovered to
exhibit superconductive properties. It becomes a
superconductor at close to -270 degrees
Celsius.
○ Other common superconductors like Lead,
Aluminum, Tin, Niobium, etc., also become
superconducting at similar critical temperatures.
○ Some materials can exhibit superconductivity at
slightly higher temperatures under increased
pressure conditions.
JALDOST Airboat
● Recently, the National Aerospace Laboratories
(NAL) unveiled the JALDOST airboat.
● It is an airboat designed to clean water bodies by
removing excess aquatic weeds and floating
waste.
● It is equipped with an unsinkable airtight
pontoon-type hull and a hybrid propulsion
system.
● JALDOST Mark-2, designed to meet BBMP
specifications, is intended for cleaning lakes in
Bengaluru and collecting waste using a steel
mesh conveyor system.
Fediverse
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● Meta, the parent company of Facebook,
Instagram, and WhatsApp, has introduced
Threads, a rival to Twitter, now named X.
● Threads is currently a standalone app,
accessible only via an Instagram account.
● Threads marks Meta's entry into the fediverse, a
network of third-party-operated servers.
● About Fediverse
○ The fediverse is a group of federated social
networking services that work on decentralized
networks operated using open-source
standards.
○ Essentially, the fediverse is a network of servers
run by third parties.
○ These servers are not controlled by any one
entity and can be used by any member of social
media platforms to facilitate communication
between their users.
○ Enabling cross-platform communication while
making it easier for users of one social media
platform to communicate with users of a different
platform, provided they are of the fediverse.
○ Users on fediverse-based social media
platforms can communicate effortlessly with
each other, eliminating the need for multiple
accounts.
○ Ex- Threads joining the fediverse means its
users can seamlessly interact with those on
other platforms like Mastodon, without creating
new accounts.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
(APIs)
● The Health Minister of India recently announced
that India has started manufacturing 38 active
pharmaceutical ingredients, or APIs, in the last
one and a half years on which it was import-
dependent, under the production-linked
incentive (PLI) scheme for the sector.
● About API
○ APIs are the active components in a
pharmaceutical drug that produces the required
effect on the body to treat a condition.
○ APIs are produced by processing chemical
compounds.
100
○ In a biologic drug, the active ingredient is known
as a bulk process intermediate (BPI).
○ In the context of drug development and
manufacturing, APIs are the key active
components that interact with specific receptors
or target molecules in the body to bring about the
desired physiological or therapeutic response.
○ All drugs are made up of two core components:
■ API- The API is the central ingredient. APIs are
produced from raw materials with a specified
strength and chemical concentration.
■ Excipient- The excipient includes substances
other than the drug that help deliver the
medication to your system.
Messier 57
● Astronomers have recently employed the James
Webb Space Telescope to capture a fresh image
of Messier 57, commonly referred to as the Ring
Nebula.
● About Messier 57
○ Situated roughly 2,000 light-years away in the
Lyra constellation, the Ring Nebula was first
identified in 1779.
○ This entity boasts remarkable brightness and
can be observed using telescopes of moderate
size.
○ Originating from a dying star that released its
outer layers into the cosmos, it takes on the form
of a planetary nebula.
○ Planetary nebulae exhibit diverse configurations
and designs, which encompass elegant
luminous rings, ethereal clouds, and expanding
spheres.
Havana Syndrome
● The Central government has told the Karnataka
High Court that it will look into the matter of the
‘Havana Syndrome’ in India, in response to a
Bengaluru resident’s recent petition.
● About Havana Syndrome
○ Havana Syndrome refers to a set of mental
health symptoms that are said to be experienced
by United States intelligence and embassy
officials in various countries.
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● The word ‘syndrome’ simply means a set of
symptoms.
● It does not mean a unique medical condition, but
rather a set of symptoms that are usually
experienced together whose origins may be
difficult to confirm.
○ What is known as the Havana Syndrome
typically involves symptoms such as hearing
certain sounds without any outside noise,
nausea, vertigo and headaches, memory
loss and balance issues.
○ As the name suggests, it traces its roots to
Cuba in late 2016.
○ This was about a year after the US opened its
embassy in the capital city of Havana after ties
between the two countries were normalized in
2015.
○ Some US intelligence officials and members of
the staff at the embassy began experiencing
sudden bursts of pressure in their brains
followed by persistent headaches, feelings of
disorientation and insomnia.
Einstein Cross
● Astronomers have found a unique instance of an
"Einstein cross," a phenomenon foreseen by
Albert Einstein in 1915.
● In the image, one foreground elliptical galaxy,
around 6 billion light-years from Earth, has
warped and quadrisected a bright beam of light
from a background galaxy about 11 billion light-
years from our planet.
101
● This pattern, foreseen by Einstein in 1915,
displays four blue light smudges encircling the
orange foreground galaxy.
● Astronomers will investigate this unusual layout
to enhance their universe comprehension.
● The background light likely originates from a
quasar, a young galaxy with a supermassive
black hole at its core emitting intense radiation.
Bhu-Vision
● In a significant development for agricultural
technology, a revolutionary IoT-based
automated soil testing and agronomy advisory
platform, Bhu-Vision (also known as KRISHI-
RASTAA Soil Testing System) was officially
launched at AICRP (ICAR-IIRR), Hyderabad.
● The KRISHI-RASTAA Soil Testing System
represents a new era in precision agriculture.
● This system seamlessly conducts 12 key soil
parameter tests in just 30 minutes, providing
quick, accurate results directly to farmers and
stakeholders through a soil health card on their
mobile devices.
IMS-1 Satellite Bus Technology
● Recently, ISRO said it has transferred the IMS-
1 Satellite Bus Technology to Alpha Design
Technologies Pvt. Ltd in a step towards
enhancing private industry participation in the
country's space sector.
● NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the
commercial arm of ISRO, facilitated the
technology transfer through an agreement.
● About Satellite Bus Technology
○ The satellite bus is developed by ISRO's U R
Rao Satellite Centre (URSC).
○ It is a versatile and efficient small satellite
platform designed to facilitate low-cost access to
space.
○ The bus serves as a dedicated vehicle for
various payloads, enabling earth imaging, ocean
and atmospheric studies, microwave remote
sensing, and space science missions while
ensuring a quick turnaround time for satellite
launches.
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○ The IMS-1 bus, weighing about 100 kg, venturing into the deep sea where there is no
accommodates a 30 kg payload. terrestrial network connectivity, and for tracking
○ It is a forerunner for IMS-2 bus technology, and providing information related to natural
capable of improved features, and IMS-1 bus is disasters.
utilized in previous ISRO missions like IMS-1, ○ Enabling it in smartphones is the next step India
Youthsat and Microsat-2D. is pushing for.
○ Significance
■ The transfer marks the first instance of ISRO’s
satellite bus technologies being shared with
private companies.
■ This move aims to boost India’s industrial
growth, promote technological self-reliance,
and encourage private sector participation in
space research and exploration.

NavIC
● Recently, the Department of Space (DoS) told
the Parliamentary Committee of Science and
Technology that the Navigation with Indian
Constellation or (NavIC), will soon be integrated ○ NaviC vis-a-vis GPS
into Aadhaar enrolment devices. ■ GPS caters to users across the globe and its
● Currently the Aadhaar enrolment kits that are satellites circle the earth twice a day, while
used to collect and verify personal details are NavIC is currently for use in India and adjacent
linked to GPS. areas.
● NavIC offers two services: Standard Position ○ Side Note
Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted ■ Like GPS, there are three more navigation
Service (RS) for strategic users. systems that have global coverage – Galileo
● These two services are provided in both L5 from the European Union, Russia-owned
(1176.45 MHz) and S band (2498.028 MHz). GLONASS and China’s Beidou.
● Newer satellites will have an additional band ■ QZSS, operated by Japan, is another regional
called L1 that will be compatible with civilian use. navigation system covering the Asia-
● NavIC Oceania region, with a focus on Japan.
○ NavIC, or Navigation with Indian Constellation,
is an independent stand-alone navigation Lymphatic Filariasis
satellite system developed by the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO).
○ NavIC was originally approved in 2006 at a cost
of $174 million.
○ It was expected to be completed by late 2011,
but only became operational in 2018.
○ NavIC consists of eight satellites and covers the
whole of India’s landmass and up to 1,500 km
(930 miles) from its boundaries.
○ Currently, NavIC’s use is limited. It is being used
in public vehicle tracking in India, for providing
emergency warning alerts to fishermen

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 103

● Union Health & Family Welfare Minister recently

said India is committed to eradicating Lymphatic
Filariasis by 2027, surpassing the global target
by three years.
● About Lymphatic Filariasis
○ Lymphatic filariasis, considered globally as a
neglected tropical disease (NTD), is a
parasitic disease caused by microscopic,
thread-like worms.
○ The adult worms only live in the human lymph
system.
○ The lymph system maintains the body’s fluid
balance and fights infections.
○ Lymphatic filariasis is spread from person to
person by culex mosquitoes.
■ There are four classes of solar storms–B, C,
○ Lymphatic filariasis impairs the lymphatic
M and X.
system and can lead to the abnormal
■ Just like the Richter scale, solar flares are
enlargement of body parts, causing pain, severe
classified on a logarithmic scale.
disability and social stigma.
■ So this means that a C-class storm is 10 times
○ Lymphatic filariasis can be eliminated by
more powerful than a B-class storm and so on.
stopping the spread of infection through
■ The X-class denotes the most intense flares.
preventive chemotherapy with safe medicine
■ While the X-class denotes the strength of the
combinations repeated annually.
flare, the number that comes after it signifies
○ High-burden districts are- Bihar, Chhattisgarh,
their strength at a finer scale.
Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West
■ Each class is therefore divided into nine
Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh
subdivisions. For example, X1 to X9.
and Andhra Pradesh.
■ X-class flares can trigger planet-wide radio
○ India gears up to eliminate filaria by 2027, three
blackouts and long-lasting radiation storms,
years ahead of the global target.
which is exactly what happened in parts of
■ The timing is perfect to resonate this target with
southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
the sustainable development goals, which aim to
● Impact on Earth
end all forms of hunger and disability or
○ Not all solar flares reach Earth, but solar
morbidity,
flares/storms, solar energetic particles
Solar Flare (SEPs), high-speed solar winds, and coronal
● A strong solar flare recently caused disturbances mass ejections (CMEs) that come close can
in radio and navigation signals throughout North impact space weather in near-Earth space and
America. the upper atmosphere.
● About Solar Flare ○ Solar storms can hit operations of space-
○ Solar storms are magnetic plasma ejected at dependent services like global positioning
great speed from the solar surface. systems (GPS), radio, and satellite
○ They occur during the release of magnetic communications.
energy associated with sunspots. ○ Geomagnetic storms interfere with high-
■ Sunspots- ‘dark’ regions on the Sun that are frequency radio communications and GPS
cooler than the surrounding photosphere. navigation systems.
○ They can last for a few minutes or hours. ○ Aircraft flights, power grids, and space
○ Types of Solar Flare exploration programmes are vulnerable.

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○ CMEs, with ejectiles loaded with matter traveling
at millions of miles an hour, can potentially
create disturbances in the magnetosphere, the
protective shield surrounding the Earth.
○ Astronauts on spacewalks face health risks
from possible exposure to solar radiation outside
the Earth’s protective atmosphere.
Earendel
● In recent times, significant insights about the
distant celestial object Earendel have been
unveiled by the James Webb Space
Telescope.
● Earendel was a star discovered by the Hubble
Space Telescope in 2022 and it is the most
distant and earliest known star.
● It revealed that Earendel is a massive B-type
star that is more than twice as hot as our Sun
and about a million times more luminous.
● The star is located in the Sunrise Arc Galaxy
and is around 12.9 billion years away.
● Both Webb and Hubble were only able to detect
it due to a natural phenomenon called
gravitational lensing, where a massive
foreground galaxy bends light passing through it
to create a magnifying lens-like effect.
Luna 25
● The Russian mission, Luna 25 was launched on
August 10.
● The Russian lander is likely to touch down close
to the lunar South Pole a couple of days before
India, taking away the title of the first country to
soft-land close to the South Pole.
● It is likely to enter the moon’s orbit by August 16
and attempt the soft landing by August 21 or 22.
It was launched aboard its Soyuz rocket.
● India’s mission to the moon cannot land before
August 23, when it will be a lunar dawn at the
landing site.
● Comparing Luna 25 and Chandrayaan 3:
Lunar Exploration Missions
○ Luna-25 launched earlier this week, shortly after
Chandrayaan-3's launch on July 14.
○ Weight and Trajectory
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■ Luna-25 will complete its 384,000 km journey to
the moon within days.
■ The Russian mission took a more direct
trajectory due to its lighter payload and greater
fuel storage.
■ Luna-25's lift-off mass is 1,750 kg, while
Chandrayaan-3's is 3,900 kg.
■ Chandrayaan-3's Lander-Rover weighs 1,752
kg, and the propulsion module adds another
2,148 kg.
■ To make up for the lower fuel reserve available
on the LVM3 vehicle that launched India’s
mission, a more circuitous route was taken.
○ Rover
■ Luna-25 does not carry a rover.
■ Chandrayaan-3 has a rover capable of moving
around 500 metres.
○ Experiments
■ The Russian lander has eight payloads mainly to
study the soil composition, dust particles in the
polar exosphere, and most importantly, detect
surface water.
■ The Indian mission also has scientific
instruments to study the lunar soil as well as
water-ice.
○ Duration
■ The Indian mission is built to last only one lunar
day or 14 earth days.
■ This is because it does not have a heating
mechanism to keep the electronics safe from the
extreme cold temperatures during the lunar
night.
■ The Russian mission, on the other hand, will
work for a year, meaning it has a heating
mechanism as well as a power source other than
just solar panels.
Glyphosate
● Experts have recently warned pesticide sellers
against the sale and storage of glyphosate as its
exposure is known to cause cancer.
● About Glyphosate
○ It was developed in 1970, and its scientific
name is N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine under
the International Union of Pure and Applied
Chemistry (IUPAC) system of nomenclature.
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○ Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that can
kill certain weeds and grasses.
○ Glyphosate works by blocking an enzyme
essential for plant growth.
○ The product is used primarily in agriculture, but
also in forestry and lawn and garden care.
○ Concerns
■ Although glyphosate has cut farmers' costs and
helped landscapers remove invasive plants,
people have grown increasingly skeptical about
whether the benefits outweigh the risks to
human and environmental health.
■ Recent research has shown that the chemical
may be harming the wrong plants, in addition
to wildlife and people.
■ Some 35 countries have banned or restricted
the use of glyphosate. These include Sri
Lanka, Netherlands, France, Colombia, Canada,
Israel and Argentina.
○ In India, glyphosate has been approved for
use only in tea plantations and non-
plantation areas accompanying the tea crop.
Pink Bollworm (PBW)
● The cotton crop in North India is under the threat
of pink bollworm (PBW) attacks and the intensity
of pest attacks is seen higher this year compared
to the last two years.
● About PBW
○ The pink bollworm (PBW), scientifically known
as Pectinophora gossypiella, is a notorious
insect pest that inflicts significant damage to
cotton crops.
○ Originating from tropical and subtropical regions,
this insect feeds on cotton bolls, causing
substantial yield loss and economic impact.
○ The name "pink bollworm" is derived from the
pinkish color of its larvae.
○ It is now recorded in nearly all the cotton-growing
countries of the world.
Aditya-L1 Mission
● The Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) on August 14 released images of the
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Aditya-L1 mission — the space agency’s first
attempt to study the Sun.
● Although the launch date of the mission has not
been announced, the satellite has reached the
Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, for its integration
with the launch vehicle, PSLV.
● About Aditya-L1 Mission
○ The Aditya-L1 will observe the Sun from a close
distance, and try to obtain information about its
atmosphere and magnetic field.
○ It’s equipped with seven payloads (instruments)
on board.
○ Objectives
■ To study the Sun’s corona, solar emissions,
solar winds and flares, and Coronal Mass
Ejections (CMEs), and will carry out round-the-
clock imaging of the Sun.
○ The spacecraft shall be placed in a halo orbit
around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-
Earth system, which is about 1.5 million km from
the Earth.
○ About L1
■ L1 refers to Lagrangian/Lagrange Point 1, one of
five points in the orbital plane of the Earth-Sun
system.
■ Lagrange Points are positions in space where
the gravitational forces of a two-body system
(like the Sun and the Earth) produce enhanced
regions of attraction and repulsion.
■ These can be used by spacecraft to reduce fuel
consumption needed to remain in position.
■ The L1 point is home to the Solar and
Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO), an
international collaboration project of NASA and
the European Space Agency (ESA)
■ Significance of L1 Point
● To learn about and track Earth-directed storms,
and to predict their impact, continuous solar
observations are needed.
● Every storm that emerges from the Sun and
heads towards Earth passes through L1, and a
satellite placed in the halo orbit around L1 of the
Sun-Earth system has the major advantage of
continuously viewing the Sun without any
occultation/eclipses.
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Tuberculosis (TB)
● Recent reports in The Lancet and The Lancet
Global Health highlight the effectiveness of
nutritional support.
● The trial in Jharkhand shows that nutritional
assistance helps prevent TB among household
contacts and reduces mortality in TB patients.
● World Health Organization (WHO) estimated
undernutrition is responsible for twice as many
TB cases as HIV worldwide.
● Addressing undernutrition is crucial to achieve
the goal of ending TB in India by 2025.
● Approximately 40% of new TB cases in India
each year are linked to undernutrition.
● About Tuberculosis (TB)
○ TB is an infectious disease caused by the
bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
○ It typically affects the lungs (pulmonary TB)
but can also affect other sites like the brain, eyes
and spine.
○ The disease is spread when people who are sick
with pulmonary TB expel bacteria into the air,
for example by coughing.
○ Directly observed treatment (DOTs)
■ Short-course (DOTS, also known as TB-DOTS)
is the name given to tuberculosis (TB) control
strategy recommended by the World Health
Organization.
■ It was also deployed by India to curb the menace
of TB.
● Government Initiatives
○ The Nikshay Poshan Yojana, launched in April
2018, is a DBT scheme offering nutritional
support to TB patients.
○ Notified TB cases receive a monthly financial
incentive of ₹500.
○ The 2022 India TB report states that seven
million TB patients have benefited from this
scheme between 2018 and 2022, with a total
disbursement of ₹2,089 crore during this period.
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○ Late last year, India introduced Ni-kshay Mitras
— volunteers adopting and caring for TB
patients by providing nutritional support,
nutritional supplements, among other things.
○ As of March 9, 2023, 9.55 lakh consented TB
patients across the country have been adopted
by Ni-kshay Mitras.
○ But in 2022, 2.4 million fresh TB cases were
notified.
Antibiotic Resistance
● As per new analysis published in the Lancet
Planetary Journal there's a potential connection
between PM2.5 pollution and antibiotic
resistance.
● Ultra-small particles known as PM2.5 negatively
impact over 7.5 billion people's health
worldwide.
● Antibiotics Resistance vis-a-vis
Antimicrobial Resistance
○ Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and
treat bacterial infections.
○ Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria
change in response to the use of these
medicines.
○ Bacteria, not humans, become antibiotic
resistant.
○ These bacteria may then infect humans and are
harder to treat than non-resistant bacteria.
○ Antimicrobial resistance is a broader term,
encompassing resistance to drugs to treat
infections caused by other microbes as well,
such as parasites (e.g. malaria), viruses (e.g.
HIV) and fungi (e.g. Candida).
Pibot
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● A team of engineers and researchers from the
Korea Advanced Institute of Science &
Technology (KAIST) is currently developing a
humanoid robot that can fly aircraft without
needing to modify the cockpit.
● About Pibot
○ Pibot is a humanoid robot that can fly an airplane
just like a human pilot by manipulating all the
single controls in the cockpit, which is designed
for humans.
○ The robot is dubbed as "Pibot".
○ It can control its arms and fingers to dextrously
operate the flight instruments, even with severe
vibration in an aircraft, using high-precision
control technology.
○ Its external cameras allow Pibot to monitor the
current state of the aircraft and the internal ones
help it manage essential switches on the control
panel.
○ Pibot is able to memorise complex manuals
presented in natural language, a feat that
enhances its adaptability across various aircraft.
○ Its memory is so large that it can memorise all of
the Jeppesen aeronautical navigation charts
around the world, which is impossible for human
pilots.
Global Summit on Traditional
Medicine
● The first World Health Organization Global
Summit on Traditional Medicine was
inaugurated on 17 August 2023 at Gandhinagar,
Gujarat alongside the G20 health ministerial
meet.
● WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit will
help to propose recommendations for a
dedicated forum within future G20 presidencies.
● The summit provides an ideal platform for
international collaboration and the exchange of
ideas to promote best practices in the sector.
Gandhinagar Declaration
● The WHO South-East Asia Region, which
carries a significant share of global TB cases
and fatalities, has made a commitment to
expedite endeavors for TB eradication by 2030.
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● Member nations have embraced the
Gandhinagar Declaration to this effect.
● It was adopted at the end of the two-day meeting
held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to follow up on the
progress made to end tuberculosis (TB) by the
countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region.
● The Declaration calls for establishing a high-
level multisectoral commission reporting to the
highest political level in each country for synergy
of efforts among various stakeholders, and to
monitor progress towards ending TB and other
priority diseases.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
● A historic development has taken place as Goa
has become the pioneer Indian state to provide
complimentary in vitro fertilization (IVF)
treatment.
● About IVF
○ In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an assisted
reproductive technology that facilitates
pregnancy for individuals or couples
experiencing infertility or certain medical
conditions.
○ IVF Process: IVF involves the process of
fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the human
body in a laboratory setting. The fertilized
embryo is then implanted into the uterus for
pregnancy.
○ Infertility Solution: IVF is primarily used by
couples or individuals struggling with infertility
issues, including blocked fallopian tubes, male
infertility factors, endometriosis, or unexplained
infertility.
○ Steps Involved
■ Ovulation Stimulation: Hormonal medications
stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
■ Egg Retrieval: The eggs are extracted from the
ovaries through a minimally invasive surgical
procedure.
■ Fertilization: Eggs are fertilized with sperm in a
laboratory dish.
■ Embryo Cultivation: The resulting embryos are
cultured in a controlled environment for a few
days.
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■ Embryo Transfer: One or more healthy
embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus.
■ Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is conducted
after a couple of weeks to determine if the
procedure was successful
India’s First 3D-printed Post Office
● India’s first 3D-printed post office was
inaugurated by the Union Minister in
Bengaluru’s Cambridge Layout on Friday
(August 18).
● Its construction was completed in just 43 days —
two days ahead of the deadline.
● Multinational company Larsen & Toubro
Limited built the post office with technological
support from IIT Madras under the guidance of
Professor Manu Santhanam, Building
Technology and Construction Management
Division, Department of Civil Engineering.
● About 3D Printing
○ 3D printing, also known as additive
manufacturing, is a process that uses
computer-created design to make three-
dimensional objects layer by layer.
○ It is an additive process, in which layers of a
material like plastic, composites or bio-materials
are built up to construct objects that range in
shape, size, rigidity and colour.
○ To carry out 3D printing, one needs a personal
computer connected to a 3D printer.
○ All they need to do is design a 3D model of the
required object on computer-aid design (CAD)
software and press ‘print’.
○ The 3D printer does the rest of the job.
○ Notably, these machines are capable of printing
anything from ordinary objects like a ball or a
spoon to complex moving parts like hinges and
wheels.
● The most common 3D printing raw materials are
the commodity thermoplastic polymers:
○ Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polylactic
acid (PLA), Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-
modified (PETG)
● Subtractive Manufacturing
○ Involves removing material from a solid block to
create the desired shape, commonly achieved
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through techniques like milling, turning, or
drilling.
Agnibaan
● Chennai-based space-tech startup Agnikul
Cosmos announced on August 17 that it had
taken a rocket, Agnibaan that it has developed
to a launch pad in Sriharikota to “commence
integration checks” for a proposed suborbital
space flight.
● A successful flight will make Agnikul the second
Indian space-tech company to send a vehicle to
space after Hyderabad-based Skyroot
Aerospace.
● The launch of Skyroot’s 545-kg rocket named
Vikram-S in November 2022 marked the launch
of India’s private space industry.
● Suborbital Tech Demonstrator (SorTeD) single-
stage launch vehicle, called Agnibaan, is driven
by the company’s patented Agnilet engine.
● About Agnibaan
○ “Agnibaan SOrTeD will lift off vertically & follow
a predetermined trajectory.
○ Agnibaan can carry payloads up to 100 kg to a
low Earth orbit (LEO) up to 700 km.
○ The vehicle is 18 m in height, 1.3 m in diameter,
and has a liftoff mass of 14,000 kg.
○ The payload envelope measures 2m x 1.5m and
can carry one or more satellites.
Graphene-Aurora Program
● In a recent event held at Maker Village Kochi,
Kerala, the Secretary of the Ministry of
Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
inaugurated the 'Graphene-Aurora program'.
● The program shall be implemented by Digital
University Kerala with joint funding from MeitY,
Government of India and Government of Kerala
and Industry partners, with the total budget
outlay of Rs 94.85 Crore.
● It shall nurture the deep/emerging Graphene
technology & innovation ecosystem that can
guide, develop, implement, and support SMEs
and startups to commercialize developed
graphene technologies for scale adoption.
● Creation of a commercialization eco-system for
graphene as an emerging technology would help
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India take a pole position in the world’s new
material market.
● About Graphene
○ Graphene is the thinnest and strongest
material in the world and has good chemical
stability, high electrical conductivity and a
large surface area while being transparent and
lightweight.
○ It is two-dimensional form of crystalline
carbon.
○ It is made up of a single layer of carbon atoms
arranged in a hexagonal pattern.
○ It is part of graphite but has unique properties of
its own.
○ As per latest research, it could replace indium
and thereby bring down the cost of OLED
(organic light-emitting diode) screens in
smartphones.
○ Applications-
■ Electronic wearable devices,
■ Biomedical devices, sensors,
■ Fuel cells, semiconductors, field emission
displays,
■ nanoelectrodes for inexpensive organic
electronic devices such as organic photovoltaics
(OPVs), liquid-crystal devices (LCDs), organic
light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), supercapacitors.
Psoriasis
● National Psoriasis Awareness Month occurs
every August.
● The idea of the month is to spotlight the stories
of people living with psoriasis, increase
understanding of the condition, and help spread
general knowledge about a condition that affects
around 100 million people worldwide.
● About Psoriasis
○ Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash
with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the
knees, elbows, trunk and scalp.
○ It causes cells to accumulate on the skin's
surface, forming thick, red patches with silvery
scales.
○ Psoriasis is a non-contagious condition that can
vary in severity from mild to severe.
○ It is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with
no cure.
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○ Symptoms
■ Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
■ Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
■ Itching, burning, or soreness
■ Thickened or pitted nails Swollen and stiff joints
(in some cases, known as psoriatic arthritis)
○ Causes
■ Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder where the
immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin
cells.
■ Genetic factors play a significant role, and family
history can increase the risk.
■ Triggers like infections, stress, certain
medications, and injuries to the skin can worsen
symptoms.
Government Schemes and
Initiatives
City Investments to Innovate,
Integrate, and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0)
● Recently, the City Investments to Innovate,
Integrate, and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0) program
has been given the green light by the Union
Cabinet, with the Indian Prime Minister presiding
over the decision.
● Program: City Investments to Innovate,
Integrate, and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0)
● Conceived by: Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs (MoHUA)
● Partners: French Development Agency (AFD),
Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), European
Union (EU), National Institute of Urban Affairs
(NIUA)
● Duration: 2023 to 2027 (4 years)
● Objective: Support selected projects for circular
economy, integrated waste management at city
level, climate actions at state level, and
institutional strengthening at national level.
● Funding:
○ Loan: AFD and KfW
○ Technical Assistance Grant: Rs. 106 crore
from EU
● Components:
○ Building Climate Resilience in 18 Smart Cities:
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■ Competitive selection of projects for circular
economy and waste management
■ Climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation
focus
○ State Support:
■ States and UTs eligible for on-demand support
■ Establish/strengthen state climate centers
■ Create climate data observatories
■ Facilitate climate-data-driven planning
■ Build capacities of municipal functionaries
○ Climate Governance Interventions:
■ Strengthening at center, state, and city levels
■ Institutional strengthening, knowledge
dissemination
■ Partnerships, capacity building, research and
development
■ Support for scaling up across all states and cities
World’s Largest Grain Storage
● Recently the Union Cabinet sanctioned a
program aimed at establishing the "largest grain
storage facility" globally.
● Scheme Overview
○ This initiative aims to establish grain storage
facilities within the cooperative sector.
○ Each block will feature a dedicated warehouse
with a 2,000-tonne capacity.
● Objective:
○ The primary goal is to revolutionize the storage
and distribution of food grains.
○ Ensuring their preservation and widespread
availability throughout the nation.
● Supervision Mechanism:
○ Implementation will be monitored by an inter-
ministerial committee.
● Convergence with Existing Schemes:
○ Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare:
■ Schemes like Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
(AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure
Scheme (AMI), Mission for Integrated
Development of Horticulture (MIDH), and Sub
Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
are identified for convergence.
○ Ministry of Food Processing Industries:
■ Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food
Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) and
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Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana
(PMKSY) are integrated.
○ Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution:
■ Integration involves allocation of food grains
under the National Food Security Act and
procurement operations at Minimum Support
Price.
Mission Vatsalya
● Recently, from May 29 to May 31, 2023, the
National Institute of Public Cooperation and
Child Development (NIPCCD) hosted a
Refresher Training Program focused on Mission
Vatsalya at the NIPCCD Regional Centre in
Mohali.
● About the Mission
○ Since the fiscal year 2021-22, the scheme has
been executed as a Centrally Sponsored
Scheme.
○ The Ministry of Women and Child Development
is the designated nodal ministry for the
implementation of the Mission Vatsalya
Scheme.
○ The Mission Vatsalya Scheme serves as a
strategic plan to attain developmental and child
protection priorities that align with the objectives
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
○ This scheme places significant focus on child
rights, advocacy, awareness, and fortification of
the juvenile justice care and protection system.
○ Its underlying motto is to ensure that no child is
left behind.
○ Background
■ The foundation for implementing the Mission is
built upon the provisions of the Juvenile Justice
(Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and
the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences
Act, 2012.
○ Key Components of the Mission Vatsalya
Scheme include:
■ Enhancement of the operational efficiency of
statutory bodies.
■ Reinforcement of structures for delivering
services.
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■ Expansion of institutional care and services.
Promotion of community-based non-institutional
care.
■ Provision of emergency outreach services.
■ Training and capacity-building initiatives.
Lavender Festival
● Recently, the Lavender festival in the Jammu
region's Bhaderwah was inaugurated by the
Union Minister of Science & Technology.
● This marks the second year of the lavender
revolution, with Bhaderwah now recognized as
India's Lavender capital and a destination for
agricultural startups.
● The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-
Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-
IIIM) is collaborating with farmers in Bhaderwah,
Doda district, Jammu & Kashmir, to cultivate
Lavender as part of the CSIR-Aroma Mission.
● About CSIR-IIIM’s Aroma Mission
○ CSIR-IIIM’s Aroma Mission is providing means
of livelihood to budding farmers and Agri-
Technocrats and promoting the spirit of
entrepreneurship giving a boost to Start-Up India
campaign.
○ It was launched under the Ministry of Science
and Technology.
Nyaya Vikas Portal
● The Nyaya Vikas Portal was established to
oversee the execution of the Nyaya Vikas
Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
● Nyaya Vikas Portal allows four efficient ways of
logging into the portal, thereby empowering
stakeholders with seamless access to
information pertaining to funding,
documentation, project monitoring and approval.
● About Nyaya Vikas
○ The Department of Justice has been
implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme
(CSS) for Development of Infrastructure
Facilities for Districts and Subordinate Judiciary
since 1993-94.
○ Under the Scheme, central assistance is
provided to the State Government / UT
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Administrations for the construction of court
halls and residential units for Judicial
Officers / Judges of District and Subordinate
Courts.
○ The funds sharing pattern under the Scheme for
Centre and State is 60:40 in respect of States
other than North Eastern and Himalayan States.
○ The fund’s sharing pattern- 90:10 in respect of
North Eastern and Himalayan States and 100%
in respect of Union Territories.
○ The portal has been created for monitoring the
implementation of this Scheme.
Mission on Advanced and High-
Impact Research (MAHIR)
● The launch of the "Mission on Advanced and
High-Impact Research (MAHIR)" has taken
place recently, aiming to harness emerging
technologies within the power sector.
● Its objective is to enable homegrown research,
innovation, and showcasing of cutting-edge
technologies within the power domain.
● Schedule-wise, it's slated for the initial span of
five years spanning from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
● Oversight is shared between the Ministry of
Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy.
Sagar Samriddhi
● The Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways,
in a recent move, introduced an online dredging
monitoring system named "Sagar Samriddhi."
● About Sagar Samriddhi
○ The launch of "Sagar Samriddhi" signifies a
strengthened monitoring approach for dredging
contracts.
○ This initiative not only emphasizes the efficient
monitoring of dredging contracts but also
prioritizes the utilization of dredged materials as
part of the government's drive to accelerate the
'Waste to Wealth' initiative.
○ It is developed by the National Technology
Centre for Ports, Waterways, and Coasts
(NTCPWC), the technological branch of the
Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways
(MoPSW).
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○ This advanced technology brings significant
enhancements compared to the previous Draft
and Loading Monitor (DLM) system.
○ The Sagar Samriddhi monitoring system is set to
be the focal point for future monitoring
endeavors at major ports across the nation.
○ This transition is poised to enhance project
implementation and achieve cost reduction.
○ The system offers several benefits, including
facilitating daily and monthly progress tracking,
monitoring dredger performance, downtime
assessment, and maintaining location data
accuracy.
○ The system's integrated approach harmonizes
various input reports, incorporating daily
dredging reports and pre-and post-dredging
survey data.
○ This amalgamation contributes to the real-time
generation of comprehensive dredging reports,
streamlining the overall monitoring process.
● Dredging
○ Dredging is the removal of sediments and debris
from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbours, and
other water bodies.
○ It is a routine necessity in waterways around the
world because sedimentation—the natural
process of sand and silt washing downstream—
gradually fills channels and harbours.
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
● A recent modelling study by the World Health
Organization (WHO) and commissioned by the
Jal Shakti Ministry reported that the Jal Jeevan
Mission would succeed in averting close to
4,00,000 deaths from diarrhoea.
● About JJM
○ It was launched in 2019.
○ It is under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
○ Objectives
■ To provide safe and adequate drinking water
through individual household tap connections by
2024 to all households in rural India.
■ It focuses on integrated demand and supply-
side management of water at the local level.
○ Significance
■ It ensures drinking water security.
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■ The Mission is based on a community
approach to water.
■ It looks to create a jan andolan for water,
thereby making it everyone’s priority.
■ It promotes and ensures voluntary ownership
among local communities by way of contribution
in cash, kind and/ or labor and voluntary labor.
○ Fund sharing
■ Between the Centre and states - 90:10
■ For Himalayan and North-Eastern States -
50:50
■ For other states, and 100% for Union
Territories.
Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS)
Scheme
● Recently, the Commission for Agricultural Costs
and Prices (CACP) has recommended the
Centre to bring urea under the nutrient-based
subsidy (NBS) regime to address the problem of
imbalanced use of nutrients.
● About NBS Scheme
○ The Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme has
been implemented since April 2010.
○ Implemented by- The Department of Fertilizers,
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
○ A fixed rate of subsidy (in Rs per Kg basis) is
announced on nutrients namely Nitrogen (N),
Phosphate (P), Potash (K) and Sulfur (S) by
the government on an annual basis.
○ The per Kg subsidy rates on the nutrients N, P,
K, and S are converted into per tonne subsidies
on the various P&K fertilizers covered under the
NBS Policy.
○ The subsidies on Phosphatic and Potassic
(P&K) are determined taking into account the
international and domestic prices of P&K
fertilizers, exchange rate, inventory level in
the country etc.
○ NBS policy intends to increase the
consumption of P&K fertilizers so that
optimum balance (N:P:K= 4:2:1) of NPK
fertilization is achieved.
PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
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● In a recent event, the Prime Minister of India
praised the innovative approach of
commemorating the 'Pradhan Mantri Matru
Vandana Yojana' as a 'God Bharai' ceremony in
Dausa, Rajasthan.
● About PM Matru Vandana Yojana
○ It was Launched in 2017.
○ PMMVY is a Centrally Sponsored DBT
scheme.
○ It is being implemented in all the districts of
the country in accordance with the provision of
the National Food Security Act, 2013.
○ It Provides the cash incentive of ₹ 5000/- (in
three installments) being provided directly in the
bank/post office account of Pregnant Women
and Lactating Mothers.
■ Provides this cash for the birth of the first child to
partially compensate a woman for loss of
wages.
■ It also aims to improve the nutritional well-
being of the mother and the child.
■ Regular employment with the Central
Government or the State Governments or PSUs
or those who are in receipt of similar benefits are
excluded.
○ It is combined with another scheme, Janani
Suraksha Yojana, under which nearly ₹1,000 is
given for an institutional birth, so that a woman
gets a total of ₹6,000.
Nutri Garden Project
● The Nutri Garden project in Lakshadweep has
proven to be highly successful.
● About Nutri Garden Project
○ The concept of a Nutri Garden involves
cultivating nutrient-rich crops in or around
residential homes to fulfill the family's nutritional
needs throughout the year.
○ This approach offers a cost-effective way to
grow crops that are rich in nutrients, promoting
better health and overall well-being.
○ The initiative is under the Ministry of Women and
Child Development.
○ In urban areas, Nutri kitchen gardening can take
various forms such as rooftop gardening, terrace
gardening, vertical gardening, and container
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gardening, while in rural areas, it can be
promoted in the backyards of houses.
SANKALP Programme
● Recently, the Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) certified 98 trainers
trained under the SANKALP programme.
● About SANKALP Programme
○ It is a Centrally sponsored scheme.
○ Tenure: 2018-2023
○ Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
○ Objectives: to improve short-term skill training
through strengthening institutions, bringing in
better market connectivity and inclusion of
marginalised sections of society.
○ It aims to implement the mandate of the National
Skill Development Mission (NSDM).
○ Eligibility: Candidate needs to be 18 years old.
○ It receives loan assistance from the World Bank.
○ 3 Key Areas of SANKALP:
■ Institutional Strengthening at the Central, State
and District level.
■ Quality Assurance of skill development
programmes.
■ Inclusion of marginalized populations in skill
development programmes.
Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav
● In recent times, authorities from the Union
Ministry of Women and Child Development
(WCD) have successfully reintegrated 100,000
girls into the mainstream education system
through the "Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav"
initiative.
● About Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav
○ Launched through a collaboration between the
Ministry of Women and Child Development
(MoWCD), the Ministry of Education, and
UNICEF, this initiative holds the objective of
enhancing the enrollment and retention of girls
aged 11 to 14 in schools.
○ The initiative aims to build upon existing
schemes and programs such as Schemes for
Adolescent Girls (SAG), BetiBachaoBetiPadhao
Compilation June-July-August 2023

(BBBP), and the National Education Policy
(NEP) to establish a comprehensive approach
for addressing the education of out-of-school
girls.
○ In a recent development, the Ministry of Women
and Child Development has decided to
amalgamate three programs under a new
scheme, encompassing Anganwadi services,
poshan Abhiyan, and the scheme for adolescent
girls, owing to their shared nutritional objectives.
○ Under the new scheme, a distinct category has
been established to encompass adolescent girls
aged 14 to 18.
National Sickle Cell Anaemia
Elimination Mission
● In recent events, the Prime Minister inaugurated
the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination
Mission and handed out sickle cell genetic status
cards to beneficiaries in Madhya Pradesh.
● The Mission aims to address the pressing health
challenges posed by sickle cell disease,
particularly among the tribal population.
● It will mark a crucial milestone in the
Government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate sickle
cell disease as a public health problem by 2047.
● Objectives of the Mission
○ Provision of affordable and accessible care to all
SCD patients.
○ To ensure quality of care for SCD patients.
○ To reduce the prevalence of SCD.
○ Awareness generation & premarital genetic
counseling.
○ Prevention- Universal screening and early
detection.
○ Holistic Management & continuum of care-
Management of persons with sickle cell disease
at primary, secondary and tertiary health care
levels; treatment facilities at tertiary health care
facilities Patient support system Community
adoption.
● Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA)
○ Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder in which
the red blood cells of the patient turn into a
sickle-shaped crescent shape, become rigid and
sticky, and get clogged in the blood vessels.
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○ The capacity of these cells to carry oxygen
reduces, which leads to excruciating pain and
organ damage in the affected patients.
○ SCA negatively impacts the average life
expectancy of a patient, with the average life
expectancy being 54 years.
○ Treatment
■ Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
● Recently, the government’s ambitious ‘Har Ghar
Jal’ initiative to provide all rural households in
India with potable water connections by 2024
under its flagship Jal Jeevan Mission will likely
fall short of its target, as per the survey reports.
● About JJM
○ It was launched in 2019.
○ It is under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
○ Objectives
■ To provide safe and adequate drinking water
through individual household tap connections by
2024 to all households in rural India.
■ It focuses on integrated demand and supply-
side management of water at the local level.
○ Significance
■ It ensures drinking water security.
■ The Mission is based on a community
approach to water.
■ It looks to create a jan andolan for water,
thereby making it everyone’s priority.
■ It promotes and ensures voluntary ownership
among local communities by way of contribution
in cash, kind and/ or labor and voluntary labor.
○ Fund sharing
■ Between the Centre and states - 90:10
■ For Himalayan and North-Eastern States -
50:50
■ For other states, and 100% for Union
Territories.
Bharat 6G Alliance
● The Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) has been
recently initiated by the Indian government to
lead the advancement of 6G technology within
the country.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● About Bharat 6G Alliance
○ Collaborative Platform: The Bharat 6G
Alliance (B6GA) is a collaborative platform with
the aim to achieve universal and affordable
connectivity, promote indigenous technology,
and establish India as a global leader in the
telecom sector.
○ Diverse Members: This platform consists of
public and private companies, academia,
research institutions, and standards
development organizations, all working together
to lead the development and deployment of 6G
technology in India.
○ International Collaboration: B6GA will forge
coalitions and synergies with other 6G Global
Alliances, encouraging international
collaboration and knowledge exchange.
○ Establishing Consortia: The alliance seeks to
bring together Indian startups, companies, and
the manufacturing ecosystem to form consortia
that drive the design, development, and
deployment of 6G technologies in India.
○ Market Access: A key goal of B6GA is to
facilitate market access for Indian telecom
technology products and services, enabling
India to emerge as a global leader in 6G
technology.
○ Funding: To support the advancement of 6G
technology, the government has allocated a
grant of 240.51 crores through the Telecom
Technology Development Fund scheme.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
● In a recent collaboration, the Atal Innovation
Mission (AIM) and Bayer introduced a distinctive
industry visit initiative at Bayer's manufacturing
facility in Vapi, Gujarat, under the Atal Tinkering
labs.
● About AIM
○ Flagship initiative set up by the NITI Aayog in
2016.
○ It has also launched AIM Prime, AIM iCREST,
etc to boost industrial exposure of students and
innovators.
○ Objectives
■ To create and promote an ecosystem of
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innovation and entrepreneurship across the
country at school, university, research
institutions, MSME and industry levels.
■ To provide platform and collaboration
opportunities for different stakeholders.
■ To create awareness and create an umbrella
structure to oversee the innovation
ecosystem of the country.
○ Some of the components of AIM
■ Atal Tinkering Labs,
■ Atal Incubation Centers,
■ Atal New India Challenge,
■ Mentor of Change Program,
■ Atal Community Innovation Centre and Atal
Research & Innovation for Small Enterprises
(ARISE)
● Atal Tinkering Lab
○ Atal Tinkering Labs are advanced spaces set up
in schools with the objective of nurturing curiosity
and innovation in young minds from grades 6th
to 12th nationwide.
○ These labs provide access to cutting-edge tools
and technologies like Internet of Things, 3D
printing, rapid prototyping tools, and robotics.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme
(SCSS)
● The collections under the revamped Senior
Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) jumped 176%
on year to Rs 55,000 crore in the first quarter of
the current financial year.
● SCSS
○ Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is a
government-backed savings scheme in India for
senior citizens.
○ Any individual above the age of 60 can invest in
this scheme, and earn a higher interest rate than
bank fixed deposits (FDs).
○ Eligibility
■ Indian citizens above the age of 60 years.
■ Retirees in the age bracket of 55-60 years who
have opted for Voluntary Retirement Scheme
(VRS) or Superannuation.
■ Retired defense personnel above 50 years and
below 60 years of age.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

○ Banks and post offices offer an interest rate of
8.2% on the Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme
(SCSS).
○ Senior citizens can invest up to ₹30 lakh in this
scheme from April 1, up from ₹15 lakh before
(Minimum Deposit– Rs. 1,000).
○ SCSS comes with a maturity period of 5 years,
which can be extended for another 3 years.
○ After one year of opening the account,
premature withdrawal is allowed.
State Disaster Response Funds
(SDRF)
● The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of
Finance released an amount of Rs. 7,532 crore
to 22 State Governments for the respective State
Disaster Response Funds (SDRF).
● The amount has been released as per the
recommendations of the Ministry of Home
Affairs.
● SDRF
○ SDRF has been constituted under Section 48
(1) (a) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
○ It was constituted based on the
recommendations of the 13th Finance
Commission.
○ It is the primary fund available with the State
governments for responses to notified disasters
to meet expenditure for providing immediate
relief.
○ It is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor
General of India (CAG) every year.
○ Funding
■ The Central Government contributes 75% to the
SDRF in general States and 90% in North-East
and Himalayan States.
■ The annual Central contribution is released in
two equal installments as per the
recommendation of the Finance Commission.
■ Allocation of SDRF funds to the States is based
on multiple factors like past expenditure, area,
population, and disaster risk index.
○ Disasters Covered
■ Cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood,
tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche,
cloudburst, pest attack, frost and cold waves.
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National Research Foundation
● Recently, The Union Cabinet approved the
introduction of the National Research
Foundation (NRF) Bill in Parliament, placing
once again the debate on science and
technology funding in the spotlight.
● Setting up the NRF was one of the key
recommendations of the National Education
Policy 2020.
● The NRF intends to act as a coordinating agency
between researchers, various government
bodies and industry, thus bringing industry into
the mainstream of research.
● In addition to providing research grants to
individuals, the NRF plans to seed, grow and
facilitate research in India’s universities,
especially State universities, by funding
research infrastructure and researchers.
● Funding
○ The NRF will operate with a budget of ₹50,000
crore for five years.
■ 28% (₹14,000 crore) will be the government’s
share.
■ 72% (₹36,000 crore) will come from the private
sector.
● Side Note
○ While India’s GDP was 7.6 and 5.1 times smaller
than that of the U.S. and China respectively,
India’s gross domestic expenditure on
research and development (GERD) was
nearly 24 times less than both these countries
during the same period.
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)
● The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) is a
scheme launched by the Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment in India to empower
senior citizens and ensure their well-being and
social inclusion.
● It is a Central Sector Scheme, which is formerly
known as National Action Plan for Senior
Citizens.
● Its vision is to create a society where senior
citizens live healthy, happy and empowered life.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● It has two components –
○ The Integrated Program for Senior Citizens
(IPSrC)
■ It entails setting up homes to improve the
quality of life of senior citizens, especially
indigent senior citizens for writing basic
amenities.
■ Under this component grant in aid is provided to
NGOs/ Voluntary Organisations (VOs) for
running and maintenance of old age homes,
Continuous Care Homes.
○ The State Action Plan for Senior Citizens
(SAPSrC)
■ Each state/union territory is expected to frame its
own action plan for the welfare of senior citizens.
● Five schemes have been launched under this
umbrella scheme
○ Poshan Abhiyan for elderly
○ Livelihood and skilling initiatives for senior
citizens
○ Scheme on promoting silver economy
○ Awareness generation and capacity building for
welfare of senior citizens
○ Channelising CSR funds for elderly care.
BHARAT Campaign
● Recently,the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare, inaugurated a new campaign for banks
under the Agri Infra Fund called BHARAT
(Banks Heralding Accelerated Rural &
Agriculture Transformation).
● The campaign, which will run from July 15th,
2023 to August 15th, 2023, aims to raise Rs
7200 crore.
● Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
○ It is a Central Sector Scheme which was
launched in 2020.
○ The scheme shall provide a medium - long term
debt financing facility for investment in viable
projects for post-harvest management
Infrastructure and community farming assets
through interest subvention and financial
support.
○ The duration of the Scheme shall be from
FY2020 to FY2032 (10 years).
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Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)
● Recently, the Southern Railway identified 90
stations for development under the Amrit Bharat
Station Scheme (ABSS).
● The scheme was launched by the Centre for
upgradation and modernisation of 1275 railway
stations.
● The Amrit Bharat Station scheme aims at
development of stations with improved
amenities like better station access, circulating
areas, waiting halls, toilets, lift/escalators as
necessary, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, kiosks for
local products etc.
● The scheme further aims at improvement of
railway buildings, multimodal integration,
amenities for Divyangjans, sustainable and
environment friendly solutions, provision of
ballastless tracks, phasing and feasibility and
creation of city centers at the station in the long
term.
● Nodal Ministry- Ministry of Railways
Mahila Samman Savings Certificate,
2023
● The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of
Finance, has authorized Public Sector Banks
and eligible Private Sector Banks to implement
the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, 2023.
● Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, 2023
(introduced in this year’s budget and started on
1st April 2023) is a one-time savings scheme to
provide financial security to girls and women in
India.
● Its purpose is to provide financial security to
every girl and woman in India.
● Women can open the account for themselves or
on behalf of a minor girl child
● Investment Period: The investment period for
this scheme is two years from the date of
opening the account.
● Partial Withdrawal: After one year from the date
of opening the account, participants can avail
themselves of up to 40% of the eligible balance
as a partial withdrawal.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● Empowering Women: The scheme aims to
promote financial independence and
empowerment of women.
● Rural Women Investors: It specifically
encourages women investors, particularly in
rural areas, to participate in the scheme.
PM-MITRA Scheme
● Recently, the Prime Minister of India has lauded
the foundation stone laying of 2 mega textile
parks in Maharashtra and Gujarat under the PM
Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel
(PM MITRA) scheme.
● Nodal Ministry- Ministry for the textile industry.
● Ministry of Textiles is planning to set up 7 Mega
Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM
MITRA) Parks with a total outlay of Rs. 4,445
crore.
● PM MITRA park will be developed by a Special
Purpose Vehicle which will be owned by the
Central and State governments and in a Public-
Private Partnership (PPP) Mode.
● The PM MITRA scheme is Inspired by the 5F
vision - Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to
Foreign.
● It aspires to fulfill the vision of building an
Aatmanirbhar Bharat and to position India
strongly on the Global textiles map.
● PM MITRA Parks will offer an opportunity to
create an integrated textiles value chain right
from spinning, weaving, processing/dyeing and
printing to garment manufacturing at 1 location
● Integrated Textile Value chain at 1 location will
reduce logistics cost of Industry.
● Intended to generate ~1 lakh direct and 2 lakh
indirect per park.
● Sites for PM MITRA Parks will be selected by a
Challenge Method based on objective criteria
● Proposals of State Governments having ready
availability of contiguous and encumbrance-free
land parcels of 1,000+ acres along with other
textiles related facilities & ecosystems are
welcome.
● Several states such as Tamil Nadu, Punjab,
Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan,
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Assam, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and
Telangana have expressed interest.
Advance Authorisation Scheme
● Recently, the Directorate General of Foreign
Trade (DGFT) implemented the Advance
Authorisation Scheme under the Foreign Trade
Policy.
● Advance Authorisation Scheme allows duty
free import of inputs, which are physically
incorporated in an export product.
● In addition to any inputs, packaging material,
fuel, oil, catalyst which is consumed / utilized in
the process of production of export product, is
also be allowed.
● Duties Exempt
○ Basic Customs Duty, Additional Customs Duty,
Education Cess, Anti-dumping duty, Safeguard
Duty and Transition Product-Specific Safeguard
duty, Integrated tax, and Compensation Cess,
wherever applicable, subject to certain
conditions.
● Eligibility
○ This scheme is available to either a
manufacturer exporter directly or a merchant
exporter tied with a supporting manufacturer.
○ It includes physical exports, intermediate supply,
supplies made to specified categories of
deemed exports.
● Validity
○ Advance Authorization is valid for 12 months
from the date of issue of such Authorization.
● The Ministry of Commerce & Industry, through
the Directorate General of Foreign Trade
(DGFT), oversees the Advance Authorisation
Scheme.
PM SVANidhi Scheme
● Recently, a review meeting on the Prime
Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM
SVANidhi) scheme was held.
● About PM SVANidhi
○ Launched By
■ Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
○ Implementing Agency
Compilation June-July-August 2023

■ Small Industries Development Bank of India
(SIDBI)
○ Objectives
■ To provide affordable Working Capital loans
to street vendors to resume their livelihoods that
have been adversely affected due to Covid-19
lockdown.
■ It has been extended till December 2024 with
focus on enhanced collateral free affordable
loan corpus, increased adoption of digital
transactions and holistic socio-economic
development of the Street Vendors and their
families.
○ Target Beneficiaries
■ Over 50 lakh people, including vendors,
hawkers, thelewalas etc. who supply
vegetables, ready-to-eat foods, fruits etc.
■ It also includes service providers like barber
shops, cobblers, pan shops, laundry
services etc.
■ Scheme is available for beneficiaries belonging
to only those States/UTs which have notified
Rules and Scheme under Street Vendors
(Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of
Street Vending) Act, 2014.
○ Scheme Benefits
■ Vendors can avail a working capital loan of up
to Rs. 10,000, which is repayable in monthly
installments in the tenure of one year.
■ On timely/ early repayment of the loan, an
interest subsidy @ 7% per annum will be
credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries
through Direct Benefit Transfer on quarterly
basis.
■ There will be no penalty on early repayment of
loan.
■ The scheme promotes digital transactions
through cash back incentives up to an amount
of Rs. 100 per month.
■ The vendors can avail the facility of escalation of
the credit limit on timely/ early repayment of loan.
India Climate Energy Dashboard
(ICED) 3.0
● NITI Aayog has launched the India Climate
Energy Dashboard (ICED) 3.0.
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● The ICED is the country’s one-stop platform
for near real-time data on the energy sector,
climate, and related economic datasets
based on government published sources.
● It has been developed as a user-friendly
platform, which enables users to freely access
and analyze datasets using an analytical engine.
● It will facilitate insights and enhance
understanding about the energy and climate
sectors while identifying the key challenges.
● With over 500 parameters, 2000 infographics,
and interactive visualizations, ICED 3.0 aids in
monitoring India’s clean energy transition
progress, identifying key challenges, and
offering a holistic view of the country’s energy
sector.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
● The latest data tabled in the Parliament by Union
Minister for Farmers’ Welfare shows that
agriculture insurance premium has been going
up while claims payment is down under the
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
● About
○ PMFBY was launched in 2016 to insure farmers
against all non-preventable natural risks from
pre-sowing to post-harvest.
● Nodal Ministry
○ It is being administered by the Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
● Objective
○ It aims at supporting sustainable production in
agriculture sector by way of -
■ Providing financial support to farmers suffering
crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen
events
■ Stabilizing the income of farmers to ensure
their continuance in farming
■ Encouraging farmers to adopt innovative and
modern agricultural practices.
■ Ensuring flow of credit to the agriculture sector.
● Premium
○ There will be a uniform premium of only 2% to
be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops.
○ 1.5% for all Rabi crops.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

○ 5% for annual commercial and horticultural
crops.
○ Rest is shared by Centre and States in 50:50 or
90:10 ratio (for NE states).
○ There is no upper limit on Government
● Risks Covered Under the Scheme
○ Natural Fire and Lightning, Storm, Hailstorm,
Cyclone, Typhoon, Tempest, Hurricane,
Tornado. Risks due to Flood, Inundation and
Landslide, Drought, Dry spells, Pests/ Diseases
are being covered.
UK-India Young Professionals
Scheme
● The British Government recently announced the
opening of the second ballot of the Young
Professional Scheme for Indian citizens.
● About the Scheme
○ Conception and Announcement:
■ The India Young Professionals Scheme was part
of an India-U.K. Migration and Mobility MoU
signed in May 2021.
■ It was announced at the G20 summit in Bali in
November.
○ Formal Launch: The scheme was formally
launched in February 2023.
○ Purpose: It allows up to 3,000 degree-holding
citizens aged 18 to 30 from each country to live
and work in the other country for two years.
○ India's First Visa-National Country: India
becomes the first visa-national country to benefit
from this scheme.
○ Features of the India Young Professionals
Scheme visa:
■ It permits Indian citizens between 18 and 30
years to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.
■ Candidates can enter and leave the UK anytime
during the visa's validity.
■ Applicants must be selected through the India
Young Professionals Scheme ballot before
applying for the visa.
○ Eligibility for the India Young Professionals
Scheme visa:
■ Indian national aged between 18 and 30 years.
■ Possess a bachelor's degree or higher.
■ Have savings of £2,530.
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■ Must not have dependent children under 18
years of age.
○ Entry and Study/Work in the UK:
■ Visa holders must enter the UK within six months
of the visa issuance.
■ They can study (with additional requirements for
certain sensitive subjects) and work in most jobs.
■ Self-employment is permitted, subject to specific
conditions related to premises, equipment, and
employees.
eSanjeevani
● Recently, the Union Health Minister informed the
Rajya Sabha that eSanjeevani, the Centre's
telemedicine application, has completed
14,17,81,384 teleconsultations.
● About eSanjeevani
○ eSanjeevani developed by the Mohali branch of
the Center for Development of Advanced
Computing (C-DAC).
○ The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has
launched two variants of eSanjeevani namely –
■ Doctor to doctor (eSanjeevani AB-HWC) in the
hub and spoke model.
■ Patient to doctor (eSanjeevaniOPD).
○ eSanjeevani AB-HWC
■ It is being implemented under the Ayushman
Bharat Health and Wellness Center (AB-
HWC).
■ It aims to implement tele-consultation in all the
1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centers in
conjunction with identified medical college
hospitals in a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model.
■ States have identified and set up dedicated
‘Hubs’ in medical colleges and district hospitals
to provide tele-consultation service
○ eSanjeevaniOPD
■ It was launched to enable patient-to-doctor
telemedicine owing to the COVID-19 pandemic
in April 2020.
■ It enables virtual meetings between the
patients and doctors & specialists from
geographically dispersed locations, through
video conferencing that occurs in real-time.
○ Leading states for usage of this platform are:
Andhra Pradesh > West Bengal > Karnataka >
Tamil Nadu > Maharashtra.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

PM-KUSUM Scheme
● Recently, the government said that nearly 2.46
lakh farmers have benefited from the Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan
Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM Scheme).
● About PM-KUSUM Scheme
○ It was launched in March 2019.
○ This Scheme is aimed at
■ Ensuring energy security for farmers in India.
■ Honoring India’s commitment to increase the
share of installed capacity of electric power from
non-fossil-fuel sources to 40% by 2030 as part
of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions
(INDCs).
○ The PM-KUSUM under which ₹34,422 crore will
be spent by the Centre, has three parts:
■ Having farmers or farmer groups install solar
power plants worth 10,000 MW.
■ Installing 20 lakh solar-powered agriculture
pumps that aren’t connected to the grid (off-
grid).
■ Converting 15 lakh agriculture pumps,
already connected to the grid, into solar.
○ Each farmer will receive a 60% subsidy to set up
tube wells and pump sets. They will also get 30%
of the total cost as a loan from the Government
○ Nodal Ministry- Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy (MNRE).
○ Side Note
■ Rajasthan, with 62.5 MW, led the States with
installed power plants by a wide margin while
Himachal Pradesh finished second with 19.7
MW
National Digital Nagrik Forum
● The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT)
has declared the establishment of the National
Digital Nagrik Forum.
● The National Digital Nagrik Forum is an online
platform.
● Its goal is to promote the rights of traders and
consumers and influence policies to enhance the
digital trade economy.
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● Objective: To increase awareness of digital
regulations and empower citizens to engage with
innovation through expert sessions and
instructional materials.
● The forum will conduct awareness camps, digital
and physical dialogues, and training programs.
● It aims to engage with stakeholders from the
government, private sector, and civil society,
including policymakers and other relevant state-
level stakeholders to achieve its objectives.
MASI Portal
● The Minister of Women and Child
Development recently briefed the Rajya Sabha
about the MASI Portal.
● About MASI Portal
○ The Monitoring App for Seamless Inspection
(MASI) was developed for synchronous
monitoring of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and
their inspection mechanisms across India.
○ The National Commission for Protection of
Child Rights (NCPCR) created this application
to enhance the functioning of the inspection
mechanism under the Juvenile Justice Act,
2015 (as amended in 2021).
○ MASI is linked to a monitoring Portal that
automatically generates reports.
○ The app enables unified inspections by various
authorities, including Child Welfare Committees
(CWCs), State Inspection Committees, District
Inspection Committees, Members of Juvenile
Justice Boards (JJBs), and State Commissions
for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) as
mandated by the JJ Act, 2015.
○ It serves as a single platform for inspections of
all CCIs in the country by any of the above-
stated authorities.
○ Regular follow-up is conducted before and after
the inspection cycle's completion.
○ Complete reports are automatically generated
on the Portal once the questionnaire is filled and
submitted by the inspecting authority.
Study In India' Portal
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● Recently, the Education Ministry launched the
Study In India (SII) portal with a vision to
promote Indian education to foreign students
and re-establish India as a global hub of
education.
● The portal will provide comprehensive
information about Indian Higher Education
Institutions and also present information about
academic facilities, research support, and
related information.
● It will also provide an integrated one-stop
solution for the student registration and visa
application processes.
● The Study in India (SII) Portal will illustrate
academic programmes covering but not limited
to undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and
doctoral-level programmes as well as courses in
Indian Knowledge systems like Yoga, Ayurveda,
classical arts, etc.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)
● Recently, the Prime Minister of India launched
via video link work on the rejuvenation of 13
railway stations in the State under the Amrit
Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).
● The 13 railway stations include Ballari,
Ghatprabha, Gokak Road, Alnavar, Gadag,
Koppal, Harihar, Arsikere, Mangaluru Jn., Wadi,
Kalaburagi Jn. (Gulbarga) and Shahabad.
● About ABSS
○ The scheme was launched by the Centre for
upgradation and modernisation of 1275 railway
stations.
○ The Amrit Bharat Station scheme aims at
development of stations with improved
amenities like better station access, circulating
areas, waiting halls, toilets, lift/escalators as
necessary, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, kiosks for
local products etc.
○ The scheme further aims at improvement of
railway buildings, multimodal integration,
amenities for Divyangjans, sustainable and
environment friendly solutions, provision of
ballastless tracks, phasing and feasibility and
creation of city centers at the station in the long
term.
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○ Nodal Ministry- Ministry of Railways
Mission Indradhanush
● The Health Management Information System
2022-23 (HMIS) 2022-23 report reveals that 6
States/Union Territories (UTs) have attained full
immunization coverage (FIC) of 100%, while 17
States have achieved FIC of over 90%.
● About Mission Indradhanush
○ Launched in December 2014.
○ Aims
■ Increasing full immunization coverage.
■ Covering partially and unvaccinated children
and pregnant women, in pockets of high-risk,
hard-to-reach and low immunization coverage
areas.
■ Focused on protecting them from vaccine
preventable diseases.
○ It provides vaccination against 12 Vaccine-
Preventable Diseases (VPD).
○ This mission was also identified as one of the
flagship schemes under Gram Swaraj Abhiyan
and Extended Gram Swaraj Abhiyan.
● Intensified Mission Indradhanush
○ Launched in October 2017
○ Aims
■ To further intensify the immunization
programme.
■ To reach each and every child up to two years of
age and all those pregnant women who have
been left uncovered under the routine
immunization programme/UIP.
■ The focus of the special drive was to improve
immunization coverage in select districts and
cities to ensure full immunization to more than
90% by December 2018.
● Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0
○ Launched in December 2019
○ Aims
■ To boost the routine immunization coverage in
the country
■ Immunizing 272 districts in 27 States and at
block level (652 blocks) in Uttar Pradesh and
Bihar because of its hard to reach and tribal
populations.
● Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0
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○ Launched in 2021
○ Aims
■ To reach those children and pregnant women
who have been missed out or been left out of the
Routine Immunization Programme.
■ To accelerate the full immunization of children
and pregnant women through a mission mode
intervention.
■ It is being conducted in pre-identified 250
districts/urban areas across 29 States/UTs in
the country.
■ Focus of the IMI 3.0 was the children and
pregnant women who had missed their vaccine
doses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Pariyojana (PMBJP)
● The Ministry of Railways will set up Pradhan
Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras at
railway stations throughout the nation
● These are set up under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya
Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana.
● About PMBJP
○ Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched by the
Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of
Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India in
November, 2008.
○ Objective
■ To make quality generic medicines available at
affordable prices to all.
○ The product basket of PMBJP comprises 1759
medicines and 280 surgical devices covering
all major therapeutic groups such as
Cardiovascular, Anti-cancers, Anti-diabetics,
Anti-infectives, Anti-allergic, Gastro-intestinal
medicines, Nutraceuticals, etc.
○ Various nutraceutical products like Protein
Powder, Malt-based Food Supplements, etc.
and some AYUSH products like Ayuraksha Kit,
Bal Raksha Kit and Ayush-64 tablet as Immunity
boosters have been added in the product basket
of the Pariyojana.
○ Significance
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■ It offers high-quality medicines at affordable
prices, with medications priced 50%-90% lower
than those of branded medicines.
Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha
Abhiyan
● Fourteen States and Union Territories have not
yet entered into a significant Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Union Education
Ministry, which is a requirement for the execution
of the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha
Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
● About (PM-USHA)
○ Background
■ The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan
(RUSA) was a centrally sponsored initiative
designed to financially support institutions within
States and Union Territories.
■ Its overarching goal was to enhance access,
equity, and excellence in the higher education
system, all while promoting efficiency,
transparency, accountability, and
responsiveness.
■ The scheme's initial phase commenced in 2013,
followed by its second phase in 2018.
■ With the advent of the National Education Policy,
the RUSA scheme has now been rebranded as
the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan
(PM-USHA).
○ PM-Uchchatar SHiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA),
is a centrally sponsored scheme of the
Government of India executed through the
Ministry of Education.
○ The scheme aims to work with over 300 HEIs
including the state universities, its affiliated
colleges to raise the quality of education.
○ Objectives
■ PM-USHA aims to enhance higher education by
focusing on access, equity, and quality.
■ The initiative aims for organized development of
higher education at the state level.
■ Goals encompass establishing new academic
institutions, enhancing existing ones, and
fostering self-sustaining institutions that
emphasize quality education and research.
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■ The approach also aims to offer students
education that aligns with their needs and
contributes to the nation's progress.
PM-eBus Sewa’ Scheme
● Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the PM-
eBus Sewa scheme.
● About
○ Aims to enhance urban bus operations through
a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
○ Intends to introduce 10,000 electric buses.
○ Estimated cost: Rs. 57,613 crore, with the
central government contributing Rs. 20,000
crore.
● Scope and Inclusion:
○ Encompasses cities with populations exceeding
three lakh.
○ It focuses on augmenting city bus services in
169 cities.
○ Includes Union Territory capitals, the North
Eastern Region, and Hill States.
○ Focuses on areas lacking organized bus
services.
● Projected Outcomes:
○ Anticipates generating 45,000 to 55,000 direct
employment opportunities.
● Two Key Segments:
○ Augmenting city bus services.
○ Promoting green urban mobility initiative
Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme
● Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the
Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme.
● Budgetary outlay- ₹13,000 crore.
● Objectives
○ Along with providing support to people with
traditional skills, the scheme is aimed at giving
loans on liberal terms to the local workers who
drive the majority of the rural economy.
○ The scheme aims to strengthen and nurture the
'Guru-Shishya parampara' or family-based
practice of traditional skills by artisans and
craftsmen working with their hands and tools.
● Key Features
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○ In its first instance, as many as 18 rural traders
will be covered under this scheme including
carpenter, boat maker, blacksmith, locksmith,
potter, goldsmith, barber, tailor, mason, garland
maker among others.
○ Artisans and craftspeople will be provided a
recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate
and ID card.
○ The scheme has a provision of credit support of
up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second
tranche) with a concessional interest rate of 5%.
○ It also has a provision to provide skill
upgradation, incentive for toolkit as well as digital
transactions and marketing support.
○ Skilling programmes will take place at both basic
and advanced types.
○ Participants will get a stipend of ₹500 per day
while undergoing training.
○ Beneficiaries will also receive up to ₹15,000 to
buy modern tools.
● Significance
○ It will benefit around 30 lakh craftsmen families.
National Supercomputing Mission
(NSM)
● The expansion of the Digital India program has
been granted approval by the Union Cabinet with
a budget of ₹14,903 crore. This program's
extension also entails the inclusion of nine
additional supercomputers under the National
Supercomputing Mission.
● About NSM
○ The mission was announced in 2015.
○ NSM envisaged setting up a network of 70
high-performance computing facilities with
an aim to connect national academic and R&D
institutions across India over a seven-year
period at an estimated cost of Rs 4500 Crores.
○ Implementing Body: Ministry of Electronics
and IT (MeitY) and Department of Science and
Technology (DST).
○ Nodal Agencies of NSM– (C-DAC) and (IISc),
○ Under NSM, the long-term plan is to build a
strong base of 20,000 skilled persons over the
next five years who will be equipped to handle
the complexities of supercomputers.
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○ These supercomputers will also be networked States, North-Eastern region and Islands.
on the National Supercomputing grid over the ■ It also allows for reduction in traveling
National Knowledge Network (NKN). expenses.
■ The NKN is another programme of the
government which connects academic
institutions and R&D labs over a high speed
Art and Culture
network.
○ In 2020, a RTI reply revealed that India has Bagh Print
produced just three supercomputers since 2015 ● MP Tourism Board in association with district
under NSM administration Dhar recently launched a training
■ PARAM Shivay installed in IIT-BHU, Varanasi camp on manufacturing sustainable bags based
with 837 TeraFlop capacity on Bagh Print.
■ Second one at IIT-Kharagpur with 1.66 PetaFlop ● About Bagh Print
capacity ○ Unique Artistry from Bagh Village:
■ PARAM Brahma at ISER-Pune, has a capacity ■ Originating from the village of Bagh in Madhya
of 797 TeraFlop Pradesh, this distinct block printing technique
holds the name "Bagh Prints."
■ The name "Bagh" has its roots in the village's
UDAN Scheme
connection to the Baghini River that courses
● Recently, a political party president claimed that
through it.
a CAG report has pointed out that the Centre's
○ Community Origins and Evolution:
flagship UDAN scheme did not work on 93 per
■ In 1962, Muslim Khatris, who had embraced
cent of the routes.
Islam due to the influence of a Sufi saint, initiated
● About UDAN
this craft after their migration from Manawar to
○ UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is an
Bagh.
initiative by the government to connect the
○ Craft and Aesthetic Highlights:
country’s under-served and unserved
■ Bagh Prints are characterized by intricate
airports.
geometric patterns, inventive use of red and
○ It was launched in 2016 under the Ministry of
black natural hues, and a skillful incorporation of
Civil Aviation in 2016.
the river's chemical properties, culminating in a
○ The scheme envisages providing
distinctive artistic form.
connectivity to-
○ Process and Features:
■ Under-served airports- Those which do not
■ The primary fabrics utilized are cotton and silk,
have more than a flight a day.
treated with a blend of corroded iron fillings,
■ Unserved airports- Those where there are no
alum, and Alizarin.
operations.
■ Skilled artisans meticulously create the intricate
○ UDAN is a market driven scheme.
designs.
■ Interested airlines based on their assessment of
■ Natural dyes are employed in the printing,
demand on particular routes, submit their
aligning with eco-friendly and non-hazardous
proposals at the time of bidding under UDAN.
practices.
○ The scheme is being jointly funded by the
■ The printed fabric undergoes multiple washings
central government and state governments.
in the flowing river waters and is subsequently
○ The scheme will run for 10 years and can be
sun-dried to achieve a refined sheen.
extended thereafter.
○ Significance
■ UDAN scheme has immensely benefited
Gulabi Meenakari Handicraft
several sectors pan-India including Hilly

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● The government of the state of Uttar Pradesh
has chosen to present Geographical Indication
(GI) certified Gulabi Meenakari handicrafts to
delegates visiting from G20 member nations.
● About Gulabi Meenakari Handicrafts
○ In the by-lanes of Gai Ghat in Varanasi thrives,
the rare and delicate art of gulabi meenakari.
○ The art form came to India in the 17th century
with the Persian enamellists, who traveled to
India under the Mughal rule.
○ It is now bestowed with the Geographical
Indication tag.
○ The art of Gulabi Meenakari of Varanasi long
ago accepted and owned by the artisans of
Varanasi, has acquired an added sheen of
protection and preservation.
○ Said to be a conjugation of the feminine Persian
word mina, from minoo, meaning heaven, and
kari to create or do, meenakari holds true the
hues of the heavens it refers to.
○ The Varanasi Gulabi Meenakari is used to make
exquisite pieces of jewellery as well as home
décor items in the forms of traditionally adored
flora and fauna and souvenirs depicting
characters from Hinduism and its mythology.
○ Minakari work uses very simple tools like salai
(an etching tool), kiln, metal palette, mortar and
pestle, kalam (a tool used to apply enamel),
brass dye, small scrubbing brush, forceps and
takala (a needle-like tool to apply colours).
Menhir and Megalithic Burial Sites
● The Department of Archaeology in Tamil Nadu
has designated five 'menhir' (single stone) and
megalithic burial sites located in Kodumanal,
Erode district, as protected monuments.
● Situated along the northern banks of the Noyyal
river, Kodumanal gained archaeological
significance in 1961 with the commencement of
the initial excavation by the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI).
● Notably, in the 2021 Budget, the State
government declared its intention to accord
protected status to Kodumanal as an
archaeological site.
● About Megaliths
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○ Megaliths are large and monumental prehistoric
structures made of stone that were constructed
by ancient civilizations.
○ The term "megalith" is derived from the Greek
words "mega," meaning large, and "lithos,"
meaning stone.
○ These structures were typically built using
massive stones or rocks, often without the use
of mortar or cement, and were erected for
various purposes, including religious,
ceremonial, funerary, and commemorative
reasons.
○ Archaeologists predominantly attribute the
majority of megalithic structures in India to the
Iron Age, spanning from 1500 BC to 500 BC.
○ Some sites even trace their origins back to
around 2000 BC.
○ These megalithic structures are scattered
across the expanse of the Indian subcontinent,
with a concentration primarily in Peninsular
India.
Palkhi Festival
● Visitors from numerous nations, attending the
G20 Digital Economy Working Group
Conference in the city, were treated to a view of
the traditional palkhi festival of the Warkari
community, which has a history spanning over
800 years.
● About Palkhi Festival
○ Palkhi is an ancient tradition established by
Maharashtra saints and followed by their
devotees known as varkaris.
○ It involves an annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur
in Maharashtra to honor the deity Vithoba.
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○ Participants walk with chariots (palkhis) carrying
the sandals (paduka) of saints like Dnyaneshwar
and Tukaram.
○ Dnyaneshwar's palkhi starts from Alandi, while
Tukaram's begins from Dehu, both in Pune
district.
○ The Palkhi journey takes place in the month of
Jyeshth (June) and spans 22 days.
○ On the eleventh day of the first half of Ashadh,
the Palkhi reaches Pandharpur.
○ Devotees take a sacred dip in the
Chandrabhaga River/Bhima River before visiting
the Vitthal temple upon reaching Pandharpur on
Ashadi Ekadashi.
Gilgit Manuscripts
● The National Archives of India recently curated
an exhibition showcasing the Gilgit Manuscripts.
● About Gilgit Manuscripts
○ The Gilgit manuscripts were unearthed in the
Naupur village of the Gilgit region, which now
falls under Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
○ These valuable documents were discovered by
the archaeologist Sir Aurel Stein during the early
20th century.
○ Dating back to the 5th to 6th centuries CE, these
manuscripts hold the distinction of being the
oldest surviving collection in the Indian
Subcontinent.
○ Crafted on birch bark folios, these manuscripts
are composed of writings inscribed on the inner
layers of bark from birch trees native to the
Kashmir region.
○ The collection encompasses a diverse range of
materials, including both canonical and non-
canonical Jain and Buddhist texts.
○ These manuscripts provide insights into the
evolution of religious and philosophical literature
during that era.
Thol Pavai Koothu Puppetry
● Muthuchandra Rao, a renowned puppet artist
from the Kanniyakumari district in Tamil Nadu,
has been invited to perform at the Fetna 36th
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Convention in the United States (Federation of
Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA)).
● About Thol Pavai Koothu
○ Tholpavaikoothu is a traditional form of shadow
puppetry, combining the Tamil words "thol" for
leather, "pavai" for doll, and "koothu" for play or
drama.
○ This art form is particularly renowned in the
districts of Madurai, Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu),
Palakkad, Thrissur, and Malappuram (Kerala).
Ol Chiki script
● Recently, the Prime Minister of India for saluting
the immortal tribal revolutionaries on Hul Diwas
used the Ol Chiki script of Santali language.
● Creator: In 1925, Raghunath Murmu (1905-
1982), a writer and teacher from Mayurbhanj
State (now part of Odisha) in India, invented Ol
Chiki as a script for writing Santhali, a Munda
language.
● Aliases: Ol Chiki is known by various names,
including Ol Cemet', Ol Ciki, Ol, or the Santhali
alphabet.
● Cultural Promotion: The primary purpose behind
creating Ol Chiki was to promote Santhali
culture.
● First Publicization: The script was first
introduced to the public in 1939 during the
Mayurbhanj State exhibition.
● Prolific Publications: Murmu published more
than 150 books in Santhali using the Ol Chiki
script. These works encompassed novels,
poetry, drama, grammars, dictionaries, and
other language and script-related information.
● Multiple Scripts: Aside from Ol Chiki, Santhali
can also be written using the Latin, Odia,
Bengali, and Devanagari alphabets.
● Geographical Distribution: The Santhali
language is predominantly spoken in the states
of Jharkhand and West Bengal in northern India,
as well as in northwestern Bangladesh, eastern
Nepal, and Bhutan.
Kui Language
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● Recently, the Odisha government cabinet
approved a proposal to recommend the
inclusion of the Kui language in the eighth
schedule of the Constitution of India.
● It is a South-Eastern Dravidian language spoken
by the Kandhas.
● It is mostly spoken in Odisha, and written in
the Odia script.
● The Kui language was also referred to as the
Kuinga language during the historical period. It
is closely related to the Gondi and Kuvi
languages.
● Significance
○ Inclusion of Kui in the eighth schedule will help
in the preservation, promotion and
propagation of the language and culture.
○ It will create an eco-system to facilitate research
and studies anchored around the preservation,
promotion and propagation of the Kui language.
○ The cabinet maintained that more than seven
lakh Kui-speaking indigenous people will benefit
from the decision.
● Eighth Schedule to the constitution of India
○ The Eighth Schedule to the constitution of India
lists the official languages of India.
○ The eighth schedule recognises a total of 22
languages as the official languages.
○ While 14 of these languages were included in
the constitution at first, the rest of the languages
were added to the constitution through
subsequent amendments.
○ Languages in 8th Schedule
■ Manipuri, Maithili, Kashmiri, Hindi, Kannada,
Gujarati, Konkani, Malayalam, Assamese,
Marathi, Nepali, Bengali, Punjabi, Sanskrit,
Sindhi, Telugu, Tamil, Odia, Urdu, Bodo, Dogri,
and Santhali.
Lambani Embroidery Patches
● Recently, At the G20 Culture Working Group
meeting, around 450 Lambani artisans
showcased their exceptional skills and
craftsmanship by creating an astounding
collection of over 1,755 unique patches.
● Lambani embroidery is a vibrant and intricate
form of textile embellishment characterized by
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colorful threads, mirror work, and a rich array of
stitch patterns.
● It is practiced in several villages of Karnataka
such as Sandur, Keri Tanda, Mariyammanahalli,
Kadirampur, Sitaram Tanda, Bijapur, and
Kamalapur.
● This embroidery had also found a place in the list
of products with Geographic Indication (GI) tag
in the country.
● The Lambanis are also known as Banjaras and
most of them are found in Telangana, Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka states in South India.
Salimgarh Fort
● The Red Fort on one side and Salimgarh Fort on
the other, separated by a braid or spill channel
of the Yamuna — a scene from several 19th-
century paintings of the Mughal city of
Shahjahanabad — was recreated on13 July,
2023, albeit during a flood.
● The Salimgarh Fort was built by Salim Shah
Suri, son of Sher Shah Suri, in 1546 on a riverine
island.
● The Red Fort came up across what is now the
Ring Road, in 1648, on the west bank of a braid
of the Yamuna.
● The Salimgarh fort has a triangular plan, and
its thick walls are built in rubble masonry. It
has circular bastions.
● From the time it was built, the fort structure has
undergone several stages of repairs over the
centuries.
● An arch bridge links it with the Red Fort on the
northeastern side, which was constructed during
Bahadur Shah Zafar's reign, and hence the gate
is named as Bahadur Shah Gate.
● During British rule, a railway line was
constructed, after demolishing an old bridge,
which divided the Salimgarh Fort and chipped
part of the Red Fort, and which was then
considered an uncaring action. This railway line
has truncated the fort.
Namda Art
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● Union Minister of State for Skill Development
and Entrepreneurship and Electronics and IT,
flagged off the first batch of Namda Art products
for export to the United Kingdom (UK).
● The Namda craft of Kashmir is being
successfully revived under a Skill India’s Pilot
Project as part of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal
Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
● The project sets a great example of the public-
private partnership (PPP) model in the field of
skill development, as it is being implemented in
collaboration with local industry partners.
● Namda Art
○ It is said to have begun in the 16th century
when Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to get a
covering for his horses to protect them from the
cold.
○ It was introduced by a Sufi saint named Shah-e-
Hamdan to Kashmiris.
○ The Namda carpets are made by felting sheep
wool rather than by weaving.
○ Many layers of sheep wool are flattened over
each other using a tool called ‘pinjra’ and
pressed with application of water.
○ They are then embroidered with colored threads
by the Kashmiri Aari Embroidery technique.
○ Unique themes and floral patterns provide the
themes for these masterpieces and flowers and
leaves, buds and fruits are the essence of the
designs.
UNESCO’s Asia Pacific Cultural
Heritage award
● The heritage Byculla Railway station which has
been restored to its original glory, received the
UNESCO award recently.
● The award was declared in November last year.
● The 169-year-old Byculla railway station in
Mumbai is one of the oldest railway stations in
India still in use. It was commissioned in the year
1853.
● About UNESCO’s Asia Pacific Cultural
Heritage Award
○ The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural
Heritage Conservation is supported by a
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partnership between UNESCO and Ng Teng
Fong Charitable Foundation since 2021.
○ Since 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards
for Cultural Heritage Conservation programme
has been recognizing the efforts of private
individuals and organizations in restoring,
conserving, and transforming structures and
buildings of heritage value in the region.
○ By acknowledging private efforts to restore and
adapt historic properties, the Awards encourage
others to undertake conservation projects within
their own communities, either independently or
through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
● Side Note
○ The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu
Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) also won the highest
award of excellence in the UNESCO Asia Pacific
awards 2022, for cultural heritage conservation
last year.
World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF)
● Bengaluru has become the first Indian city to
become part of the World Cities Culture
Forum (WCCF).
● WCCF is a global network of cities that share
research and intelligence, and explore the role
of culture in future prosperity.
● The network currently has 40 cities spanning
six continents.
● Bengaluru being the latest addition is set to join
the league of cities like New York, London, Paris,
Tokyo and Dubai among others.
● The global consortium was founded in 2012 by
Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor
for Culture & the Creative Industries.
● World cities culture summit hosted on a rotating
basis by city partners, an unprecedented
gathering of city leaders sharing ideas and
knowledge about culture’s role in public policy in
a world city context.
UNMESHA AND UTKARSH Festivals
● The President of India recently inaugurated
‘Unmesha’ – International Literature Festival and
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‘Utkarsh’ – Festival of Folk and Tribal Performing
Arts at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
● Unmesha - International Literature Festival
○ It stands as India's most comprehensive and the
largest literature festival in Asia in terms of
language diversity.
○ 'Unmesha 2023' anticipates the involvement of
over 575 authors across 102 languages in more
than 75 events.
○ The festival will also host writers from 13
countries.
○ The upcoming edition of 'Unmesha' will mark its
second iteration, following the inaugural event in
Shimla in June 2022.
● Utkarsh - Festival of Folk and Tribal
Performing Arts
○ Utkarsh platform showcases and conserves
India's folk and tribal performing arts, offering a
splendid stage for cultural preservation and
captivating audiences.
○ Utkarsh celebrates cultural diversity, nurturing
appreciation for indigenous arts. It emphasizes
the significance of these art forms, asserting
their vital role in India's identity and cultural
preservation.
○ The festival serves as a launchpad for traditional
artists, enabling them to display their talents and
gain recognition. It opens doors to support and
opportunities in their artistic journeys.
○ Utkarsh honors India's cultural legacy by
acknowledging the invaluable contribution of folk
and tribal performing arts to the country's rich
artistic heritage
Shaligrams
● For more than 2,000 years, Hinduism, Buddhism
and the shamanic Himalayan religion of Bon
have venerated Shaligrams.
● Shaligram stones are viewed primarily as
manifestations of the Hindu god Vishnu.
● Now, Shaligrams are becoming rarer because
of climate change.
● Shaligrams are ancient fossils of ammonites, a
class of extinct sea creatures related to modern
squids.
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● It originates from a remote region in northern
Nepal, Kali Gandaki River Valley of Mustang.
● It is formed by landscape and believed to
possess intrinsic consciousness.
● Shaligrams are found in homes and temples and
treated as living gods and active community
members.
● Impact of Climate Change
○ Climate change, faster glacial melting, and
gravel mining in the Kali Gandaki are changing
the course of the river, which means fewer
Shaligrams are appearing each year.
○ This is mainly because the Kali Gandaki is fed
by meltwater from the Southern Tibetan Plateau.
○ But with the glacier disappearing, the river is
becoming smaller and shifting away from the
fossil beds that contain the ammonites needed
to become Shaligrams.
Arunachal Rang Mahotsav
● Recently, the Prime Minister of India has
expressed delight at the Arunachal Rang
Mahotsav, which is being celebrated in different
parts of the country in line with the principles of
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
● Arunachal Rang Mahotsav,’ is a four-day theater
festival held across various cities in India to bring
the lesser-known history of Arunachal Pradesh
to a wider audience.
● The festival celebrates Arunachal Pradesh’s
diverse cultural heritage.
● The Rang Mahotsav is being celebrated in Delhi,
Mumbai, Kolkata, and Guwahati.
Prime Ministers' Museum and Library
(PMML) Society
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● Recently,The Nehru Memorial Museum and
Library (NMML) has officially been renamed as
the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library
Society with effect from August 14.
● About PMML Society
○ Homage to Prime Ministers
■ This institution stands as a tribute to the memory
of all the Prime Ministers of India.
○ Autonomous Establishment
■ Functioning as an autonomous body under the
Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
■ This autonomous institution under the Ministry of
Culture was built in 1929-30.
○ Location- Situated in the premises of Teen
Murti, New Delhi.
○ Celebrating Democratic Traditions
■ By showcasing the roles and contributions of
each Indian Prime Minister in nation-building,
this museum underscores the democratic ethos
of independent India.
○ Research Focus
■ PMML is dedicated to fostering advanced
research pertaining to Modern and
Contemporary India.
○ Residence of Nehru
■ After the British Commander-in-Chief's
departure in August 1948, Teen Murti House
became the official residence of India's inaugural
Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. He resided
here for sixteen years until his passing on May
27, 1964.
○ Formal Presentation to the Nation
■ On November 14, 1964, in commemoration of
Jawaharlal Nehru's 75th birth anniversary, Dr.
Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, India's President,
officially dedicated Teen Murti House to the
131
nation. This event marked the inauguration of
the Nehru Memorial Museum.
○ Inception of PMML Society:
■ On April 1, 1966, the Indian Government
established the Prime Ministers Museum and
Library (PMML) Society, entrusted with
overseeing the institution's operations.
Persons in News
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
● The commencement of festivities
commemorating the 350th anniversary of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation took
place at the Raigad fort in Maharashtra.
● About Shivaji
○ Founder of Maratha Empire:
■ Established the Maratha Empire in western
India.
○ Birth and Background:
■ Born on February 19, 1630, to Shahaji Bhosle
and Jijabai in Shivneri fort near Junnar, Pune
district.
○ Strategic Brilliance:
■ Utilized his bravery and administrative skills to
create an enclave from the weakening Adilshahi
sultanate of Bijapur, laying the foundation of the
Maratha Empire.
○ Father of Indian Navy:
■ Recognized naval significance, established a
strategic navy and coastal forts for Konkan's
protection.
○ Secular Leadership:
■ Displayed secularism by welcoming various
religions; his army included numerous Muslim
soldiers.
○ Champion of Women's Rights:
■ Vigilantly safeguarded women's rights; imposed
strict penalties for violations under his rule.
○ Advisory Council:
■ Had a council of ministers (Asht Pradhan) for
state matters, though not bound by their counsel.
○ Guerrilla Warfare Expert:
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■ Renowned for guerrilla warfare tactics, earned
him the moniker 'Mountain Rat' due to his tactical
mastery and knowledge of the terrain.
○ Legacy of Valor:
■ Shivaji's legacy includes his bravery, strategic
brilliance, respect for diversity, and defense of
his land through tactical warfare.
○ Steps Taken in his Honour
■ The Indian Navy's INS Shivaji is named after
him.
■ The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly
known as Victoria Terminus in Mumbai is also
named after him.
■ Shri Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial
National Committee -Conceptualised &
pioneered in 1981 by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi.
● It is a non-profit Organisation that aims to
propagate the ideals of Shri Chatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj.
■ In 1895 Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the Shivaji
festival to stimulate nationalism among young
Maharashtrians by holding up the example of
Shivaji for emulation
Ram Prasad Bismil
● The commemoration of the birth anniversary of
Ram Prasad Bismil took place recently.
● About
○ Early Life and Influences:
■ Ram Prasad Bismil, born on June 11, 1897, in
Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was a prominent
figure in India's freedom struggle against British
colonial rule.
■ Bismil was deeply inspired by the writings and
philosophies of freedom fighters like Bal
Gangadhar Tilak and Swami Vivekananda.
■ He joined the Arya Samaj (1875) and was
influenced by its nationalist ideals.
○ Contribution to Revolutionary Activities:
■ He formed the organization Matrivedi with
Genda Lal Dixit, a schoolteacher.
■ Bismil founded the Hindustan Republican
Association (HRA) in 1924, along with other
like-minded revolutionaries.
■ He was involved in various activities against the
British, including acts of sabotage, robbing
132
government funds, and printing revolutionary
literature.
○ Kakori Train Robbery:
■ One of Bismil's most daring acts was the Kakori
Train Robbery in 1925, where HRA members
looted a train carrying British government funds.
○ Literary Contributions:
■ He published a pamphlet titled ‘Deshwasiyon ke
Naam’ and distributed it along with his poem
‘Mainpuri ki Pratigya’ in 1918.
■ He also wrote the cult song “Mera rang de
Basanti chola”.
○ Bismil, Lahiri, Khan and Thakur Roshan Singh
were awarded death sentences.
Alluri Sitarama Raju
● Recently, the President of India attended the
birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter
125th Alluri Sitarama Raju in Hyderabad.
● About Alluri Sitarama Raju
○ Raju is believed to have been born in present-
day Andhra Pradesh in 1897 or 1898.
○ He is said to have become a sanyasi at the age
of 18.
○ He gained a mystical aura among the hill and
tribal peoples with his austerity, knowledge of
astrology and medicine, and his ability to tame
wild animals.
○ He was inspired by the Non-Cooperation
Movement, and persuaded people to wear
khadi and give up drinking.
● Rampa Rebellion
○ Colonial rule threatened the tribals’ traditional
podu (shifting) cultivation, as the government
sought to secure forest lands.
○ The Forest Act of 1882 banned the collection of
minor forest produce such as roots and leaves,
and tribal people were forced into labor for the
colonial government.
○ Strong anti-government sentiment, shared by
the muttadars who were aggrieved by the
curtailment of their powers by the British,
exploded into armed resistance in August
1922.
○ Several hundred tribals led by Raju attacked
the Chintapalle, Krishnadevipeta and
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Rajavommangi police stations in the Godavari
agency.
○ The Rampa or Manyam Rebellion continued in
the form of a guerrilla war until May 1924,
when Raju, the charismatic ‘Manyam Veerudu’
or Hero of Jungle, was finally captured and
executed.
Swami Vivekananda
● July 4 marks the commemoration of the passing
of Swami Vivekananda, widely acknowledged as
one of the most eminent spiritual leaders.
● The great-born Indian Swami Vivekananda took
birth as Narendra Nath Datta, on January
12th, 1863.
● He was one of the monks and the chief
disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
● He introduced to the whole world the Indian
philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga and this is
credited with the interfaith raising awareness,
which is bringing the religion of Hinduism to the
world stage during the late 19th century.
● He preached ‘neo-Vedanta’, an interpretation
of Hinduism through a Western lens, and
believed in combining spirituality with material
progress.
● In 1897 he established Ramakrishna Mission
which was named after his Guru Swami
Ramakrishna Paramhansa. This particular
institution did extensive educational as well as
philanthropic work in India.
● In the country of India, he also represented the
first Parliament of Religion held in Chicago
which is in the US in 1893.
● Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had called
Vivekananda the “maker of modern India.”
● In 1893, he took the name ‘Vivekananda’ after
Maharaja Ajit Singh of the Khetri State
requested him to do so, changing from
‘Sachidananda’ that he used before.
● ‘Raja Yoga’, ‘Jnana Yoga’, ‘Karma Yoga’ are
some of the books he wrote.
Mihir Bhoj
133
● Recently, 35 local BJP leaders in Haryana’s
Kaithal offered to resign in protest after the 9th
century king Mihir Bhoj was referred to as ‘Gurjar
Pratihar Samrat Mihir Bhoj’ while his statue was
being unveiled by district party leaders.
● BJP leaders from the Rajput community were
unhappy that the king had not been called a
“Hindu Samrat”, which they said was a more apt
title.
● About Mihir Bhoj
○ Mihir Bhoj (c. 836-885 CE) was a successful and
ambitious ruler of the Gurjara Pratihara
dynasty of ninth century India.
○ At that time, the Gurjara-Pratiharas were ruling
over a vast empire, from Kashmir to Gujarat.
○ Mihir Bhoj successfully conquered areas of
Deccan and Malwa too.
○ During the ninth century, the major political
struggle was for control over Kannauj as it was
considered that whoever conquered Kannauj
would be emperor of the country.
○ Hence, the country witnessed a tripartite
struggle among three big powers of the times
—the Gurjara-Pratihara, the Rashtrakutas of
Deccan and the Palas of Bengal.
○ In that struggle, Mihir Bhoj was, by and large, the
most successful.
○ He conquered areas of Gujarat and Malwa from
the Gujarat-Rashtrakutas.
○ Similarly, the king launched a campaign towards
Bengal and conquered territories of Gorakhpur
from the Palas of Bengal too.
○ He was called King Baura by Arab traveler, Al-
Masudi.
○ He was a devotee of Vishnu, so in honor of
Vishnu, he had assumed titles like Varaha and
Prabhas.
○ The achievements of Mihir Bhoj have been
described in his Gwalior Prashasti inscription.
○ His son Mahendrapala I succeeded him (c.885
- 910 CE).
Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua
● During her address to the nation on the eve of
Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu
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paid tributes to women freedom fighters like
Matangini Hazra and Kanaklata Barua.
● About Matangini Hazra
○ She was born in a village named Hogla, near
Tamluk, in 1869.
○ Matangini was the daughter of a poor farmer
who could not afford to provide her a formal
education.
○ With no means to raise a decent dowry, she
found herself married at 12 to Trilochan Hazra, a
60-year-old man from Alinan village in
Medinipur.
○ By age 18, Matangini Hazra was widowed,
without any children.
○ Following her husband’s death, she began
devoting herself to social causes.
○ At the age of 61, she was arrested for taking part
in the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930 and
the Salt March led by Gandhi.
○ Her participation in the Civil Disobedience
Movement led to several short stints in prison.
○ It was during this time when she became an
active member of the Indian National Congress
and started spinning her own khadi in Gandhi’s
footsteps.
○ During the Quit India Movement (August
1942), her involvement in the freedom struggle
intensified.
○ In September, she led a procession of around
6,000 protesters, primarily women.
○ The objective was to take control of the Tamluk
police station from the British authorities.
○ In the clash between protesters and police, she
intervened to prevent violence.
○ Ignoring her pleas, British police shot her three
times. She fell and passed away while chanting
'Vande Mataram'.
● Kanaklata Barua
○ One of the youngest martyrs of the Quit India
Movement, Kanaklata Barua has an iconic
status in Assam.
○ Barua, then 17, led the Mrityu Bahini, a
procession of freedom fighters, to unfurl the
Tricolour at Gohpur police station on September
20, 1942.
134
○ When police did not let them move forward, an
altercation led to firing, killing Barua at the head
of the procession.
○ In 2020, the Coast Guard named a Fast Patrol
Vessel (FPV) after her, the ICGS Kanaklata
Barua.
Madan Lal Dhingra
● On Madan Lal Dhingra’s 114th death
anniversary, a massive memorial is being
inaugurated in Amritsar, where he hailed from.
● Early Life
○ Madan Lal Dhingra was born on 18 September ,
1883 in an affluent family of Amritsar.
○ His father, Dr Ditta Mal Dhingra, was the chief
medical officer of Amritsar and a staunch British
loyalist.
○ Madan Lal Dhingra was an Indian revolutionary
who was hanged to death on August 17, 1909,
at the age of only 24, for killing British official
Curzon Wyllie.
● Education and Patriotism
○ After schooling in Amritsar, Dhingra pursued a
Master's degree in Lahore.
○ Lahore's nationalist movement ignited his
patriotism.
● Social Justice and Concerns
○ Witnessing India's poverty, Dhingra's sense of
justice was innate.
○ His patriotism was driven by socio-economic
worries.
● College Protest and Expulsion
○ Expelled from Lahore college for protesting
British-imported cloth for blazers.
○ Refused to apologize, leading to his expulsion.
● Life After Expulsion
○ Engaged in odd jobs in places like Shimla and
Mumbai.
○ Convinced by family to study in London, enrolled
in University College for mechanical
engineering.
○ While studying in London, Dhingra came in
contact with Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and
Shyamji Krishna Varma, both active in
revolutionary circles in the city.
● Association with India House
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○ Varma founded India House, a hub of
revolutionary Indian nationalism.
○ Dhingra frequented India House, engaging in
meetings and discussions.
● Abhinav Bharat Mandal Involvement
○ Joined secretive Abhinav Bharat Mandal by
Vinayak Savarkar and Ganesh Savarkar.
○ Developed a plan to assassinate Curzon Willie
and acquired shooting skills.
● Family Disownment
○ Dhingra's activities led to his father disowning
him publicly.
● Target of Assassination
○ Curzon Willie was a British Indian officer,
political official, and intelligence officer.
○ Dhingra's plan to assassinate him materialized.
○ Dhingra was pronounced guilty and executed on
August 17, 1909 at the Pentoville prison in
London.
Places in News
Barents Sea
● Recently, a submerged volcano displaying an
eruption of mud and fluids originating from the
Earth's interior has been identified in the Barents
Sea.
● Barents Sea Overview:
○ Marginal sea connected to the Arctic Ocean.
○ Lies along the northern coastlines of Norway and
Russia.
● Geographical Borders:
○ Western borders adjacent to Norwegian and
Greenland Seas.
○ Northern border touches the Arctic Sea.
○ Eastern border meets the Kara Sea.
● Division by UNCLOS:
○ Divided between Russia and Norway through
the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea (UNCLOS).
● Historical References:
○ Known to Vikings and medieval Russians as the
Murmansk Sea.
○ Present name honors the Dutch navigator
Willem Barentsz.
135
● Island Landform Boundaries:
○ Bounded by island formations:
■ Svalbard archipelago in the northwest.
■ Franz Josef Land islands in the northeast.
■ Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the east.
■ Norwegian Sea and Greenland Sea in the west.
■ Kola Peninsula in the south.
○ Separated from Kara Sea by Kara Strait and
Novaya Zemlya archipelago.
● Deepest Point:
○ The Bear Island Trench contains the sea's
deepest point, reaching a depth of 600 meters.
Seychelles
● Following a hiatus of 27 years, the United States
has reinstated its Embassy in Seychelles,
indicating a revitalized commitment to mitigating
China's influence within the Indian Ocean
region.
● About Seychelles
○ Geographical Location: Seychelles is situated
in the Indian Ocean, about 1,600 kilometers (994
miles) off the coast of mainland East Africa.
○ Capital: The capital city is Victoria, located on
the main island of Mahé.
○ Island Diversity: The country comprises 115
islands, each with its unique landscapes, culture,
and attractions.
○ Tourism: Seychelles is renowned as a popular
tourist destination, offering opportunities for
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 136

beach vacations, water sports, diving, and eco- ■ Population: 47.9 million
tourism. ■ Languages: Arabic, English
○ Biodiversity: The islands are known for their ○ Land
rich biodiversity, including unique flora and ■ Sudan is bounded on the north by Egypt, on the
fauna. They are home to rare species like the east by the Red Sea, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, on
giant Aldabra tortoise. the south by South Sudan, on the west by the
○ Economy: Tourism, fishing, and offshore Central African Republic and Chad, and on the
financial services are the primary contributors to northwest by Libya.
the Seychellois economy. ○ Sudan is mainly composed of vast plains and
○ Culture: The culture of Seychelles is a blend of plateaus that are drained by the Nile River and
various influences, including African, European,
and Asian, creating a unique Creole culture.
○ Environmental Conservation: Seychelles is
committed to preserving its natural environment
and marine life, with a strong focus on
sustainable practices and marine protected
areas.
○ International Relations: The country's strategic
location in the Indian Ocean has led to
partnerships with various nations, including
recent attention from the United States to
counteract regional influences.

Sudan its tributaries.

● The fighting between the Sudanese Armed
Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Vietnam
Forces has severely impacted Sudan’s economy ● India announced the gifting of the indigenously-
and led to shortages of essential resources. built missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam.
● The clashes have resulted in numerous ● This gesture strengthens the Comprehensive
casualties, and the conflict has now spread to Strategic Partnership between India and
the troubled region of Darfur. Vietnam and reinforces defence cooperation as
● About Sudan a key pillar of their relationship.
○ It was the largest and one of the most ● About Vietnam
geographically diverse states in Africa, until its ○ Location: Southeast Asia
split into two countries in 2011 after southern ○ Capital: Hanoi
Sudan voted for independence. ○ Population: Approximately 97 million
○ This followed decades of struggle by the mainly ○ Official Language: Vietnamese
Christian and Animist south against rule by the ○ Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Arab Muslim north.
○ Modern Sudan has long been beset by conflict
and instability since independence, with two
lengthy north-south civil wars and a protracted
war in the western region of Darfur.
○ Key Facts
■ Capital: Khartoum
■ Area: 1,886,068 sq km

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 137

○ Government: Socialist Republic abroad. Tourism is also an important source of

income.
○ Population: It has a population of 100,000
inhabitants (in 2016). Almost two-thirds of
Tonga's population live on the main island of
Tongatapu, where also the capital city
Nuku'alofa is located.

Oman’s Duqm Port

● NSA visits Oman’s Duqm port where the Indian
Navy has strategic access to facilitate its
○ President: Nguyễn Xuân Phúc
presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
○ Prime Minister: Phạm Minh Chính
○ Geography:It borders the Gulf of Tonkin, the
Gulf of Thailand, and the Pacific Ocean, along
with China, Laos, and Cambodia.
○ Economy: Emerging market, export-oriented
economy
○ Major Industries: Manufacturing, agriculture,
tourism
○ Historical Significance: French colonization,
Vietnam War, reunification
○ UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Halong Bay,
Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary. ● The Port of Duqm is strategically important for
India’s maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean.
Tonga ● It offers India access to the Gulf of Oman, the
● An earthquake of magnitude 7.2 struck near Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian
Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean recently, Sea.
according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). ● This location is significant as it allows India to
● About Tonga counter China’s expanding presence in the
○ Location: Tonga is situated in the southern part region.
of the Pacific Ocean. Tonga has no direct Orkney Islands
neighbours. Nearby countries include Fiji to the
west, the Cook Islands to the east and Samoa
north. It consists of more than 170 islands, some
of which are inhabited.
○ Capital: The capital and largest city of Tonga is
Nuku'alofa, located on the main island of
Tongatapu.
○ Monarchy: Tonga is a constitutional monarchy,
and it is the only remaining monarchy in the
Pacific. The King of Tonga is the head of state.
○ Economy: The economy of Tonga is largely
dependent on agriculture, fishing, and
remittances from Tongan expatriates living

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● The iconic Orkney Islands are exploring options ● The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most
to separate from the U.K. and potentially important oil chokepoint because of the large
establish themselves as a self-governing
territory under Norway.
● The Orkney Islands comprise an archipelago of
70 individual islands, out of which only 20 are
inhabited.
● Positioned approximately 10 miles off the north
coast of Scotland, the islands have been
inhabited since prehistoric times.
● The Orkney Islands boast numerous
archaeological sites, including Neolithic stone
circles and chambered tombs like Maeshowe.
● Among the most significant Neolithic sites in volumes of oil that flow through the strait.
Western Europe, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney
includes four monuments: Ring of Brodgar, Takeshima (Dokodo) Island
Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, and Skara ● Recently, Japan expressed its protest to South
Brae. Korea regarding the military drills conducted on
● The Heart of Neolithic Orkney is designated as a the disputed Takeshima islands.
UNESCO World Heritage site. ● Takeshima is located in the south-western part
of the Sea of Japan and approximately 211 km
Strait of Hormuz away from Honshu Island, which is one of the
● Recently, there was an attempt by Iran to seize
two oil tankers in the strategically important
Strait of Hormuz.
● The Strait of Hormuz is located in the Middle
East, where it connects the Persian Gulf to the
Gulf of Oman.
● This strait is quite short in length, but it is around
33 kilometers, in width at its most narrow
location.
● Its widest location is around fifty-five miles or
around eighty-eight kilometers.
● There are a few islands that lie within the Strait
of Hormuz. They are called Hengam, Hormuz,
and Qeshm.
● Major countries that surround the Strait of
Hormuz are Iran, United Arab Emirates, and
four main islands that make up Japan.
Oman.
● Takeshima is a group of islands, including the
● These countries are also the ones that control
two main islands, Mejima (Higashijima) Island
and govern this strait.
and Ojima (Nishijima) Island and numerous
● One of the biggest cities that is located near this
small islands.
strait is Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
● The combined land mass of these islands is 0.20
km2.

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 139

● It has also been known as the Liancourt Rocks, ○ It features a system of locks to raise and lower
named by French whalers after their ship in ships to different water levels.
1849. ○ This engineering marvel allows ships to cross
● It is called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima the Isthmus of Panama efficiently.
in Japan. ○ It significantly reduces transit times and costs for
Solomon Islands vessels traveling between the Atlantic and
● Recently, the leader of Solomon Islands hit back Pacific regions.
at criticism of his nation's deepening security ties ○ The Panama Canal remains a vital strategic and
with China, saying the United States and economic asset.
Australia had nothing to fear.
● About Solomon Island Kuril Islands
○ Solomon Islands is a sovereign country ● Tokyo and Moscow have been locked in a
consisting of six major islands and over 900 dispute over the Kuril Islands for decades.
smaller islands in Oceania, to the east of Papua ● The Ukraine war has given some Japanese
New Guinea and northwest of Vanuatu. hope that they can be wrestled out of Russia's
○ Its capital, Honiara, is located on the largest control.
island, Guadalcanal.
○ The country takes its name from the Solomon
Islands archipelago, which is a collection of
Melanesian islands that also includes the North
Solomon Islands (a part of Papua New Guinea).
○ It excludes outlying islands, such as the Santa
Cruz Islands and Rennell and Bellona.
○ More than 90% of the islanders are ethnic
Melanesians.
○ Once a British protectorate, the Solomon Islands
achieved independence as a republic in 1978.
● About Kuril Islands
○ English is the official language, but Pijin is the
○ Location
common language for the majority of people.
■ The Kuril Islands, also known as the Kurile
Panama Canal Islands, are a volcanic archipelago stretching
● Panama Canal recently limited average approximately 1,300 kilometers (810 miles)
crossings to 32 ships a day as a prolonged across the Pacific Ocean.
drought continues. ■ They are situated in the northern Pacific,
● About Panama Canal between Japan's Hokkaido and Russia's
○ The Panama Canal is an artificial waterway in Kamchatka Peninsula.
Panama.
○ It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific
Ocean.
○ It is approximately 80KM long.
○ The canal was built by the United States
between 1904 and 1914, and it was officially
opened on August 15, 1914.
○ It is owned and administered by the Republic
of Panama since the oversight of the Canal was
transferred from the United States to Panama in
1999.

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○ Formation
■ The Kuril Islands are of volcanic origin, formed
due to the subduction of the Pacific Plate under
the North American Plate.
■ This geologic process has led to the formation of
numerous volcanic islands and active volcanoes
across the archipelago.
○ Ownership and Dispute
■ The Kuril Islands have been a subject of
territorial dispute between Russia and Japan
since the end of World War II.
■ Russia currently administers the islands, but
Japan claims sovereignty over the southernmost
four islands, known as the Northern Territories in
Japan.
○ Nearest Countries
■ To the south of the Kuril Islands lies Japan's
Hokkaido Island.
■ To the north and west, across the Sea of eastern half of the island of New Guinea, as well
Okhotsk, is the Kamchatka Peninsula in as numerous smaller islands.
Russia's Far East. ○ It shares a border with Indonesia to the west,
○ Population Australia to the south and Solomon Islands to
■ The islands' population is mainly concentrated in the southeast.
the southernmost islands, which are under ○ The capital city of Papua New Guinea is Port
Russian administration. Moresby.
■ The population is predominantly Russian, with ○ Population
some indigenous Ainu people and other ■ Papua New Guinea had a population of around
minorities. 9 million people, making it one of the most
○ Economy populous countries in the Pacific region.
■ The economy of the Kuril Islands is primarily ○ Languages
based on fishing, marine resources, and limited ■ Papua New Guinea is linguistically diverse, with
agriculture.

Papua New Guinea

● Recently, two Indian naval warships, INS
Sahyadri and INS Kolkata, from the Eastern
Naval Command, made a port call at Port
Moresby in Papua New Guinea.
● This visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen
maritime partnership and cooperation in the
Pacific region of the Indo-Pacific.
● About
○ Papua New Guinea is a country located in the over 800 languages spoken across the country.
southwestern Pacific Ocean, occupying the English is the official language, but Tok Pisin,

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Hiri Motu, and other indigenous languages are
also widely used.
○ Geography
■ The country's terrain is mountainous and
covered in dense rainforests. Papua New
Guinea is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire,
making it prone to earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, and tsunamis.
○ Economy
■ The economy of Papua New Guinea is primarily
based on agriculture, mining, and natural
resources. Important industries include coffee,
cocoa, palm oil, and mineral extraction (gold,
copper, and natural gas).
○ Cultural Diversity
■ Papua New Guinea is known for its rich cultural
heritage, with numerous indigenous tribes and
unique cultural practices.
○ Governance
■ Papua New Guinea is a parliamentary
democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The
Queen of England is the head of state,
represented by the Governor-General, while the
Prime Minister is the head of government.
Niger
● Recently, Niger’s military staged a coup, ousting
President Mohamed Bazoum.
● The head of Niger’s presidential guard,
Abdourahmane Tchiani proclaimed himself as
the head of the transitional government.
● The constitution is dismissed, all institutions
suspended, and the national borders closed.
● About Niger
○ Niger is a landlocked country located in West
Africa, bordered by several countries including
Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina
Faso, and Mali.
○ It was colonized by the French in the late 19th
century and gained independence in 1960.
○ Geography
■ The country's landscape includes vast stretches
of desert, notably part of the Sahara Desert in
the north.
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■ The Niger River flows through the southwestern
part of the country, providing a vital water
source.
○ Economy
■ Niger's economy is primarily based on
agriculture, with subsistence farming being a
significant activity.
■ The country also has reserves of uranium, which
is an important export.
○ International Organizations
■ Niger is a member of international organizations
like the United Nations, African Union, and
Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS).
○ Culture
■ Niger is home to diverse ethnic groups, including
the Hausa, Tuareg, Fulani, and Zarma.
■ Each group has its own unique cultural
practices, languages, and traditions.
○ Religion
■ Islam is the predominant religion in Niger, with
the majority of the population adhering to the
Sunni branch.
○ Official Language
■ The official language of Niger is French,
inherited from its colonial history.
Katchatheevu
● Recently, the Prime Minister in his speech in the
Parliament during the No Confidence debate on
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August 10, mentioned the island of ○ Statehood: Hawaii is the 50th and most recent
Katchatheevu. state to join the United States, having achieved
● In 1974, Indira Gandhi made attempts to settle statehood on August 21, 1959.
the maritime border between India and Sri ○ Culture: The state has a rich cultural heritage
Lanka, once and for all. influenced by native Hawaiian traditions,
● As a part of this settlement, known as the ‘Indo- Polynesian culture, and the contributions of
Sri Lankan Maritime agreement’, Indira Gandhi various immigrant groups, including Asian and
‘ceded’ Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. European influences.
● Katchatheevu is a 285-acre uninhabited speck in ○ Tourism: Hawaii is a major tourist destination
the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka. known for its stunning natural beauty, beaches,
● It is no more than 1.6 km in length and slightly volcanoes, and diverse marine life. Tourism
over 300 m wide at its broadest point. plays a crucial role in the state's economy.
● It lies northeast of Rameswaram, about 33 km ○ Climate: Hawaii has a tropical climate, with
from the Indian coast. It is about 62 km warm temperatures throughout the year. It
southwest of Jaffna. experiences a wetter season (winter) and a drier
● Katchatheevu is not suited for permanent season (summer).
settlement as there is no source of drinking ○ Pearl Harbor: Hawaii's Pearl Harbor was the
water on the island. site of the infamous Japanese attack on
● The only structure on the island is an early 20th December 7, 1941, which led to the United
century Catholic shrine – St Anthony’s church. States' entry into World War II.
● During an annual festival, Christian priests from
both India and Sri Lanka conduct the service,
with devotees from both India and Sri Lanka
Awards
making the pilgrimage.
National Startup Awards 2023
Hawaii ● The Department for Promotion of Industry and
● Large-scale wildfires have been sweeping the
US state of Hawaii since August 9, with the
death toll reaching 55 as of 11 August.
● The ongoing fires have particularly affected Maui
island (located 167 km from the capital city of
Honolulu) with significant damage to the town of
Lahaina, known as a site of historical and
cultural importance.
● About Hawaii
○ Location: Hawaii is an isolated volcanic
archipelago located in the central Pacific Ocean,
approximately 2,400 miles southwest of
California.
○ Islands: It consists of eight main islands: Hawaii
(also known as the Big Island), Maui, Oahu,
Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recently announced
○ Volcanic Origin: The Hawaiian Islands are an extension of the application submission
primarily volcanic in origin, with active volcanoes deadline for the National Startup Awards 2023
such as Kilauea and Mauna Loa on the Big until June 15, 2023.
Island. ● About the Award

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○ The National Startup Awards 2023 will ○ The Michel Batisse award is given by the United
emphasize the celebration of innovation across Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
the nation, aligning with the Vision India @2047 Organization (UNESCO).
initiative.
○ The DPIIT has called for applications in 20 Gita Press awarded Gandhi Peace
diverse categories, encompassing areas such
Prize for 2021
as aerospace, retail, and emerging
● Gita Press, Gorakhpur, a renowned publisher of
technologies.
religious literature, has been honored with the
○ The primary goal is to acknowledge and reward
Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2021.
exceptional startups and enablers within the
● The accolade acknowledges the publishing
ecosystem that are creating innovative products
company's notable role in driving social,
with a tangible social impact.
economic, and political change through
○ Each category's winning startup will be awarded
nonviolent and Gandhian approaches.
a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
● Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021
○ Furthermore, winners and finalists will benefit
○ The yearly honor was established by the Indian
from exclusive government support, including
government in 1995 on the occasion of Mahatma
avenues for investor and government
Gandhi's 125th birth anniversary.
connections, mentorship, access to international
○ It recognizes individuals engaged in nonviolent
markets, and links to corporate and unicorn
approaches for driving social, economic, and
enterprises.
political change.
○ Initiated in 2020, the National Startup Awards
○ The Gandhi Peace Prize includes a monetary
program seeks to elevate and promote the
award of Rs. 1 crore along with a Citation, a
burgeoning startup landscape in the country.
plaque, and a finely crafted traditional handicraft
or handloom item.
UNESCO Michel Batisse Award 2023 ○ The prize is open for presentation to individuals,
● Jagdish Bakan, Wildlife Warden and District groups, institutions, or organizations.
Forest Officer (DFO) of Ramanathapuram ○ The award's selection committee is headed by
district, has won the 2023 Michel Batisse Award. the Prime Minister and comprises members
● He won this award for Biosphere Reserve such as the Chief Justice of India, the leader of
Management from the United Nations the largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha,
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and the founder
(Unesco). of Sulabh International.
● Mr. Bakan has been chosen for the award for his
work in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
Sahitya Akademi Awards
● About the Michel Batisse Award
● The Ministry of Culture at the Union level has
○ The Michel Batisse award is given for
indicated its intention to modify the nomination
outstanding achievements in the management
process for the esteemed Sahitya Akademi
of the biosphere reserves in line with the
Award.
recommendations of the Seville Strategy.
● Open nomination process, where any writer can
○ The Seville Strategy states that the biosphere
nominate himself or herself and also recommend
reserves should preserve and generate natural
other candidates for the awards.
and cultural values through scientific
● About the Award
management that is culturally creative and
○ Established in 1954
operationally sustainable.

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○ It is a literary honor that is conferred annually
by Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy
of letters.
○ Akademi gives 24 awards annually to literary
works in the languages it has recognized and an
equal number of awards to literary translations
from and into the languages of India.
○ Besides the 22 languages enumerated in the
Constitution of India, the Sahitya Akademi has
recognised English and Rajasthani as
languages in which its programme may be
implemented.
○ The selection process:
■ For the main award/ Bhasha Samman
conducted through a rigorous and confidential
process overseen by experts – the body
comprises one writer chosen from each of the 24
regional languages.
■ Each member suggests 200 names, following
which an expert committee finalises 50 in phase
one → 5 in the next phase and finally, one of the
five is shortlisted.
○ The award comprises a plaque and a cash
prize of ₹ 1,00,000.
○ The award's purpose is to recognise and
promote excellence in Indian writing and also
acknowledge new trends.
○ The plaque awarded by the Sahitya Akademi
was designed by the Indian film-maker Satyajit
Ray.
4th National Water Awards
● The Vice President of India conferred the fourth
National Water Awards in New Delhi on 17th
June 2023.
● About National Water Awards
○ The Department of Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
introduced the first edition of the National Water
Awards in 2018.
○ These awards have provided an excellent
platform for both startups and established
organizations to engage with senior
policymakers and discuss the adoption of best
water resource management practices in India.
○ The primary aim of these awards is to
acknowledge and motivate outstanding efforts
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made by States, Districts, individuals,
organizations, and more throughout the country
in achieving the vision of a 'Jal Samriddh Bharat'
(Water-Abundant India).
○ The awards encompass 11 categories, including
'Best State,' 'Best District,' 'Best Village
Panchayat,' 'Best Urban Local Body,' and
others.
○ Winners in various categories will receive a
citation, trophy, and a monetary award.
○ The cash prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
winners are Rs. 2 lakhs, Rs. 1.5 lakhs, and Rs.
1 lakh, respectively.
○ The Ministry of Jal Shakti serves as the nodal
ministry for these awards.
PEN Pinter Prize
● British children’s writer and performance poet
Michael Rosen, 77, has been awarded the
prestigious PEN Pinter Prize 2023, given to a
writer from the UK, Ireland and the
Commonwealth whose work is committed to a
fearless exposition of truth about contemporary
life.
● He is one of our most significant contemporary
poets writing for young people.
● In over 140 books, he has championed a way of
writing for children which reflects their everyday
worlds, using humor and wordplay to validate
their imaginative ways of thinking.
● The PEN Pinter Prize
○ The PEN Pinter Prize was established in 2009
by English PEN, the founding center of a global
literary network that promotes literature and
human rights.
○ The prize was named after Harold Pinter, who
was a vice president of English PEN and an
active member of the International PEN Writers
in Prison Committee (WiPC).
○ The prize aims to recognise writers who use their
words to defend the dignity and rights of others.
The Prize is awarded annually.
○ Previous winners of the PEN Pinter Prize include
Hanif Kureishi (2010), Salman Rushdie (2014),
Lemn Sissay (2019). Writer Malorie Blackman
won it last year.
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The Grand Cross of the Legion of
Honour
● French President Emmanuel Macron on July 13
conferred his country’s highest honor, the Grand
Cross of the Legion of Honour, upon Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
● The National Order of the Legion of Honour, or
simply The Legion of Honour is the highest
French decoration, both civil and military, and is
one of the most famous national honors in the
world.
● The Order was established by Napoleon
Bonaparte in 1802, and has been presented for
more than the past two centuries on behalf of the
French Head of State to its most deserving
citizens in all fields of activity.
● The motto of the Order is Honneur et Patrie,
French for Honour and Fatherland.
● According to the official website of the Legion of
Honour, 2,200 French and 300 foreigners are
decorated every year, and the Order currently
has 79,000 members.
● There is no material or financial benefit attached
to the award. The Legion of Honour cannot be
applied for; the government identifies the
potential honourees.
National Geoscience Awards-2022
● Recently, the President of India presented the
National Geoscience Awards-2022 at a
ceremony in New Delhi.
● The Award is instituted by the Ministry of
Mines with the aim to honor individuals and
teams for achievements and contributions in
various fields of geosciences.
● Twenty-two geoscientists, including two women,
were awarded.
● They were awarded under three categories-
○ National Geo-Science Award for Lifetime
Achievement
○ National Young Geoscientist Award
○ National Geo-Science Awards in different fields
of Geo-Science.
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Lokmanya Tilak National Award
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on 1 August
conferred the Lokmanya Tilak National Award.
● He is the 41st recipient of the award.
● The Lokmanya Tilak National Award is conferred
on people to honor the legacy of Indian
independence activist, Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
● The award was constituted by Tilak Smarak
Mandir Trust in 1983.
● It is given to people who have worked for the
progress and development of the nation and
whose contribution can only be looked upon as
remarkable and extraordinary.
● The award is presented every year on August
1, which is the death anniversary of Bal
Gangadhar Tilak, also known as Lokmanya
Tilak.
● Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a passionate advocate
for Indian self-rule (Swarajya) and played a
crucial role in mobilizing the masses.
Kirti Chakras and Shaurya Chakras
● On the eve of India's 77th Independence Day,
President Droupadi Murmu has approved 76
gallantry awards for members of the armed
forces and Central Armed Police Forces
personnel.
● Among these, the Kirti Chakra, the second-
highest peacetime gallantry award, will be
presented to four Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF) members who lost their lives during an
anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh in April
2021.
● Additionally, eleven individuals will receive the
Shaurya Chakra, the third-highest peacetime
gallantry award, including personnel from the
Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF.
● Five of these awardees will be posthumously
honoured.
● The approved awards consist of 54 Sena Medals
(Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry),
and four Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
● The President has also granted 30 Mention-in-
Despatches to the Army and one to an Air Force
personnel, acknowledging their significant
contributions in various military operations.
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Udyog Ratna Award
● Recently, The first-ever 'Udyog Ratna' award
instituted by the Maharashtra government was
conferred on veteran industrialist Ratan Tata.
● The honour comprised a shawl, a citation and a
memento from the Maharashtra Industrial
Development Corporation (MIDC).
● About the Maharashtra Udyog Ratna Award
○ The ‘Udyog Ratna’ award is a state-level award
given to individuals who have made outstanding
contributions to the industrial sector of
Maharashtra.
○ Ratan Tata is being awarded the award for his
contributions to the growth and development of
the Tata Group, which is one of the largest
conglomerates in India.
Sports
French Open
● During the recently concluded French Open
2023, Novak Djokovic made history as he
became the first man to achieve a remarkable 23
grand slam titles.
● The triumphant participants of the French
Open 2023 were as follows:
○ Men’s singles: Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
○ Women’s singles: Iga Swiatek (Poland)
● About French Open
○ The French Open stands as a significant tennis
tournament, constituting one of the renowned
four Grand Slam events in the sport.
○ Recognized also as Roland-Garros, it pays
homage to the French aviator Roland Garros, a
pioneer and fighter pilot in aviation.
○ This prestigious event spans a duration of two
weeks, commencing in late May annually.
○ It is hosted at the Stade Roland Garros in the
heart of Paris, France.
○ Renowned as the paramount clay court
championship worldwide, the French Open has
evolved remarkably over time.
○ Notably, prior to 1924-1925, it wasn't
acknowledged as a Grand Slam.
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● Grand Slam Tournaments
○ Australian Open: Held in Melbourne, Australia,
usually in January. It marks the beginning of the
tennis calendar year.
○ French Open (Roland-Garros): Hosted in
Paris, France, typically in late May and early
June. It is renowned for being played on clay
courts.
○ Wimbledon: Held in London, United Kingdom,
in June and July. It is the only Grand Slam
played on grass courts.
○ US Open: Hosted in New York City, USA, from
late August to early September. It concludes the
Grand Slam calendar for the year.
International Biology Olympiad (IBO)
● India topped the medals tally at the 34th
International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2023, held
in Al Ain, UAE, from July 3 to 11, by securing
four gold medals.
● For the first time, India has turned in an all-gold
performance and topped the medals tally in IBO.
● The student’s team this year was Dhruv Advani
(Gold) from Bengaluru, Karnataka, Ishan
Pednekar (Gold) from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra,
Megh Chhabda (Gold) from Jalna, Maharashtra,
Rohit Panda (Gold) from Risali, Chhattisgarh.
● IBO
○ It is a biological Olympiad for pre-university
students under the age 20, and is one of the
most well-known International Science
Olympiads.
○ The first IBO was held in Czechoslovakia in
1990, and it has since been held annually.
○ India organized this Olympiad in 2008.
Durand Cup
● Recently, the 132nd edition of the Durand Cup
was inaugurated in Kokrajhar by the Ministry of
Defence.
● Historic Football Tournament: Asia's oldest
and world's third oldest; features prominent
Indian football clubs.
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● Inaugural Edition: Commenced in Shimla in
1888, initially as an Army Cup exclusive to
British Indian Army troops.
● Founder Tribute: Named after founder Sir
Henry Mortimer Durand.
● Origins and Participants: Started for armed
forces departments, regiments, and princely
states.
● Post-Independence: Indian Armed Forces' club
participation continues, preserving the army's
presence.
● Unique Trophies: Winner secures three
trophies: Durand Cup (original prize), Shimla
Trophy (from 1904), President's Cup (since
1956, permanent)
Books and Authors
“Master Residential Real Estate”
 Ashwinder R Singh is a well-known real estate
expert in India, and his new book, Master
Residential Real Estate, is a comprehensive
guide to the industry.
 The book covers a wide range of topics, from
finding the right property to financing a home
purchase.
 Singh also provides valuable insights into the
current state of the real estate market and offers
advice on how to make the most of your
investment.
A Life Well Spent - Four Decades in the
Indian Foreign Service
 Ambassador Satish Chandra, an Indian
diplomat, has penned a book titled ‘A Life Well
Spent – Four Decades in the Indian Foreign
Service,’ chronicling his extensive career in the
Indian Foreign Service (IFS) from 1965 to
2005.
 The book delves into his journey from being an
IFS probationer to assuming the role of Deputy
National Security Advisor, providing valuable
perspectives on Indian diplomacy and tracing
the development of the National Security
Council (NSC) framework.
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 This insightful work offers readers a deeper
understanding of Ambassador Satish
Chandra’s experiences and the evolution of
Indian foreign policy.
India’s Finance Ministers
 Veteran Journalist Ashok Kumar Bhattacharya
(AK Bhattacharya) has authored a new book
titled “India’s Finance Ministers: From
Independence to Emergency (1947-1977)” which
highlights the role of India’s finance ministers who
shaped India’s economy in the first 30 years(from
1947 to 1977) after Independence.
The Yoga Sutra for Children
 After her award-winning bestselling book
 ‘The Gita for Children’, author Roopa
Pai’s upcoming children’s book will unravel the
secrets of Patanjali’s 2,000-year-old text on Yoga.
 Aims to connect and relate the practice of Yoga to
children’s everyday lives and helps them use their
mind power to bring out the best in themselves.
Maya, Modi, Azad: Dalit Politics in the
Time of Hindutva
 Sudha Pai and Sajjan Kumar have authored a book
called “Maya, Modi, Azad: Dalit Politics in the
Time of Hindutva.”
 In this book, they provide a perceptive and thought-
provoking examination of the interplay between
Maya, Modi, and Azad in the realm of Dalit politics.
 Their analysis holds great importance in
comprehending not only the dynamics of Dalit
politics but also the broader democratic landscape
of India, especially as we approach the highly
contentious general election of 2024.
Vajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu Right
1924-1977
 The early years of late Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee are captured in a new
biography, Vajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu
Right 1924-77, by Abhishek Choudhary.
 This first volume lays out 53 years of Vajpayee’s life,
spanning from 1924 to 1977.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

‘Prism: The Ancestral Abode of Rainbow’
 National award-winning filmmaker-writer Vinod
Mankara’s new book was released from the rocket
launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)
in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
 The unique launch of ‘Prism: The Ancestral Abode
of Rainbow’, a collection of science articles, was
held at the SDSC-SHAR, as preparations were going
on full swing there for the country’s much-awaited
Moon mission Chandrayaan-3.
“India Rising Memoir of a Scientist”
 A book titled “India Rising Memoir of a
Scientist” authored by R. Chidambaram and
Suresh Gangotra.
 The book looks at the life of one of India’s foremost
scientists, Dr R. Chidambaram, who served as
principal scientific advisor (PSA) to the
Government of India and as chairman of the
Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet
(SAC-C) from November 2001 to March 2018.
 As one of India’s most distinguished experimental
physicists, Dr Chidambaram has made
outstanding contributions to many aspects of basic
science and nuclear technology.
“Through the Broken Glass: An
Autobiography”
 ‘Through The Broken Glass: An
Autobiography” authored by T.N. Seshan, the
former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of
India, who made a significant difference to Indian
elections.
 This autobiography also covers his term as the CEC
from 1990 to 1995 with a page count of 368.
 It has been published 4 years after he passed away
in 2019.
The Malayalam translation of Krishna –
the 7th Sense
 Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan released
the Malayalam translation of Krishna – the 7th
Sense by Debashis Chatterjee, Director IIM-
Kozhikode.
 He also unveiled the latest edition of Mr.
Chatterjee’s work Karma Sutras, Leadership and
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Wisdom in Uncertain Times, the lead book of the IIM-
Penguin Series for New Managers.
 Krishna – the 7th Sense’ is the accolade-winning
debut novel of this noted academic, globally
acclaimed management guru, who already has 18
books to his credit in the non-fiction category.
As the wheel turns
 On the occasion of Rayala Corporation’s Diamond
Jubilee, the Managing Director of Rayala
Corporation, Ranjit Pratap has released an
insightful book that offers a captivating account of his
remarkable journey in the world of business.
 Titled “As the wheel turns,” this compelling
narrative hopes to motivate readers by sharing Ranjit
Pratap’s personal experiences, hardships, and
triumphs.
 This book was released in the presence of M.
Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice President of India, a
galaxy of prominent Industrialists, officials and
friends from Rayala Corporation, including several
retired company personnel.
‘
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Memories Never
Die’ book in Rameshwaram
 Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation,
Shri Amit Shah released the ‘Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam:
Memories Never Die’ book in Rameshwaram.
 The Union Home Minister visited Dr. APJ Abdul
Kalam House, Mission of Life Gallery Museum and
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial.
 This book is an English translation of the Tamil
book ‘Ninaivugalukku Maranamillai’.
 Written by two people closest to A.P.J. Abdul
Kalam, his niece Dr. Nazema Maraikayar and the
distinguished ISRO scientist Dr. Y.S. Rajan
Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo’s
debut novel on Booker Prize longlist
 London-based Indian-origin author Chetna
Maroo’s debut novel ‘Western Lane’ is among 13
books to make the cut for the 2023 Booker Prize
longlist revealed.
 Kenya-born Maroo’s novel, set within the context
of the British Gujarati milieu, has been praised by the
Booker judges for its use of the sport of squash as
a metaphor for complex human emotions.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

 It revolves around the story of an 11-year-old girl
named Gopi and her bonds with her family.
Kargil: Ek Yatri Ki Jubani
 Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of
Defence (MoD), released the book and illustrations
titled “Kargil: Ek Yatri Ki Jubani” (Hindi Edition)
authored by Rishi Raj at the Constitution Club of
India, New Delhi, Delhi.
 The book which pays tribute to the Martyrs of Kargil
War was published by Prabhat Prakashan.
How Prime Ministers Decide
 A new book, titled How Prime Ministers Decide, by
veteran journalist Neerja Chowdhury recalls the
drama that led to Sonia’s announcement, prompted
by Rahul’s “fear for his mother’s life”.
‘Monsoon’
 Indian poet diplomat Abhay Kumar (Abhay
K), Deputy Director General of Indian Council of
Cultural Relations (ICCR), launched his new book
titled “Monsoon: A Poem of Love and Longing”, a
booklength poem running across 150 fourline
stanzas, at Kathika Culture Centre in Old Delhi,
Delhi.
 The book is a poem that follows the monsoon which
originates from Madagascar and travels to the
Srinagar in the Himalayas and back to
Madagascar.
Miscellaneous
World Energy Investment Report 2023
● Recently, the World Energy Investment Report
2023 was published by the International Energy
Agency.
● Key Highlights
○ Investments in clean energy have surpassed
investments in fossil fuels by 70%; Transition
driven by Electric Vehicles (EVs) and
renewable power; $1.7 allocated to clean energy
for every $1 spent on fossil fuels.
○ Over 90% of the surge in clean energy
investment since 2021 is in advanced
economies and China; India shows strong
investment in solar energy.
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○ Challenges in transitioning towards clean
energy- Hurdles include higher interest rates,
ambiguous policy frameworks, market designs,
financially constrained utilities, and high cost of
capital.
● About International Energy Agency
○ It is an autonomous intergovernmental
organization.
○ Established in the framework of the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) in 1974 in the wake of
the 1973 oil crisis.
○ It mainly focuses on its energy policies which
include economic development, energy
security and environmental protection.
○ IEA member countries are required to maintain
total oil stock levels equivalent to at least 90
days of the previous year's net imports.
○ Membership- Only OECD member states can
become members of the IEA (31 Member)
○ India became an Associate member of IEA in
March 2017
○ Headquarter- Paris
○ Publication- World Energy Outlook (Annual).
Exercise Ekatha
● For the sixth iteration of Exercise Ekatha, Indian
Navy divers and Marine Commandos have been
deployed to the Maldives.
● It is an annual exercise conducted between the
navies of India and Maldives.
● Its objective is to enhance interoperability in
diving and special operations.
National Institutional Ranking
Framework (NIRF) 2023
● Recently, the Minister of State for Education
unveiled the National Institutional Ranking
Framework (NIRF) 2023.
● Key Highlights
○ IIT Madras maintains 1st rank in Overall and
Engineering categories.
○ Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru secures
top position in Universities and Research
Institutions categories.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

○ IIM Ahmedabad remains at the top in
Management subject.
○ AIIMS, New Delhi holds the first rank in Medical
field.
○ National Law School of India University,
Bengaluru retains its leading position.
○ Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
tops in Agriculture and Allied Sectors.
○ Three new additions in the 2023 rankings:
■ Introduction of "Agriculture & Allied Sectors"
category.
■ Incorporation of "Innovation" ranking from ARIIA
into India Rankings.
■ Expansion of "Architecture" to "Architecture and
Planning" category.
○ India Rankings 2023 cover 13 categories
including Overall, University, Colleges,
Research Institutions & Innovation, and 8
subject domains.
○ The parameters evaluated in NIRF include
Teaching, learning and resources (TLR),
research and professional practice, graduation
outcome, outreach, and inclusivity and
perception.
Food Safety Index
● Recently, the union Health Minister released the
fifth State Food Safety Index in New Delhi.
● About FSI
○ Annual Assessment by FSSAI:
■ The Index is a yearly evaluation published by the
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI).
■ Its inception was in 2018-19, and its purpose is
to incentivize States and Union Territories to
elevate their performance and establish robust
food safety systems within their regions.
○ Foundation and Parameters:
■ Rooted in the performance of each State/UT, the
Index hinges on five key parameters:
● Human Resources and Institutional Data
● Compliance
● Food Testing – Infrastructure and Surveillance
● Training & Capacity Building
● Consumer Empowerment
○ Dynamic Benchmarking Model:
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■ Designed as a dynamic blend of quantitative and
qualitative assessment, the Index presents an
objective framework for appraising food safety
standards across all States/UTs.
○ Rankings in the 2022-23 Report:
■ Large State Category:
● The top-ranking state in the large state category
is Kerala, succeeded by Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
■ Small State Category:
● In the small state category, Goa takes the lead,
followed by Manipur and Sikkim.
■ Union Territories Category:
● Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, and Delhi
demonstrate high rankings among the Union
Territories.
Exercise Ekuverin
● The collaborative military drill "Ekuverin"
involving the Indian Army and the Maldives
National Defence Force has begun at
Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, lasting from June 11 to
June 24, 2023.
● About Exercise Ekuverin
○ It is the 12th edition of a joint military exercise
between India and Maldives.
○ Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ is a bilateral annual
exercise conducted alternatively in India and
Maldives.
○ The exercise is aimed at enhancing
interoperability in Counter Insurgency/ Counter
Terrorism Operations under the UN mandate
and carrying out joint Humanitarian Assistance
and Disaster Relief operations.
○ The focus is to share best practices and
enhance coordination and cooperation between
both the forces at tactical level.
○ The defence cooperation between the two
countries extends from joint exercises to
assisting the Maldives with defence training and
equipment requirements.
○ Both nations have very close and friendly
relations in economic, cultural and military
cooperation.
○ ‘Ex Ekuverin’ will assist in further bolstering
these ties between the two nations.
Global Slavery Index 2023
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● As per the 2023 Global Slavery Index, it was
estimated that on any given day in 2021, around
50 million individuals were living in conditions of
"modern slavery.
● The fifth iteration of the Global Slavery Index,
utilizing data from 2022 estimates, offers a
comprehensive global overview of modern
slavery.
● Compiled by the human rights organization Walk
Free, this index is built upon information sourced
from the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, a
collaborative effort involving the International
Labour Organization (ILO), Walk Free, and the
International Organization for Migration (IOM).
First Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav
● The inaugural Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav, a major
sports event jointly organized by the Ministry of
Culture, the Government of Odisha, and KIIT
University, concluded in Bhubaneswar.
● Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav is a significant sports
event aimed at celebrating the athletic talents of
indigenous communities in India.
● It seeks to highlight and promote traditional
sports and cultural heritage of tribal communities
at a national level.
● Odisha emerged as the overall winner in both
the men's and women's categories.
● The event saw the participation of 5,000 tribal
athletes and 1,000 officials from 26 states.
Odisha displayed excellence in sports like rugby,
hockey, kabaddi, football, and kho kho.
● This achievement underlines Odisha's growing
reputation as a sports hub in India.
Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI)
2023
● The Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) 2023 by
UNDP has indicated that biases against women
have not improved over the past ten years.
● The report highlights that nearly 9 out of 10 men
and women across the globe continue to uphold
such biases.
● Key Highlights of the Report
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○ Half of the global population still maintains the
belief that men are more adept political leaders
compared to women.
○ Over 40% of individuals hold the perception that
men are better suited for business executive
roles than women.
○ An alarming 25% of people justify a man
resorting to violence against his wife.
○ The percentage of women in roles as heads of
state or government has hovered around 10%
since 1995.
○ In the workforce, women occupy less than one-
third of managerial positions.
○ There exists a disconnection between the
progress of women's education and their
economic empowerment.
○ Despite women being more educated and skilled
than ever, the gender income gap remains
substantial, with men earning 39% more on
average.
● About GSNI
○ Debuting in the 2019 Human Development
Report, the GSNI offers a comprehensive
analysis of the fundamental origins of gender
inequality, impeding advancements for women
and girls.
○ It encompasses four crucial aspects: political,
educational, economic, and physical integrity,
shedding light on domains where systematic
disparities and bias against women and girls are
prevalent.
Global Startup Ecosystem Report
2023 (GSER 2023)
● The report was unveiled by Startup Genome, an
organization focused on policy advice and
research for startups.
● Key Highlights of the Report
○ Silicon Valley, New York City, and London retain
their leading positions in the global startup
ecosystem rankings.
○ Chinese startup ecosystems have witnessed a
decrease in their rankings, with Shenzhen,
Beijing, and Shanghai experiencing declines in
their overall standings.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

○ On the other hand, Indian startup ecosystems,
notably Mumbai, Bengaluru-Karnataka, and
Delhi, have exhibited promising growth in the
rankings.
○ Mumbai has ascended by 5 places, while
Bengaluru secured the 20th position in the
Startup category.
● About the Report
○ The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023
(GSER 2023) presents a comprehensive
examination of global startup ecosystems.
○ It delivers insights into prominent ecosystems,
emerging patterns, and obstacles confronted by
entrepreneurs.
○ GSER 2023 also furnishes practical suggestions
for entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and
other stakeholders.
Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD)
● Inadequate dietary diversity and meal frequency
contribute to child malnutrition in India, including
stunting and micronutrient deficiencies.
● Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD)
○ It pertains to a prescribed guideline established
by the World Health Organization (WHO) for
children aged 6-23 months.
○ This guideline recommends that within the
previous day or a span of 24 hours, children
should consume foods and beverages from a
minimum of five out of eight specific food groups.
○ Purpose of MDD
■ The primary objective of MDD is to ensure that
children receive a varied array of nutrients,
catering to their nutritional requirements and
promoting their optimal growth and
development.
○ Current MDD Scenario
■ India exhibits a notably low percentage (15
percent) of children who fulfill the MDD criteria,
followed by Nepal (34 percent), underscoring
that South Asian nations are lagging behind
when it comes to achieving the Minimum Dietary
Diversity target.
Global Gender Gap Index
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● India was ranked at 127 out of 146 countries in
terms of gender parity — an improvement of
eight places from last year, according to the
recently published annual Gender Gap Report,
2023.
● Key Highlights of Global Gender Gap Report
2023
○ India secured the 127th position among 146
countries in terms of gender parity, marking an
improvement of eight positions compared to the
previous year.
○ According to the report, India had achieved
equality in enrollment across all levels of
education.
○ The country had successfully bridged 64.3% of
the overall gender gap.
○ However, the report highlighted that India had
achieved only 36.7% parity concerning
economic participation and opportunities.
○ In the realm of political empowerment, India
demonstrated a parity rate of 25.3%, with
women making up 15.1% of parliamentarians.
○ This representation is the highest India has
achieved since the inaugural report in 2006.
○ The index also assessed India's neighboring
countries, placing Pakistan at 142nd,
Bangladesh at 59th, China at 107th, Nepal at
116th, Sri Lanka at 115th, and Bhutan at 103rd
positions.
○ For the 14th consecutive year, Iceland emerged
as the most gender-equal country globally,
having closed over 90% of its gender gap.
○ Comparatively, the Southern Asian region
achieved a gender parity rate of 63.4%, ranking
as the second-lowest among the eight regions.
Regenerate
● About Global Gender Gap Index
○ Annually published by the World Economic
Forum (WEF) since 2006, the Global Gender
Gap Report assesses gender equality in 146
nations, evaluating four key domains:
■ Economic participation and opportunities,
■ Educational achievement,
■ Health and well-being, and
■ Political empowerment.
Global Liveability Index 2023
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● The Global Liveability Index 2023, a much-
awaited release, was recently presented by the
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
● Key Highlights of the Report
○ Top cities for living: Vienna (Austria),
Copenhagen (Denmark), Melbourne, and
Sydney (Australia).
○ Least livable cities: Algiers (Algeria), Tripoli
(Libya), and Damascus (Syria).
○ Representing Asia, Osaka (Japan) secured the
10th spot in the rankings.
○ The index experienced an upsurge last year,
reaching its highest point in 15 years as the
global community rebounded from the
pandemic.
○ The average index score has now reached 76.2
out of 100, an increase from 73.2 a year ago.
○ Despite the overall improvement in the index
score, stability witnessed a slight decrease.
○ Cities in Western Europe, particularly, have
declined in rankings due to a rise in workers'
strikes that haven't matched the advancements
made by cities in Asia and the Middle East.
○ Cities grappling with ongoing civil unrest, military
conflicts, and other challenges continue to
occupy the lower ranks of the list.
● About the Report
○ The index measures the obstacles faced by
individuals' lifestyles in 173 global cities.
○ It was determined based on five criteria:
healthcare, cultural environment, education,
stability, and environment.
○ This ranking provides valuable information about
the cities that stand out in offering a high-quality
standard of living.
Report on Panchayat Development
Index (PDI)
● The Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj
released the Report on Panchayat Development
Index (PDI) recently.
● The PDI is a composite index that measures the
performance of panchayats in achieving the
Localization of Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).
153
● The PDI considers nine themes, including
poverty-free and enhanced livelihood, healthy
village, child-friendly village, water-sufficient
village, clean and green village, self-sufficient
infrastructure, socially just and secured villages,
good governance, and women-friendly village.
● It provides a holistic and evidence-based
assessment of the development status of
panchayats, highlighting their strengths and
weaknesses.
● Ranking
○ Based on scores (0-100), categorized into A (75-
90%), B (60-75%), C (40-60%), and D (under
40%).
World Investment Report 2023
● The release of the World Investment Report
2023 took place recently.
● Key Findings
○ India and ASEAN recorded 10% and 5%
increases in FDI respectively.
○ Developing countries saw higher FDI inflows,
while China experienced a 5% rise as the
second-largest FDI host country.
○ The Gulf region's FDI declined, but project
announcements increased by two-thirds.
○ Smaller developing countries had stagnant
inflows, and FDI in least developed countries
(LDCs) decreased.
○ International investment in renewable energy
mainly focused on developed countries.
○ The investment gap across Sustainable
Development Goals sectors increased to over $4
trillion annually from $2.5 trillion in 2015.
○ The most significant gaps are in energy, water,
and transport infrastructure.
● About the Report
○ It is published by the United Nations Conference
on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
○ It focuses on trends in Foreign Direct Investment
(FDI) worldwide, at the regional and country
levels and emerging measures to improve its
contribution to development
Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2023
Compilation June-July-August 2023

(JIMEX 23)
● The seventh edition of the bilateral Japan-India
Maritime Exercise 2023 (JIMEX 23) was recently
conducted.
● The Indian Navy hosted the event, which took
place at/off Visakhapatnam from 05 - 10 July
2023, to commemorate the 11th anniversary of
JIMEX since its inception in 2012.
● Other Exercises between India and Japan:-
○ Malabar Exercise: India and Japan, along with
the United States and Australia, engage in the
naval war-gaming exercise known as Malabar.
○ SHINYUU Maitri: This exercise involves the Air
Force.
○ Dharma Guardian: It is a military exercise.
Global Peace Index 2023
● The 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI) recently
released its annual ranking of the most peaceful
countries in the world.
● It is put out by the Institute for Economics and
Peace (IEP).
● The 17th edition of the GPI ranked 163
independent states and territories according to
their level of peacefulness.
● It measures the state of peace across three
domains:
○ Societal safety and security;
○ Ongoing domestic and international conflict;
○ Militarization;
● Key Highlights of the Index
○ The global average level of peacefulness
witnessed a deterioration of 0.42 percent.
○ Iceland maintains its position as the most
peaceful country in the world, a title it has held
since 2008. It is joined at the top by Denmark,
Ireland, New Zealand, and Austria.
○ On the other hand, Afghanistan continues to be
the least peaceful country in the world for the
eighth consecutive year. It is followed by Yemen,
Syria, South Sudan, and the Democratic
Republic of the Congo.
○ India has climbed two spots to occupy the
126th position in the rankings compared to its
previous position.
154
○ According to the report, India experienced a 3.5
percent improvement in overall peacefulness
over the past year, attributed to advancements
in violent crime, neighboring countries' relations,
and political stability.
○ Among other countries, Nepal, China, Sri Lanka,
the United States of America, and Pakistan have
been ranked 79, 80, 107, 131, 146, respectively.
Salvage and Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Exercise (SALVEX)
● Recently, the Seventh edition of the Indian Navy
– US Navy (IN – USN) Salvage and Explosive
Ordnance Disposal exercise, SALVEX, was
carried out.
● IN and USN have been participating in joint
Salvage and EOD exercises since 2005.
● The exercise saw participation from both the
navies which included the ships – INS
Nireekshak and USNS Salvor in addition to
Specialist Diving and EOD teams.
● Other Exercises between USA and India
○ Malabar Exercise: It is a quadrilateral naval
exercise of India, USA, Japan and Australia
○ Exercise Tiger Triumph: It is a humanitarian
Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise.
○ Yudh Abhyas: It is a joint military exercise
Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023
● Recently, India achieved a significant
milestone in poverty reduction, with a
remarkable number of people moving out of
poverty within just 15 years.
● In a span of 15 years, a staggering 415 million
people in India have escaped the clutches of
poverty.
● The report reveals that 25 countries, including
Cambodia, Peru, and Nigeria, have
successfully halved their global MPI values
within the same 15-year period.
● In 2005/2006, India faced a poverty incidence of
55.1%. During this time, approximately 645
million people were living in poverty.
● The latest figures show that the poverty
incidence has dropped to 16.4% in 2019/2021.
Compilation June-July-August 2023
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● MPI highlighting the positive impact of government

policies and initiatives in reducing deprivation
across multiple indicators.
○ National MPI
■ It is prepared based on the latest National
Family Heath Survey of 2019-21 and is the
second edition of the National Multidimensional
Poverty Index (MPI).
■ Totally 12 parameters of health, education
and standard of living are examined in the
report.
○ MPI has been released by the United Nations
■ These include nutrition, child and adolescent
Development Programme (UNDP) and the
mortality, maternal health, years of schooling,
Oxford Poverty and Human Development
school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation,
Initiative (OPHI) since 2010.
drinking water, electricity, housing, assets, and
○ The MPI monitors deprivations in 10
bank accounts.
indicators spanning health, education and
■ The report follows Alkire-Foster methodology
standard of living and includes both incidence as
developed by its technical partners - the Oxford
well as intensity of poverty.
Poverty and Human Development Initiative
(OPHI) and United Nations Development
National Multidimensional Poverty Programme (UNDP).
Index
● The latest report by NITI Aayog, titled ‘National Performance Grading Index for
Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Districts (PGI-D) 2.0
Review 2023,’ sheds light on India’s progress in
● Recently, the Department of School
reducing multidimensional poverty between
Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education
2015-16 and 2019-21.
(MoE), released the ‘Performance Grading
● Key Highlights of the Report
Index (PGI): 2.0: 2021-22: States & Union
○ 13.5 Crore People Escaped Multidimensional
Territories‘.
Poverty.
● It assesses the performance of the school
○ India witnessed an impressive decline of 9.89
education system at the State/UT level by
percentage points in multidimensional poverty.
creating an index for comprehensive analysis.
○ Rural areas emerged as the frontrunners in
● PGI – States/UTs was initially released for 2017-
the battle against poverty. The report
18 and has been updated until 2020-21.
highlights a rapid decline in poverty from 32.59%
● It focuses on Governance Processes rather than
to 19.28% in rural regions.
quality indicators.
○ Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India,
● However, to incorporate recent initiatives of the
registered the largest decline in the number of
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, monitor
poor individuals. A remarkable 3.43 crore
Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals
people in Uttar Pradesh successfully escaped
(SDGs), and replace achieved indicators, the
multidimensional poverty.
PGI – State structure has been revised and
○ The MPI value for India between 2015-16 and
renamed as PGI 2.0 for 2021-22.
2019-21 witnessed a significant decline from
● PGI 2.0 comprises 73 indicators grouped into
0.117 to 0.066.
two categories: Outcomes and Governance
○ During the same period, the intensity of
Management (GM).
poverty decreased from 47% to 44%,

Compilation June-July-August 2023


● These categories are further divided into six
domains: Learning Outcomes (LO), Access (A),
Infrastructure & Facilities (IF), Equity (E),
Governance Process (GP), and Teachers
Education and Training (TE&T).
● PGI 2.0 has classified states/UTs into ten
grades, where the highest achievable grade is
‘Daksh’ and the lowest grade is ‘Akanshi-3’.
● None of the districts secured the top two
grades — Daksh and Utkarsh. Most districts
were in the bottom three grades (less than 10%
to 30%).
Henley Passport Index 2023
● The latest ranking published by Henley
Passport Index, puts India's passport at the
80th spot, moving it up five places from its
position in 2022.
● Indians can now travel to 57 destinations without
a visa.
● Singapore has replaced Japan with having the
world's most powerful passport, allowing visa-
free entry to 192 global destinations.
● Henley Passport Index (HPI)
○ HPI is a global ranking of the countries around
the world according to the travel freedom of
holders of their ordinary passport holders.
○ It is published by Henley & Partners, a global
citizenship and residence advisory firm, in
partnership with the International Air Transport
Association (IATA).
○ It provides a ranking for 199 passports of the
world according to the number of countries
their holders can travel visa-free.
○ The stronger the ranking, the more visa-free
visits to various countries will be permitted.
○ Since 2005, HPI has ranked the world’s
passports as per the number of destinations their
holders can access without a prior visa.
○ The ranking is based on the data from the
International Air Transport Association.
Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2022
● Tamil Nadu has been ranked the No. 1 State in
Export Preparedness Index (EPI) for 2022.
156
● It is followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka.
● Gujarat has been pushed to the fourth slot this
time.
● Tamil Nadu has been in the top 5 list among
Large/Coastal States’ categories in the past two
years.
● The objective of EPI, released by Niti Aayog in
New Delhi, is to evaluate the export performance
and pending potential of the Indian States and
Union Territories.
● Additionally, the index investigates the direct and
indirect factors that promote and support the
export environment throughout the region.
● It evaluates the performance of the states
and UTs across four pillars – Policy, Business
Ecosystem, Export Ecosystem, and Export
Performance.
● The index uses 56 indicators that capture the
export preparedness of States and UTs in terms
of exports at both the state and district level.
Nomadic Elephant – 2023
● The Indian Army contingent of 43 personnel left
for Mongolia on 16 July.
● The contingent has been participating in the 15th
edition of bilateral joint military exercise
“NOMADIC ELEPHANT-23”.
● The exercise is scheduled to be conducted at
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 17 to 31 July 2023.
● Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT is an annual
training event with Mongolia which is
conducted alternatively in Mongolia and India,
the last edition was held at Special Forces
Training School, Bakloh in October 2019.
Heat Index
● India Meteorological Department (IMD) has
recently launched the Heat Index on an
experimental basis.
● The heat index provides information about the
impact of humidity on the high temperatures
and thus provides a feel-like temperature for
human beings which can be used as an
indication for human discomfort.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

● It provides guidance towards additional care to
be taken by people to reduce discomfort.
● At present, heat index is derived using the heat
index equation similar to what is used by
National Weather Service, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USA.
● Color codes used for Experimental Heat Index
are as follows:
○ Green: - Experimental heat Index less than 35
deg C
○ Yellow: - Experimental heat Index in the range
36-45 deg C
○ Orange: - Experimental heat Index in the range
46-55 deg C
○ Red: - Experimental heat Index greater than 55
deg C
National Coal Index (NCI)
● The National Coal Index (NCI) has shown a
significant decline of 33.8 per cent in May this
year.
● It indicates a strong supply of coal in the market,
with sufficient availability to meet the growing
demands.
● This sharp drop in coal prices will have a positive
impact across the energy sector and will reduce
the electricity bill and the prices of bricks, rods
and steel as well.
● About NCI
○ It is released by the Ministry of Coal every
month.
○ It combines coal prices from all sales channels,
including notified prices, auction prices and
import prices.
○ Base year is FY 2017-18.
○ It serves as a reliable indicator of market
dynamics, providing valuable insights into coal
price fluctuations.
Exercise Malabar
● The 31st edition of the Malabar multilateral
exercise will be held off Sydney from August 11-
21.
● Australia hosts the war games for the first time
this year.
157
● Australia has also invited India for the Sea
Power conference that it is hosting from
November 7-9.
● Exercise Malabar will be followed by
AUSINDEX, the India-Australia bilateral naval
exercise.
● About Ex Malabar
○ Japan hosted the last edition of Malabar which
was held in November 2022 which also marked
30 years of the exercise.
○ Malabar is a multilateral war-gaming naval
exercise that was started in 1992.
○ It began as a bilateral exercise between the
navies of India and the United States.
○ Two more editions of the exercise were carried
out in 1995 and 1996, after which there was a
break until 2002 in the aftermath of India’s
nuclear tests.
○ From 2002 onward, the exercise has been
conducted every year.
○ Japan and Australia first participated in 2007,
and since 2014, India, the US and Japan have
participated in the exercise every year.
○ Australia was included as a permanent member
of Ex Malabar in 2020 amid the standoff with
China in Eastern Ladakh.
Quit India Movement
● August 8 is annually observed as Quit India
Movement Day. This year marks the 81st
anniversary of the event.
● About
○ The approval for the Quit India Movement took
place during the AICC conference held in
Mumbai on August 8, 1942.
Compilation June-July-August 2023

○ This marked the official commencement of the
Bharat Chhodo Andolan, commonly known as
the Quit India Movement.
● Causes
○ The Quit India Movement was sparked by a
number of factors, such as the failure of the
Cripps Mission, the growing Indian
involvement in World War II, and the
repressive policies of the British
government.
● Key Highlights of the Movement
○ Leadership: The movement was led by
Mahatma Gandhi and supported by the Indian
National Congress, which was the principal
political party advocating for Indian
independence.
○ Aim: The primary goal of the Quit India
Movement was to demand an immediate end to
British rule in India and to establish an
independent and sovereign nation.
○ "Do or Die" Speech: On August 8, 1942,
Mahatma Gandhi gave his famous "Do or Die"
speech, urging the Indian people to engage in
nonviolent civil disobedience and to be prepared
to sacrifice their lives for the cause of
independence.
○ Mass Protests: The movement saw widespread
protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience
across the country. People participated in
marches, demonstrations, and various forms of
nonviolent resistance.
○ Repression: The British colonial government
responded with a heavy hand, imposing severe
repressive measures to suppress the
movement. Thousands of protesters were
arrested, and there were incidents of violence
and clashes with the police.
○ Arrest of Leaders: Key leaders of the Indian
National Congress, including Mahatma Gandhi,
Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel, were
arrested and imprisoned during the movement.
○ Underground Activities: Despite the arrests of
many leaders, underground networks continued
to operate and organize resistance activities
against British rule.
158
○ Impact: The Quit India Movement contributed to
weakening the British colonial administration in
India and increased international pressure on
the British government to address India's
demand for independence.
○ Turning Point: The movement marked a turning
point in India's struggle for independence and
played a significant role in accelerating the
process of decolonization. It demonstrated the
determination and unity of the Indian people in
their quest for freedom.
○ Post-War Developments: The movement set
the stage for further negotiations and
discussions between the Indian National
Congress and the British government after
World War II, ultimately leading to India's
independence in 1947.
○ Legacy: The Quit India Movement is
remembered as a symbol of India's unwavering
commitment to achieving self-rule through
nonviolent means and as a defining moment in
the country's history.
Exercise Zayed Talwar
● The soldiers of India and the United Arab
Emirates are participating in the bilateral military
exercise ‘Zayed Talwar’.
● The bilateral military drill is hosted alternately by
both countries.
● Naval soldiers of both nations share their
experience and technical skills by participating in
various training exercises conducted during the
drill.
● Two ships of the Indian Navy, INS
Visakhapatnam, and INS Trikand are
participating in the exercise.
● This exercise will boost the maritime partnership
between the two navies and foster a common
understanding of the security challenges in the
region.
Operation Jericho
● The use of air power in Mizoram in 1966 has
become a hot topic of discussion after the Prime
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Minister mentioned it in the Lok Sabha while ○ It is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm
replying to the no confidence motion last week. among various Parsi communities across
● About Operation Jericho the world including India.
○ In the first two months of 1966, a separatist ○ The word 'now' means new and 'ruz' means day,
movement led by Mizo National Front (MNF) which translates to 'a new day'.
was gathering steam in the area now known as ○ Nowruz marks the beginning of Farvardin, the
Mizoram, and then referred to as the Mizo Hills. first month of the Solar Hijri calendar and is
○ The Centre had decided to station another usually celebrated on March 20 or 21 globally.
Assam Rifles battalion in the Hills, in addition to ○ In India, the festival is observed around
the one Assam Rifles battalion and a few BSF August 16-17 by the Parsi community
companies already present. following the Shahenshahi calendar which does
○ Incensed at this, the MNF leadership decided to not account for leap years, which means the
launch ‘Operation Jericho’ to take control of holiday has now moved by 200 days from its
Aizawl, the biggest town in the region, and then original day.
the entire Mizo hills. They overran Aizawl in a ○ Nowruz is celebrated in many countries having
few days’ time in late February. significant Persian cultural influence like Iran,
○ The Mizo rebels had besieged the HQs of 1 Iraq, India, Afghanistan and parts of Central
Assam Rifles, where the Deputy Commissioner Asia, America, Europe.
had taken refuge, and released all prisoners
from the local jail. ::END::
○ There was widespread looting of arms and cash
from the government treasury.
○ Proclamations of “independence” were made
and a demand raised for the Assam Rifles to
surrender.
○ Govt Response
■ In response, attempts were made to re-supply
the Assam Rifles battalion with helicopters, but
these were shot at by the Mizo rebels.
■ As the Army struggled to dislodge the rebels, the
Air Force was called in.
■ The air attack helped the Army regain control of
vast areas that had been declared
“independent”.

Navroz
● The Parsi New Year, also known as Nowruz, is
the day that marks the beginning of spring and
the renewal of nature.
● It is celebrated by different cultures and
communities around the world, including India.
In India, the auspicious day falls between July
and August every year.
● About Navroz
○ Nowruz or Navroz, the Iranian New Year that
marks the beginning of the spring season.

Compilation June-July-August 2023

 Latest Current Affairs Questions July - August Month 2023
Q1. Hydrogen for Development (H4D)
Partnership launched at CoP27 is an initiative of
A. Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate
Change
B. International Solar Alliance and World Bank
C. World Bank
D. World Economic Forum
Ans: C
Explanation: World Bank approves ₹12,600
crores for India’s clean energy transition
The HinduBL
• The World Bank on Friday said that it
approved a $1.5 billion (around ₹12,600 crore)
financing for scaling up renewable energy,
producing green hydrogen, supporting carbon
markets and stimulating climate financing.
• The World Bank pointed out that this
operation is only one piece of its comprehensive
support to energy transition in India. It is aligned
with the Government of India’s energy security
strategy. The operation is also aligned with the
Bank’s Hydrogen for Development (H4D)
Partnership launched at CoP27.
Q2. Consider the following statements.
1. Of the 132 “lighthouses” accredited by the
World Economic Forum to date, 19 sites are
in the pharmaceutical and medical devices
industry, of which two are in India.
2. The WEF describes “Lighthouses” as
“manufacturers showing leadership in
applying 4IR (Fourth industrial revolution)
technologies.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: Indian pharma industry embracing
digital transformation, joins global “lighthouses”
The HinduBL
• Of the 132 “lighthouses” accredited by the
World Economic Forum to date, 19 sites are in
the pharmaceutical and medical devices
160
industry, of which two are in India, said
McKinsey & Co Senior Partner, David Keeling,
pointing to how pharma was emerging from the
historical perception of being a “laggard” in
technology adoption.
• The WEF describes “Lighthouses” as
“manufacturers showing leadership in applying
4IR (Fourth industrial revolution) technologies at
scale to drive step-change financial, operational
and sustainability improvements by transforming
factories, value chains and business models.”
They also serve as “beacons” to help other
manufacturers in overcoming challenges in
upgrading technology at scale in manufacturing
Q3. The phrase ‘dark patterns’ which usually
remains in the news these days is related to
a) Paid news
b) Misleading advertisements
c) Spurious drugs manufacturing
d) GST fake invoicing
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: Centre to issue norms against ‘dark
patterns’ in online ads
The Hindu
• Concerned over the increasing ‘dark
patterns’ of misleading advertisements, creating
false urgency, confirm-shaming, forced action,
subscription traps and nagging on online
platforms, the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry
has decided to issue specific guidelines to
control it.
• The provisions of the Consumer
Protection Act are enough to curb it, but said the
Centre will bring specific guidelines as the
menace has increased along with the expansion
of the Internet in the country.
Q4. Roadmap 2030 is a policy initiative of India
with
a) African Countries
b) ASEAN
c) Gulf Countries
d) Lithium Triangle in South America
Ans: A
Compilation June-July-August 2023

Explanation:
Context: A new chapter in India-Africa ties can
be written
The HinduBL
• A 20-member Africa Expert Group (AEG),
established by the Vivekananda International
Foundation, recently presented the VIF Report
entitled ‘India-Africa Partnership: Achievements,
Challenges and Roadmap 2023’.
• The central part is ‘Roadmap 2030’, a set
of nearly 60 policy recommendations that are
designed to deepen and diversify the India-
Africa partnership
Q5. Green Open Access Rules (GOAR) are
related to
A. Tariff rationalisation in power sector
B. Subsidised renewable energy availability for
farmers
C. Regulating deforestation for big infra-projects
D. Financial instruments
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: Powering open access, The HinduBL
• The Power Ministry’s Green Open
Access Rules (GOAR) introduced in June 2022,
have created a buzz in the renewable energy
sector.
• Commercial and industrial (C&I)
consumers continue to face higher electricity
tariffs, on average 25 per cent higher than in
other countries, due to inefficiencies and cross-
subsidisation aimed at helping the poor and
agricultural consumers. The best solution is to
rationalise or even eliminate cross-subsidy
surcharges. The GOAR provides a capping and
long-term visibility on these surcharges, while
completely removing the additional surcharge.
The capping of cross-subsidy surcharge doesn’t
address the root cause for prevalent higher
cross-subsidy surcharges.
Q6. India’s largest hydropower project is
proposed to be constructed in which of the
following states?
A. Uttarakhand
161
B. Gujarat
C. Arunachal Pradesh
D. Himachal Pradesh
Ans: C
Explanation: Centre may offer grants to NE
states for hydropower projects
The Mint
• India has installed a hydropower capacity
of 52 gigawatts (GW) and another 18GW is in
the implementation stage or has been bid out.
Out of the ambitious target of 500GW installed
renewable energy capacity, hydropower is
expected to make up 78GW. Several
hydropower projects are under construction or in
the conceptual stage in the border state of
Arunachal Pradesh.
• Late last year, state-run NHPC Ltd
submitted a pre-feasibility report to the Central
Electricity Authority for the 11GW Upper Siang
Multipurpose Storage project at a capital
expenditure of ₹1.13 trillion to build the largest
hydropower project in the country.
Q7. Consider the following statements.
1. India, Thailand and Myanmar are working on
about 1,400-km-long highway that would link
the country with Southeast Asia by land and
sea.
2. The highway will connect Imphal in Manipur,
India with Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: D
Explanation:
Source: Nearly 70% work of India-Myanmar-
Thailand Trilateral Highway complete, says
Gadkari The Hindu
• Around 70% construction work on the
ambitious India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral
Highway has been completed, Union Minister
Nitin Gadkari has said.
• India, Thailand and Myanmar are working
on about 1,400-km-long highway that would link
Compilation June-July-August 2023

the country with Southeast Asia by land and give
a boost to trade, business, health, education and
tourism ties among the three countries.
• The highway will connect Moreh in
Manipur, India with Mae Sot in Thailand via
Myanmar.
Q8. Consider the following statements about the
India-China border.
1. The Pangong Tso lake spans eastern
Ladakh and western Tibet.
2. It’s an artificial lake constructed by China
to lay claim over the land.
3. Mountain spurs jutting down into the lake
are referred to as ‘fingers’.
How many of the above statements is/are
correct?
A. One only
B. Two only
C. All the three
D. None
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: India, China ramp up infra on north bank
of Pangong Tso lake
The Hindu
• Three years after the violent clash
between Indian and Chinese forces in Galwan
followed by tanks facing each other around the
Pangong Tso — a lake spanning eastern Ladakh
and western Tibet — there is hectic activity in the
area from both sides. While China is rushing to
complete a bridge across the Pangong Tso,
connecting the north and south banks, India is
also building a black-topped road on its side on
the north bank.
• India holds one-third of the 135 km-long
boomerang-shaped Pangong lake. Mountain
spurs of the Chang Chenmo range jutting down
into the glacial lake are referred to as ‘fingers’.
India has always held the lake till Finger 4, but
its claims run till Finger 8, which is where the
Indian perception of the Line of Actual Control
(LAC) lies, as reiterated by India on several
occasions.
162
Q9 Consider the following statements about
the post of Dy. Chief Minister.
1. The Constitutional provisions expressly allow
the Chief Minister of a state to have more
than one Dy CMs.
2. The Oath administered for the post of Dy CM
allows the post holder to have the powers of
a Chief Minister.
3. The first Dy CM appointed in any state in
India was Anugrah Narayan Sinha in Bihar.
How many of the above statements is/are
correct?
a) One only
b) Two only
c) All the three
d) None
Ans: A
Explanation:
Context: Ajit Pawar sworn-in as Deputy CM of
Maharashtra: A timeline of events which led to
him splitting NCP, The I EXPRESS
• Perhaps the first Deputy CM in India was
Anugrah Narayan Sinha, an upper caste Rajput
leader from Aurangabad, who was the most
important leader of the Congress in Bihar after
the first Chief Minister of the state, Dr Srikrishna
Singh (Sinha).
• Neither Article 163 nor Article 164 (“Other
provisions as to Ministers”), sub clause (1) of
which says “the Chief Minister shall be appointed
by the Governor and the other Ministers shall be
appointed by the Governor on the advice of the
Chief Minister”, mentions a Deputy Chief
Minister.
• The post of Deputy CM is understood as
being equivalent in rank to that of Cabinet
Minister (in the state). The Deputy CM enjoys the
same pay and perks as a Cabinet Minister
• Dy PM: Devi Lal’s appointment as Deputy
PM in V P Singh’s government in 1989 was
challenged in court on the ground that “the oath
administered to him as such was not…in
accordance with the prescription of the
Constitution”.
• In K M Sharma vs Devi Lal and Ors
Compilation June-July-August 2023

(1990), the Supreme Court upheld Devi Lal’s
appointment “in view of the clear statement
made by the learned Attorney General that
Respondent No. 1 (Lal) is just a Minister like
other members of the Council of Ministers,
though he has been described as Deputy Prime
Minister… The description of him as Deputy
Prime Minister does not confer on him any
powers of the Prime Minister”.
Q10. Consider the following statements
about pharma exports from India.
1. India has the highest US-approved
manufacturing facilities in India, the highest
outside the US.
2. The EU market has a lion’s share in the total
drug exports by India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: USFDA inspections of Indian pharma
sites gain pace,The HinduBL
o In a trend that could augur well for the
Indian pharma industry, inspections of
manufacturing sites by the US Food and Drug
Administration (USFDA) have gained pace.
o India has about 670 USFDA-approved
manufacturing facilities in India, the highest
outside the US. After a break due to Covid, FDA
resumed its inspections on a low scale early
2021.
o The US market has a lion’s share of about
32 per cent in the total drug exports of the
country.
Q11. As per data of 2022-23 which state tops the
electronics exports in India?
A. UP
B. Karnataka
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Maharashtra
Ans: C
Explanation: The Mint
163
As per GoI portal Niryat, TN exported goods
worth Rs 44,044 crores in FY 2022-23 whereas
UP figures are Rs 40, 216 crores
Q12. Consider the following statements.
1. This August, Australia is set to host the
Malabar multilateral naval exercise for the
first time this year, consisting of India,
Australia, Japan and the U.S.
2. The Malabar Exercise began as a trilateral
exercise between Japan, India and the U.S.
in 1992.
3. Australia was included as a permanent
member of Ex. Malabar in 2020.
How many of the above statements is/are
correct?
a) One only
b) Two only
c) All the three
d) None
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: Australian Air Force P-8A patrol aircraft
lands in Tamil Nadu for anti-submarine warfare
drills The
Hindu
• This August, Australia is set to host the
Malabar multilateral naval exercise for the first
time this year, consisting of India, Australia,
Japan and the U.S., in Sydney which has
significantly grown in scope and complexity with
particular emphasis on ASW drills.
• Australia was included as a permanent
member of Ex. Malabar in 2020 amid the stand-
off with China in Eastern Ladakh. Japan hosted
the last edition of Malabar which was held in
November 2022.
• This also marked 30 years of the exercise
which began as a bilateral exercise between
India and the U.S. in 1992.
Q13. Apart from silicon, which of the following
metal has been in use increasingly used in
advance solar panel technology over the last
few years?
A. Copper
B. Aluminium
C. Silver
Compilation June-July-August 2023

D. Tungsten
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: Global demand for more solar panels is
squeezing silver The Mint
• Changes to solar panel technology are
accelerating demand for silver, a phenomenon
that’s widening a supply deficit for the metal with
little additional mine production on the horizon.
Silver, in paste form, provides a conductive layer
on the front and the back of silicon solar cells.
But the industry is now beginning to make more
efficient versions of cells that use a lot more of
the metal, which is set to boost already-
increasing consumption.
• Solar is still a fairly small part of overall
silver demand, but it’s growing. It’s forecast to
make up 14% of consumption this year, up from
around 5% in 2014.
Q14 Consider the following statements about
the world refugee crisis.
1. The Developed countries host 85% of all the
world refugees.
2. A UNHCR refugee card is an acceptable ID
for accessing essential services in the host
country.
3. The Global Compact on Refugees is the
most recent such framework to address
issues faced by refugees.
How many of the above statements is/are
correct?
a) One only
b) Two only
c) All the three
d) None
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source:The world needs local policies to
address the global refugee crisis
The Mint
• Low and middle-income countries (LMCs)
host 85% of all refugees. This indicates why it is
not in the interest of the global north to solve this
crisis. Consequently, 88% of the world’s refugee
programmes are underfunded, diverted from
164
sustainable solutions to ad-hoc arrangements
and also politicized based on ethnicities,
religions and historical backgrounds.
• Regardless of location, the common
challenge for refugees is identification
documents. They usually flee without such
papers and their prolonged stays create an ID
crisis
• Note that even a UNHCR refugee card is
not an acceptable ID for accessing essential
services.
• The Global Compact on Refugees, the
most recent such framework, promotes
integration through international cooperation.
Q15. Consider the following statements
about atmospheric heating.
To shade the Earth from the Sun’s heat to cool
its atmosphere, “solar radiation
modification” can be done. Which of the
following techniques can be used for such a
purpose?
1. marine cloud brightening
2. aerosol injection of the stratosphere
Select the correct code
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: Explore every possible solar shield we
can use , The Mint
• While carbon control is crucial, whether
we can safely shade the Earth from the Sun’s
heat to cool its atmosphere—and buy time—has
escaped top-level attention. This is why last
week’s release by the US White House of a
report on “solar radiation modification” (SRM)
published on a nudge from lawmakers, marks a
shift we should welcome.
• The basic objective of SRM would be to
reflect solar heat back, for which two particular
methods are expected to go under the US
research lens. One is aerosol injection of the
stratosphere, which would involve sulphur
dioxide or some other chemical being sprayed
Compilation June-July-August 2023

up there to act as a reflector. The other is marine
cloud brightening, which can achieve a similar
effect. Both carry risks of ecological disruption.
Aerosols could worsen ozone depletion, for
example, and even hurt biodiversity.
Q16. Which ministry regulates the registrations
under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act
(FCRA)?
A. Finance
B. Commerce
C. External Affairs
D. Home
Ans: D
Explanation:
Source: Centre for Policy Research loses tax
exemption status The Hindu
• The Income Tax Department has
cancelled the tax exemption status of the Centre
for Policy Research (CPR), a leading public
policy research institution. The status was
revoked on June 30.
• The office of the Delhi-based think tank
was surveyed by the Income Tax Department on
September 7, 2022.
• On February 27, the Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA) suspended the Foreign
Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration
of CPR for 180 days. The registration made CPR
eligible to receive foreign funds.
• The I-T Department alleged that the
association had made payments to persons who
had not filed their personal Income Tax Returns
and raised questions over books published by
the CPR being commercial in nature.
Q17. Consider the following statements.
1. “NATO plus” refers to a security
arrangement of NATO and the five treaty
allies of the U.S. — Australia, New Zealand,
Japan, Israel, and South Korea as members
2. The term ‘NATO Plus’ has been officially
recognised or established concept within
NATO.
3. Finland has recently joined NATO.
How many of the above statements is/are
correct?
165
a) One only
b) Two only
c) All the three
d) None
Ans:B
Explanation:
Source: India should refuse America’s ‘NATO
Plus’ bait The Hindu
•NATO is a transatlantic military alliance of 31
countries, with the majority of members from
Europe. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union
and the end of the Cold War, many thought that
NATO would lose its relevance. On the contrary,
NATO has not only survived but also expanded,
with Finland joining as its 31st member (April
2023), and Sweden waiting in the wings. NATO
appears to be getting the much-needed ground
for survival, thanks to Russia’s tirade against it
and the invasion of Ukraine. With NATO
swelling its expanse, some analysts even see
the onset of Cold War 2.0.
•“NATO plus” refers to a security arrangement
of NATO and the five treaty allies of the U.S. —
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and
South Korea as members — to enhance “global
defence cooperation” and win the “strategic
competition with the Chinese Communist Party”.
Interestingly, the term ‘NATO Plus’ is not an
officially recognised or established concept
within NATO itself, but has been used in
discussions and debates regarding the potential
expansion of the alliance
Q18. The ancient Sabhanayagar temple is
also known by the name of
A. Nataraja Temple
B. Kailashnathar Temple
C. Sundareshwar Temple
D. Rajarajeshwar Temple
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: A new chapter in an age-old saga of
Chidambaram temple in T.N.
The Hindu
•The ancient Sabhanayagar temple, also known
as the Nataraja temple, in Chidambaram in
Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu is often plagued
Compilation June-July-August 2023

by controversies. The administration of the
temple has been a contentious subject between
the Podhu Dikshitars (administrators-cum-
priests) and the State government.
•While Chidambaram is the prime centre of
Saiva philosophy, the temple, located 215 km
south of Chennai, enjoyed the patronage of
different rulers including Simha Varman of the
Pallava dynasty, Aditya I of the Chola dynasty,
Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara empire,
and Nayaka kings, points out T. Satyamurthy,
veteran archaeologist. The sheer historical
significance of the temple has meant that every
issue impacting it has been considered
newsworthy.
Q19. Consider the following statements
about Purchasing Managers’ Index.
1. The PMI measures the state of
manufacturing through the prism of
purchasing managers.
2. A PMI of above 50 means expansion or
growth compared to the previous month
while lower than 50 means contraction.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: What explains the resilience of
Indian manufacturing The Hindu
• The PMI, which measures the state of
manufacturing through the prism of
purchasing managers, was at 57.8 in June,
slightly lower than 58.7 in May (which was a
31-month high). A PMI of above 50 means
expansion or growth compared to the
previous month while lower than 50 means
contraction.
• In what is seen as a clear sign of
resilience in India’s factory sector, the
manufacturing PMI has been above 50 for 24
straight months. This performance has led to
an increase in business confidence and
166
optimism around future business activity in
the industry.
Q20. Consider the following statements
about BIMSTEC.
1. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC), comprises seven Nations —
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal,
Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
2. It acts as a bridge between South and South-
East Asia.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: BIMSTEC countries, a market for Indian
tea The Hindu
•The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC), comprising seven Nations —
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri
Lanka, and Thailand — has been operational for
26 years but its actual potential remains
unexplored.
•BIMSTEC has a vast potential for development
having 1.68 billion people or 22 per cent of the
world population for shared economic and social
progress and a combined GDP of nearly $3
trillion. With the renewed importance of
BIMSTEC, signing of the Charter in Colombo
has led to BIMSTEC being recognised as an
international organisation.
•BIMSTEC offers India an opportunity to
reinforce ties with its Eastern neighbours in
conformity with India’s key foreign policy
priorities — the Act East Policy and
Neighbourhood First Policy. It acts as a bridge
between South and South-East Asia.
Q21. The NAMASTE scheme is related to
A. Production-linked investment in the chip
manufacturing sector
Compilation June-July-August 2023

B. Subsidised solar power generation in
North-eastern states
C. Menace of manual scavenging
D. None of the above
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: Problem of manual scavenging
eliminated, claims Ministry panel
The Hindu
•Despite noting that just 520 districts across the
country had declared themselves free of manual
scavenging, the Central Monitoring Committee
(CMC) of the Social Justice Ministry concluded
in its eighth meeting on Wednesday that all
unsanitary latrines had been made sanitary
under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and that the
problem of manual scavenging is eliminated.
NAMASTE scheme
•The committee went on to note that the
immediate next focus of administrations should
be to ensure zero deaths due to hazardous
cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, for which
an integrated scheme — the NAMASTE scheme
— has been launched.
Q22. Consider the following statements.
1. The recently held Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation-Council of Heads of State
meeting marked the first time India
chaired the summit of regional countries.
2. India became a full SCO member in
2017, along with Pakistan.
3. The member-countries in SCO make up
a third of the global GDP, a fifth of global
trade, a fifth of global oil reserves and
about 44% of natural gas reserves.
How many of the above statements is/are
correct?
a) One only
b) Two only
c) All the three
d) None
Ans: C
Explanation: Diminishing returns: On India and
its Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
engagement The
167
Hindu
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-
Council of Heads of State meeting, hosted by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday,
marked the first time India chaired the summit of
regional countries. India became a full SCO
member in 2017, along with Pakistan.
• The government has held that joining the
originally Eurasian group was important as
member-countries make up a third of the global
GDP, a fifth of global trade, a fifth of global oil
reserves and about 44% of natural gas reserves.
Q23. Consider the following statements about
the intervention of Union Govt in States under
Art 355.
1. In case of deteriorating law and order
situation in a state, the State High Court,
under Article 226 of the Constitution can
issue a direction to the Centre to invoke
Article 355.
2. Article 355 allows the Union to render all
assistance only when the State
Government make a specific request in
this regard.
3. Article 355 has been inspired by
Canadian Constitution.
How many of the above statements is/are
correct?
A. One only
B. Two only
C. All the three
D. None
Ans: D
Q24. Consider the following statements
about the crime of hunting endangered
animals.
1. Wildlife Protection Act does not allow the
court to take cognisance of the crime of
killing endangered animals on the
complaint of a private person.
2. Chinkara or Indian gazelle, the State
animal of Rajasthan is an endangered
animal.
Compilation June-July-August 2023
 168

Which of the above statements is/are correct? C. Gujarat

a) 1 only D. MP
b) 2 only Ans: C
c) Both Q29. Consider the following statements
d) Neither about the Minimum Support Price
Ans: B (MSP)system.
Q25. Consider the following statements 1. The government announces an MSP for
about India-Taiwan relations. 23 crops.
1. Taiwan has announced to establish its 2. The bulk of procurement by government
first Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre agencies is spread across just three
(TECC) in Mumbai. crops—paddy or rice, wheat and cotton.
2. This announcement is part of the 3. The MSP is an advisory price.
beginning of India-Taiwan formal How many of the above statements is/are
diplomatic relations. correct?
Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) One only
a) 1 only b) Two only
b) 2 only c) All the three
c) Both d) None
d) Neither Ans: B
Ans: D
Q30. Consider the following statements
Q26. The wooden toys craft at Channapatna in about Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Karnataka is said to have begun in 18 thcentury (NPP) in Ukraine.
during the reign of Tipu Sultan and the craft 1. In a worst-case scenario, if the
originally came from containment chamber of NPP is severely
A. Persia damaged and a reactor is struck by a
B. Turkiye projectile it could lead to the release of
C. France steam, radioactive material, and volatile
D. Portugal substances, including iodine-131 and
Ans: A caesium-137.
2. The release of iodine-131, which can
Q27. In which of the following countries India disperse through winds and harm the
has opened the IIT(Madras) campus? human thyroid gland.
A. Tanzania Which of the above statements is/are correct?
B. Fiji a) 1 only
C. Mozambique b) 2 only
D. Zanzibar c) Both
Ans: D d) Neither
Ans: C
Q28. The famous Sungundi saris in Tamil Q31. Consider the following statements about
Nadu’s Madurai District are weaved not by the Cham dance.
native weavers of Tamil Nadu but by a migrant 1. The Cham dance, done with a huge mask
population who came several centuries earlier on the face, is a practice specific to the
from sect of Mahayana Buddhism.
A. UP 2. It is an integral part of Buddhism as
B. Maharashtra developed in South Indian monasteries.

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Which of the above statements is/are correct? interferometers, each about 4 km long,
a) 1 only arranged in an ‘L’ shape. An interferometer
b) 2 only is a device that causes two light waves to
c) Both intersect each other and studies the resulting
d) Neither interference pattern.
Ans: A  There are currently two LIGO setups in the
world – both in the U.S., in Louisiana and
Q32. Consider the following statements about Washington. They detect and observe
the Indian participation in Bastille Day Parade to gravitational waves together. A third LIGO
be held in France on 14TH July 2023. is set to come up in India and will operate
1. This year the Indian Prime Minister will be in tandem with the two in the U.S. It will
the Chief Guest. be built in the Hingoli district of
2. It is the first time that an Indian PM is Maharashtra.
invited to be the Chief Guest. Q34. Consider the following statements
3. The Indian armed forces are also invited about the horticulture produce in India
to participate in France’s annual military 1. According to the Food and Agricultural
celebration. Organisation (FAO; 2021), India leads in
How many of the above statements is/are the production of certain vegetables
correct? (ginger and okra) and fruits (banana,
a) One only mangoes and papaya).
b) Two only 2. India’s share in the global horticultural
c) All the three market has increased to 5% from 1%
d) None during the last 5 years.
Ans: B 3. Total horticultural produce in India
touched surpassed that of food grains
Q33. Studying gravitational waves can be done during FY22
with LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational- 4. Around 15-20 per cent of the fruits and
wave Observatory. There are currently two vegetables in India are wasted along the
LIGO setups in the world – both in the U.S. supply chain or at the consumer level.
A third LIGO is set to come up in which of the How many of the above statements is/are
following countries? correct?
a) France a) One only
b) China b) Two only
c) Germany c) Three only
d) None of the above d) All the four
Ans: D Ans: C
Explanation: Q35. Consider the following statements
Source: Third LIGO will put India on about the space programme of Arab nations.
the research map The 1. Hope Probe to Mars launched in 2020
Hindu was the first-ever Arab mission to the
 LIGO – an acronym for Laser Red Planet.
Interferometer Gravitational-wave 2. The UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are
Observatory – is a colossal physics also signatories of the U.S.-authored
experiment designed to detect Artemis Accords for crewed exploration
gravitational waves. The essential of the Moon by 2024.
arrangement consists of two large Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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a) 1 only B. 1 and 4 only

b) 2 only C. 1,2,4 and5
c) Both D. 1,2,3 4 and 5
d) Neither Ans: D
Ans: C
Q39. According to new
Q36. The Grades: Daksh, Utkarsh, Ati-Uttam, research measuring plastic pollution in oceans
Uttam, & Prachesta are released by the that increasingly threaten marine life, which
Government to rank region has been found to be the most dangerous
A. Schools region for bird species?
B. Sportspersons A. Mediterranean
C. Government servants in Grade C and D B. Indian Ocean
positions C. Sahara Desert
D. None of the above D. Siberia
Ans: A Ans: A
Q40. At which of the following places India’s first
Q37. Consider the following statements about breeding and rehabilitation centres for turtles is
deliberations on the phrase “due process of located?
law” by the Constituent Assembly. A. Bhuvaneshwar
1. The draft contained a clause which read: No B. Ujjain
person shall be deprived of his life, liberty, or C. Varanasi
property without due process of law. D. Tuticorin
2. The phrase ‘due process of law’ was passed Ans: C
but later rejected by the Assembly.
3. The phrase was never introduced in the Q41. Russia became the largest supplier of oil
Assembly. to India, displacing traditional players. In the
How many of the above statements is/are four-month period between November 2022 and
correct? February 2023, Russia took over the top spot
a) One only from
b) Two only A. Saudi Arabia
c) All the three B. Venezuela
d) None C. USA
Ans: B D. Iraq
Q38. CO2 emitted as part of industrial Ans: D
processes can also be captured at the source
using carbon capture and utilisation Q42. Consider the following statements in the
techniques. context of the US-China trade war.
In which of the following areas such captured 1. China is the world’s largest military
carbon can be used? spender.
1. carbonated drinks 2. China’s navy is the world’s biggest.
2. dry ice 3. China announced export curbs from
3. fire retardants August on gallium and germanium to the
4. concrete curing US.
5. textile dyeing How many of the above statements is/are
Select the correct code correct?
A. 1,2 and 3 only a) One only

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b) Two only C. All the three

c) All the three D. None
d) None Ans: B
Ans: B
Q45. ‘International Lunar Research Station’ is a
Q43. Consider the following statements about joint initiative of
global greenhouse gas emissions by defence A. India and France
forces. B. US and India
1. According to a 2022 estimate by C. Russia and China
international experts, militaries account D. China, Russia and North Korea
for 5.5% of global greenhouse gas Ans: C
emissions.
2. The defence forces were earlier not Q46. Which of the following nation is all set to
bound by international climate join NATO?
agreements to report or cut their carbon A. Sweden
emissions. B. Ukraine
3. The defence forces were included in the C. Belarus
1997 Kyoto Protocol on reducing D. Turkey
greenhouse gases. Ans: A
How many of the above statements is/are
correct? Q47. Consider the following statements in the
A. One only context of the recent SC judgement in the ED
B. Two only tenure extension case.
C. All the three 1. The Supreme Court has held that
D. None extensions granted by the Centre to
Ans: A Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director
Sanjay Kumar Mishra are “illegal and
Q44. Consider the following statements about invalid in law”.
the control of Civil Services in Delhi. 2. The SC has also invalidated
1. The Government of NCT -Delhi amendments made by the Parliament to
(Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
forms a new body (NCCSA) for Act and Delhi Special Police
matters relating to Group -A civil Establishment Act to justify the
services officers. extensions.
2. The National Capital Civil Services Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Authority comprises the L -G, the a) 1 only
CM and the Chief Secretary and all b) 2 only
the decisions are taken by majority c) Both
vote. d) Neither
3. NCCSA votes on transfers, postings, Ans: A
prosecution sanctions, disciplinary Q48. Consider the following statements about
proceedings, and vigilance issues. the forest cover in India.
How many of the above statements is/are 1. As per the latest data, forest and tree
correct? cover has increased to 24%.
A. One only 2. The growth is due to the increase in
B. Two only officially recorded forests.

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Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: A
Q49. A geological task force is recommending
to mark the start of a new epoch called the
ANTHROPOCENE at which of the following
sites?
A. Crawford Lake, Canada
B. Borra Caves, Araku Valley, India
C. Amazon Forests
D. Arctic
Ans: A
Q50. National Ganga Council is chaired by
A. PM
B. Minister of Jal Shakti
C. Home Minister
D. On a rotation basis CMs of states through
which the river passes.
Ans: A
Explanation:
Context: Arth Ganga rejuvenation
The HinduBL
 Arth Ganga is a sustainable economic model
conceptualized under Namami Gange
Programme to integrate people in the basin
with Ganga Rejuvenation.
 Namami Gange is an integrated river
rejuvenation programme not just to clean
River Ganga but restore its entire riverine
ecosystem. Namami Gange is premised on
the five important pillars of – Nirmal Ganga
(unpolluted river), Aviral Ganga (unrestricted
flow), Jan Ganga (People’s Participation),
Gyan Ganga (knowledge and research
based interventions) and Arth Ganga
(people-river connect through the bridge of
economy).
 Impactful interventions have been made to
make Ganga ‘Nirmal’ and ‘Aviral’. Since its
launch, Namami Gange has sanctioned over
441 projects worth ₹37,300 crore under
172
various components so far, out of which, 251
projects have been completed.
 Arth Ganga was espoused by the Prime
Minister during the first meeting of the
National Ganga Council (NGC) in Kanpur in
2019.
Q51. Which of the following states is the first to
have approved a Water Budget?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Rajasthan
C. Himachal Pradesh
D. Kerala
Ans: D
Explanation:
Source: State Water Budgets are the need of the
hour
The HinduBL
 A 2018 report of the Ramsar Convention on
Wetlands observed that up to 87 per cent of
the global wetland resources has been lost
since 1700. According to NASA satellite data,
almost half of the earth’s 37 largest aquifers
are running out too fast to be replenished and
an additional 13 are declining at a faster rate.
 With water running out, the world may have
to confront a series of associated problems
— food insecurity, heat waves, deteriorating
sanitation and regional conflicts over water
access.
 According to the UN World Water
Development Report, 2023, India is expected
to face severe water scarcity by 2050. The
World Bank in a report in 2023, too has
reiterated the same.
 Kerala became the first State to approve a
Water Budget on April 17, 2023 in an effort to
address water scarcity in certain areas.
Q52. Consider the following statements in the
context of the deep-sea mining licensing
system.
1. The International Seabed Authority ISA can
grant exploration contracts only in
international waters.
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2. Countries are free to carry out exploration
within their borders.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: Explained | What is deep sea mining
and what are the concerns related to the
industry? The Hindu
 The ISA can grant exploration contracts only
in international waters —the area defined as
the seabed and subsoil beyond the limits of
national jurisdiction by the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS); thus, the region beyond the
outer limits of the continental shelf. This
comprises just over 50% of the entire
seabed. UNCLOS is a 1982 agreement that
established rules governing the use of the
oceans and their resources.
 Countries are free to carry out exploration
within their borders. Norway in June 2023
proposed opening its waters to deep sea
mining in a bid to shift from hydrocarbons
towards newer sources of economic
activity, Reuters reported.
 France, meanwhile, banned deep sea
mining in its waters in January, while
Germany has called for a pause in the
development of the controversial industry.
 India has been granted two exploration
contracts from the ISA so far – one for
polymetallic nodules, and one for
polymetallic sulphides.
Q53. UN resolution draft L.23 which has been
adopted by the UN Human Rights Council is
against
A. the cases of violation of human rights in
Myanmar
B. the violence in Manipur in India
C. a case of desecration of a holy book in
Sweden
173
D. the increasing weaponization of oceans
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: In U.N. Human Rights Council vote,
India stands against desecration of Koran
The Hindu
 India on Wednesday voted in favour of a
draft resolution tabled in the UN Human
Rights Council that condemns and strongly
rejects recent “public and premeditated” acts
of desecration of the Holy Quran by a person
in Stockholm in Sweden.
 The Geneva-based 47-member UN Human
Rights Council adopted the draft resolution
‘Countering religious hatred constituting
incitement to discrimination, hostility or
violence’, with 28 members voting in favour,
seven abstentions and 12 nations voting
against.
Q54. Mission Start Ab, is a first-of-its-kind
series that will showcase India’s grassroots
innovators is an initiative of
A. Amazon Prime Video and Office of
Principal Scientific Adviser
B. Google and the Ministry of MSME
C. Google and NITI Aayog
D. Doordarshan and Ministry of Commerce
Ans: A
Explanation: Source: Amazon Prime Video
launches business reality series “Mission Start
Ab”
The HinduBL
 Amazon’s streaming service Prime
Video has joined with the Office of the
Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA),
Government of India, to create Mission Start
Ab, a first-of-its-kind series that will
showcase India’s grassroots innovators as
they turbo-charge their business growth.
 The seven-episode series will show these
promising entrepreneurs, focussed on
scaling made-for-India innovations with the
potential to impact socio-economic change,
undertake a series of challenges in pursuit of
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scaling their business and securing funding
for their ventures.
 With India as one of the world’s largest and
most vibrant start-up ecosystems, this wholly
Made-In-India series also brings together
three renowned investors who will search for
India’s next Unicorn, by putting these 10
early-stage founders through a series of
intense exercises and simulations that will
test their entrepreneurial, management,
communication and crises management
skills.
Q55. ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’ is a/an
A. India and UK Joint Naval exercise
launched in the Arabian sea.
B. Differential Global Navigation Satellite
System (DGNSS).
C. Digital Initiative of Coast Guards for
improved surveillance on the sea.
D. Sub-component of Deep Ocean Mining
Mission to be carried out by India.
Ans: B
Explanation:
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates
‘SAGAR SAMPARK’ Differential Global
Navigation Satellite System to Strengthen
the Maritime sector
PIB
 The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
inaugurated the indigenous Differential
Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS)
‘SAGAR SAMPARK’ in the presence of Shri
Shripad Y. Naik, the Minister of State of
Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Shri TK
Ramachandran, IAS Secretary, MoPSW and
other senior officials from the ministry and
Directorate General of Lighthouses and
Lightships.
 DGNSS is a terrestrial based enhancement
system which corrects the errors and
inaccuracies in the Global Navigation
Satellite System (GNSS) allowing for more
accurate positioning information.
174
Q56. Which of the following countries is not part
of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), whose
foundation document is set for a launch during
the later part of JULY 2023?
A. USA
B. Brazil
C. India
D. Saudi Arabia
Ans: D
Explanation: Source: India plans global biofuel
alliance with eye on Opec+ The MINT
 India is working on a plan to allow bio-fuel
exports and trading as it sews together a
compact for Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA),
whose foundation document is set for a
launch later this month in Goa.
 The Global Biofuels Alliance is a global
initiative that aims to expand and strengthen
sustainable biofuels markets through
technical cooperation, policy lesson-sharing
and dialogue about standards.
 With an eye on the Organisation of the
Petroleum Exporting Countries-plus (Opec+)
grouping and achieving net-zero, the
initiative is set to have an impact on the
global energy architecture, with Brazil, the
US and India being the core members of
the alliance. The alliance has not found
favour with one of the world’s largest oil
producer Saudi Arabia, which has a focus
on conventional hydrocarbons.
 The GBA’s focus is on accelerated adoption
of biofuels, creating new biofuels, setting
internationally recognized standards and
codes, identifying global best practices, and
ensuring industry participation to have
quantifiable outputs
Q57. Consider the following statements in the
context of CPI inflation.
1. The weightage of food in the CPI basket
has decreased from 60.9 (in 1960) to
46.2 (in 2001).
2. According to Engel’s Law as income
rises, the proportion of income spent on
Compilation June-July-August 2023

food falls, even if the absolute
expenditure on food rises.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: How the CPI basket conceals the
inflation picture
The Hindu
 The weightage of food in the CPI basket has
decreased from 60.9 (in 1960) to 57.0 (in
1982) and to 46.2 (in 2001). This gradual
decline indicates that as the economy
grows, the proportion of income spent on
food decreases.
 This is a common trend known as Engel’s
Law, which suggests that as income
rises, the proportion of income spent on
food falls, even if the absolute
expenditure on food rises. Over-reliance
on food inflation today distinguishes Indian
inflation from many other developed
countries where the food weight is much
smaller.
 These shifts imply that as people’s income
rises, they tend to allocate a larger
proportion of their spending towards non-
food items such as housing, education,
healthcare, personal care, entertainment,
and digital services such as the Internet.
This reflects a general improvement in living
standards and a broadening of consumer
demands.
Q58. Consider the following statements
about peatlands.
1. Peatland, a type of wetland, is formed
over thousands of years from the remains
of dead plants.
2. Globally, peatlands take up some 3% of
the planet’s land area and they are the
second-best carbon sinks after forests.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
175
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Ans: A
Explanation: Source: Why farmers are
revolting against EU’s historic nature restoration
law , Indian Express
 The Nature Restoration Law was first
introduced by the European Commission in
June 2022 and met political resistance over
plans to restore drained peatlands. The bill
allows for 30% of all former peatlands
currently exploited for agriculture to be
restored and partially shifted to other use by
the end of the decade, a figure rising to 70%
by 2050.
 Peatland, which is a type of wetland,
forms over thousands of years from the
remains of dead plants, storing more
carbon than any other ecosystem.
 Globally, peatlands take up some 3% of
the planet’s land area — and yet, they
absorb nearly twice as much carbon
dioxide as all the Earth’s forests
combined. But when damp peatlands are
drained and used for other purposes, like
agriculture or fertilizer, they go from being a
CO2 sink to yet another potent source of
greenhouse gas.
 Across Europe, 7% of the continent’s
greenhouse gas emissions are the result of
drained peatlands and wetlands. That’s
nearly as much CO2 as the emissions
produced by the EU’s entire industrial output.
Q59. Consider the following statements
about the research ecosystem in India.
1. India’s expenditure on R&D hovers
around 0.6-0.8% of the Gross Domestic
Product (GDP).
2. Of India’s total research expenditure, a
major share comes from the private
sector.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
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B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: Proposed National Research
Foundation looks to tap CSR funds, The
Hindu
 Statistics from the Ministry of Science and
Technology suggest that only 36% of
India’s research expenditure – of roughly
₹1.2 lakh crore – came from the private
sector in 2019-20, when the latest such
figures were published.
 This was one of the reasons why India’s
expenditure on R&D was hovering around
0.6% of the Gross Domestic Product
(GDP), well below the 1-2% that was
characteristic of countries with a stronger
science and technology infrastructure and
the global average of 1.8%. In China,
Japan, South Korea and the U.S., the private
sector pooled in 70% of the research
expenditure.
 About 70% of India’s research funds were
taken up by the Defence Research and
Development Organisation, the Department
of Space (DoS), the Department of Atomic
Energy and the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR). The Ministry of Science
and Technology, the Council of Scientific
and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
garnered about 20%.
 As per STATISTA, in 2021, India's gross
expenditure on research and development
(R&D) as a share of GDP stood at 0.8
percent, this was a significant decrease
compared to the previous year. The gross
expenditure on R&D was forecast to reach
65.2 billion U.S. dollars, a share of 0.65
percent of the total GDP in 2022.
Q60. As per data from FY22 and FY23, which
of the following countries is the largest importer
of Indian cotton yarn?
176
A. China
B. USA
C. Bangladesh
D. Russia
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: Cotton output falls on crop
switching, waning demand
The MINT
 India, one of the world’s largest cotton
producers, risks becoming a net importer
after both exports and production registered
a record decline in the current financial year
amid weak demand for textile products in the
West due to the long-drawn Ukraine war.
 The value of cotton yarn and handloom
product exports also fell 14% in May 2023
compared with the year-ago period. Cotton
exports had earlier slipped nearly 75% in
FY23 to $678.75 million compared with $2.65
billion in the last financial year. Notably,
cotton yarn manufacturers had witnessed
record profits due to strong demand after the
end of the covid-19 pandemic. Besides,
experts said demand was also boosted by
lower domestic cotton prices compared
with global prices, along with a US ban on
cotton products from China’s Xinjiang
region on human rights grounds.
 Experts also attributed the decline to demand
slide in China after a patchy recovery from
covid-19. Historically, China has been the
largest buyer of Indian cotton yarn but
post the US ban, Bangladesh took its
place and became the largest importer of
Indian cotton yarn in FY22 and FY23.
Q61. Which of the following country’s
Parliamentary Committee has passed a
resolution recognising Arunachal Pradesh
as an integral part of India?
a) France
b) Turkey
c) USA
d) England
Ans: C
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Explanation:
Source: U.S. Senate Committee passes
resolution recognising Arunachal Pradesh
as an integral part of India The
Hindu
 A Congressional Senatorial Committee has
passed a resolution recognising Arunachal
Pradesh as an integral part of India.
 The resolution was introduced by Senators
Mr. Jeff Merkley, Mr. Bill Hagerty, Mr. Tim
Kaine and Mr. Chris Van Hollen on
Thursday, July 13.
 The resolution reaffirms that the United
States recognises the McMahon Line as the
international boundary between the People’s
Republic of China (PRC) and the Indian state
of Arunachal Pradesh.
Q62. Consider the following statements
about India’s moon missions.
1. Chandrayaan-1 was meant to take a
spacecraft to the moon, but not land.
2. Chandrayaan-2 was to learn (or
demonstrate) a soft landing of a lander
onto the moon’s surface.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: Chandrayaan-3 gets off to a dream
start, The Indian Express
 This is India’s third sally on the moon.
Chandrayaan-1, which happened in October
2008, was meant to take a spacecraft to the
moon, but not land. Chandrayaan-2 was to
learn (or demonstrate) a soft-landing of a
lander onto the moon’s surface. But that part
of the mission was not successful--because
of a software glitch, the thrusters meant to
slow down the descending lander failed to
develop sufficient upward thrust and the
lander crash-landed, hitting the moon at a
177
speed of 58 minutes a second, against the
intended 2 mps.
 The ₹615 crore Chandrayaan-3 now carries
the hopes of the entire country, because if a
successful soft-landing happens, India will be
only the 4th country to do so, after the
Soviets, USA and China.
Q63. Consider the following statements
about the French Award conferred on PM
Modi.
1. The National Order of the Legion of
Honour, or simply The Legion of Honour
is the highest civilian French decoration,
2. The Order was established by Napoleon
Bonaparte in 1802 and has been
presented for more than the past two
centuries.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour:
France’s highest decoration, mark of its greatest
honour, for PM Modi
Indian Express
 The National Order of the Legion of Honour,
or simply The Legion of Honour is the highest
French decoration, both civil and military,
and is one of the most famous national
honours in the world.
 The Order was established by Napoleon
Bonaparte in 1802, and has been presented
for more than the past two centuries
Q64. Consider the following statements.
1. The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana
(AVYAY) is a scheme launched by the
Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment
2. It is a Central Sector Scheme, which is
formerly known as National Action Plan
for Senior Citizens.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
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 178

a) 1 only  Indian and Mongolian troops will take part in

b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: C
Explanation:
 The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) is
a scheme launched by the Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment in India to
empower senior citizens and ensure their
well-being and social inclusion.
 It is a Central Sector Scheme, which is
formerly known as National Action Plan for
Senior Citizens.
 Its vision is to create a society where senior
citizens live healthy, happy and empowered
life.
Q65. Which country has the highest
renewable energy penetration in the world?
a) China
b) USA
c) Germany
d) Denmark
Ans: C
Explanation: Source: The nuclear option for
Net Zero, The HinduBL
It is no coincidence that Germany which has the
highest renewable penetration in the world (46
per cent), also has the highest tariff. Given its
continental location, it can draw electricity from
the regional grid including nuclear power from
the Czech Republic and France. India does not
have this luxury.
Q66. 'Nomadic Elephant' is an annual training
exercise which is conducted alternatively in
India and
a) France
b) Mongolia
c) Tanzania
d) Taiwan
Ans: B
Explanation: Source: India, Mongolia joint
military exercise to be held in Ulaanbaatar from
July 17- July 31
The Hindu
the 15th edition of a bilateral military
exercise in Ulaanbaatar from July 17 to July
31 aimed at exchanging best practices and
developing interoperability, the Ministry of
Defence said on July 16.
 "The aim of this exercise is to build positive
military relations, exchange best practices,
and develop inter-operability, bonhomie,
camaraderie and friendship between the two
Armies. The primary theme of the exercise
will focus on counter-terrorism operations in
mountainous terrain under United Nations
mandate," the statement said.
 'Nomadic Elephant' is an annual training
exercise which is conducted alternatively
in Mongolia and India. The last edition of
the exercise was held at the Special Forces
Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh
in October 2019.
Q67. Consider the following statements
about India’s forest conservation.
1. There is no all-encompassing definition
of a ‘forest’.
2. Godavarman Thirumulpad 1996 SC
judgment directed Union Government to
define and demarcate forests using
state-specific criteria.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: Explained | Why is there a
controversy on the forest Bill?
The Hindu
 A Supreme Court judgment in 1996, in
the Godavarman Thirumulpad case,
expanded the scope of such protection.
Under it, even areas not formally notified as
‘forests’ but conforming to the ‘dictionary’
meaning of forests were protected.

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 There is no all-encompassing definition of a
‘forest’ and the Thirumalpad judgment
directed States to define and demarcate
forests using their own criteria. Not all
States did, and over the years there has
been considerable debate over the extent to
which the judgment abetted forest
conservation.
 India’s forest policy of 1988 prescribes a
third of the country’s geographical area to be
under forests. Realistically, only 21% is
under such cover and it is about 24% if one
also accounts for tree cover outside areas
under recorded forest, plantations, orchards.
Q68. Consider the following statements
about lightning as a natural disaster.
1. The Union government has declared
lightning a natural disaster.
2. India is among the only five countries in the
world with an early warning system for
lightning and the forecast is available from
five days to up to 3 hours.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: Lightning, not a natural disaster,
says Centre The Hindu
 The Union government is not in favour of
declaring lightning a natural disaster as
deaths caused by it can be avoided through
education and awareness, according to a
senior government official who spoke on the
condition of anonymity. India is among the
only five countries in the world with an early
warning system for lightning and the forecast
is available from five days to up to 3 hours.
 There have been demands by States such
as Bihar and West Bengal that deaths due to
lightning be covered as a natural disaster.
The victims will be entitled to
compensation from the State Disaster
Response Fund (SDRF) once this is
179
notified. As much as 75% of funds to
SDRF are contributed by the Centre.
Q69. The Black Sea Grain Initiative deals with
A. Supply of food grains to Ukraine amid
war conditions
B. Supply of wheat, corn, sunflower oil and
other goods from Ukraine to the world
C. Black Sea surrounding countries led
humanitarian aid to war victims
D. India and Turkey led humanitarian
assistance treaty signed recently
Ans: B
Explanation: Russia pulls back from
humanitarian cooperation at UN
The MINT
 Signed in Istanbul in July last year, the Black
Sea Grain Initiative is one of the few
diplomatic breakthroughs of the war, allowing
Ukraine to export more than 32 million tons
of wheat, corn, sunflower oil and other goods
around the world. The deal opened a special
maritime corridor in the Black Sea for both
commercial ships and charter vessels that
the U.N. uses to ship Ukrainian grain to
crisis-stricken countries such as Sudan,
Yemen and Somalia.
 The Turkish government, which along with
the U.N. helped broker the initial deal, has
played a central role in keeping Russia from
breaking with the agreement over the past
year.
Q70. Which of the following channels can be
used by the banks to initiate legal recovery
proceedings against delinquent borrowers?
1. National Company Law Tribunal
2. Debt Recovery Tribunal
3. SARFAESI (Securitisation and
Reconstruction of Financial Assets and
Enforcement of Security Interest) Act, 2002
4. Lok Adalats
Select the correct code
A. 1,2 and 3 only
B. 2 only
Compilation June-July-August 2023

C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1,2, 3 and 4
Ans: D
Explanation: Source: PSBs to step up one-time
settlement in written-off loans to meet 40%
recovery target set by FinMin, RBI, The
HinduBL
 Public sector banks (PSBs) are expected to
step up one-time settlement (OTS) in written-
off loans as the Finance Ministry and the
Reserve Bank of India have emphasised on
the importance of improving recovery from
these accounts.
Q71 ‘Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2022’
has been released by
A. Ministry of Commerce
B. NITI Aayog
C. EXIM Bank
D. RBI
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: NITI Aayog releases the third edition
of the ‘Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2022’
for States/UTs
PIB
 NITI Aayog has released the third edition of
the report titled ‘Export Preparedness Index
(EPI) 2022’ for States/UTs of India.
 The EPI 2022 Report evaluates the
performance of the states across four
pillars – Policy, Business Ecosystem, Export
Ecosystem, and Export Performance. The
index uses 56 indicators which holistically
capture the export preparedness of States
and UTs in terms of exports at both the state
and district-level.
Q72. Centuries-old “namda” craft is back from
the brink of extinction. Powering the revival of
the once dying art are more than 2,200 artisans
dispatched the first batch of an export
consignment worth $1.5 lakh. The craft belongs
to
A. Telangana
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B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Kashmir
D. Himachal Pradesh
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: Near-extinct Kashmiri rugs find new
lease of life The Tribune
 Kashmir’s centuries-old “namda” (wollen
felt rug) craft is back from the brink of
extinction. Powering the revival of the once
dying art are more than 2,200 artisans from
the Valley, mainly girls, who this week
dispatched the first batch of an export
consignment worth $1.5 lakh received from
the UK, Japan, Holland and Germany.
 This is the first export for J&K-made namdas
in over 25 years. The turnaround happened
after the artisans underwent training as part
of the Centre’s special pilot project to save
the art that dates back to the 11th century.
 Namda is a handmade rug crafted by
felting of wool rather than weaving it.
 In the 1970s, namdas used to account for
annual exports worth Rs 300 crore. But
gradually exports dwindled due to scarcity of
raw material and skilled manpower.
Q73. Consider the following statements
about proposed data protection bill.
1. The proposed Data Protection Bill plans
to amend those subsections of RTI Act
2005 which relate to personal
information.
2. The proposed Bill defines the term
‘person’ very widely to include
individuals, companies, and the state.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Compilation June-July-August 2023
 181

Ans: C 33.3% deprived overall is said to be

Explanation:
Source: A Bill that fences in the right to
information
The Hindu
 The proposed Data Protection Bill plans to
amend RTI Act Section 8(1)(j) to read as
exempting information under (j), which
relates to personal information
 If this amendment is made, all information
which can be related to a person could be
legally denied. Most information could be
shown as being related to a person, and
hence the law would become a Right to Deny
for Public Information Officers (PIO) who do
not wish to give out information.
 The proposed Bill defines the term ‘person’
very widely to include individuals,
companies, and the state. Most information
except budgets would be linked to one of
these.
Q74. Consider the following statements
about multi-dimensional poverty index
released by NITI Aayog.
1. Health and education have more
weightage than living standards in
computing an individual’s overall extent of
‘deprivation’.
2. A person who is at least 33.3% deprived
overall is said to be multi-dimensionally
poor.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Ans: B
Explanation: ‘135 mn come out of poverty trap in
5 yrs’
The MINT
Health, education, and living standards are
weighted equally to compute an individual’s
overall extent of ‘deprivation’. Each sub-indicator
has a separate weight. A person who is at least
multidimensionally poor.
Q75. Which of the following states in India has
reported the majority number of Crimean-Congo
haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) which is spreading
in Europe?
A. Kerala
B. Gujarat
C. TN
D. Goa
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: Climate change aiding spread of
deadly virus in Europe: What is CCHF
The Indian Express
 As Europe reels under a heatwave and
wildfires, the rising temperatures have also
raised fears of spread of viruses generally
not found in colder climates. Alert has been
sounded about the Crimean-Congo
haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), an infection
spread by ticks that has a high fatality
rate, according to the World Health
Organization (WHO).
 The CCHF is endemic to Africa, the Balkan
countries, Middle East, and parts of Asia. The
first fatality from the disease in Europe was
in Spain, in 2016.
 In India, one person succumbed to CCHF
last month in Gujarat, the state that reports
the majority of the country’s cases of this
disease
Q76. In which of the following countries the
world’s largest refugee camp is located?
A. USA
B. India
C. Bangladesh
D. Sri Lanka
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: A new wave of violence rocks
Rohingya camps The Hindu
 In a brazen, daylight attack earlier this
month, a group of assailants knifed a
Rohingya community leader to death in

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Cox’s Bazar and fled. The death of
Mohammad Ebadullah, 35, sent a
shockwave through the Kutupalong block
where he had provided community service. It
all played out when a delegation of the
International Criminal Court (ICC), led by
Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan, a British
lawyer, was interviewing refugees in another
block of the camp.
 The murder of Ebadullah is part of a long list
of killings by armed groups that stalk the
world’s largest refugee camp in
southeastern Bangladesh.
 Over a million Rohingya refugees, a
stateless Muslim minority, have fled violence
in Myanmar in successive waves of
displacement since the early 1990s.
The latest exodus began in August 2017,
when violence broke out in Myanmar’s
Rakhine State, driving more than 742,000 to
seek refuge in Bangladesh. Most arrived in
the first three months of the crisis.
Q77. Which country’s reptile bank has requested
its government to grant permission to import six
gharials and equal number of mugger crocodiles
from India?
A. France
B. USA
C. Brazil
D. Australia
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: America's largest reptile sanctuary
wants to import gharials from India
The Hindu
 America's largest reptile bank based in
Arizona has applied to the Federal
Government to import six gharials and
another equal number of mugger
crocodiles from Tamil Nadu, which it says
would help preserve these endangered
species.
182
 According to the Federal notification, the
Phoenix Herpetological Society has
requested a permit to import three male and
three female captive-bred gharials (Gavialis
gangeticus) and three male and three female
captive-bred mugger crocodile (Crocodylus
palustris kimbula and Crocodylus palustris
palustris) from Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
in Tamil Nadu.
Q78. Consider the following statements
about controversy around GM-Mustard.
1. Two Standing Committees of Parliament
one constituted in 2012 and the other in
2017 have put forward conflicting views
on releasing of GM food.
2. The Supreme Court-appointed Technical
Expert Committee in 2013 has pointed to
grave deficiencies in the safety
assessment of GM crops in its report.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: A push for GM mustard disregarding
science, the law
The Hindu
 In the wake of the fierce debate, two
Standing Committees of the Parliament
independently and comprehensively
examined GM crops and food. The Supreme
Court also appointed a Technical Expert
Committee (TEC).
 Working across an interval of five years, the
two committees unanimously highlighted
major weaknesses in the regulatory system,
and called for utmost caution before
releasing GM food. The Committee on
Science and Technology, Environment and
Forests made a specific reference to GM
mustard, and asked the government to
Compilation June-July-August 2023

conduct a thorough, independent, and
transparent assessment of long-term
biosafety, environmental risk and socio-
economic impacts. Five of the six TEC
members also pointed to grave deficiencies
in the safety assessment of GM crops in their
report that was released in 2013.
Q79. Consider the following statements
about Coral bleaching.
1. When the ocean becomes too acidic, the
zooxanthellae living within the coral leave
and coral appears to have been
bleached.
2. Bleaching is a death knell as corals once
bleached cannot recover again.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: A
Source: Coral Bleaching: What is it?
The Hindu
 When the ocean environment changes – for
example, if its temperature rises beyond a
point, it becomes too acidic, or it becomes
too bright – the zooxanthellae living within
the coral leave. As they do, the coral fades
until it appears to have been bleached; if the
corals continue to be stressed, they won’t
welcome the algae back and eventually
die. Other stressors include low tides and
water pollution, as well as ecosystem
changes wrought by the climate crisis.
 Bleaching is not always a death knell.
Some colonies have been known to
survive a bleaching event, like, famously,
one near Japan’s Iriomote Island: it was
bleached in 2016 but showed signs of
recovery in 2020.
Q80. Australian state Victoria has withdrawn its
acceptance from hosting which of the following
international games?
A. Commonwealth Games 2026
183
B. Olympics 2032
C. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
D. Cricket World Cup 2027
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: An anachronism: on the
Commonwealth Games The Hindu
 With less than three years to go, the decision
of the Government of Victoria, Australia, to
withdraw from the hosting of the 2026
Commonwealth Games (CWG) has come as
a mighty blow to the sporting movement.
 After Birmingham replaced Durban for the
2022 edition, this is the second consecutive
occasion when the original host city is
unable to host the games due to financial
issues. Victoria, which had uniquely
proposed to organise the games over a
region, had initially estimated a budget of
AUS$2.6 billion, but its Premier, Daniel
Andrews, said the costs could go beyond
AUS$6 billion, which to him is too much for a
12-day sporting event.
Q81. An organic India-West Asia Food Corridor
is also shaping up between
A. India, Saudi Arabia and Israel.
B. India, the UAE, Israel
C. India and the UAE
D. India, Iran and the UAE
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: From desert to
farmland: UAE strives to become a pioneer
in climate-smart agriculture
The Hindu
India has always been an important partner for
the UAE in food trade. Last year, the UAE
invested $2 billion in food parks in India to tackle
food shortages in the region, which will receive
technical knowhow from Israel and the U.S.
under the I2U2 partnership. An organic India-
West Asia Food Corridor is also shaping up
between India, the UAE, and Israel. Food
security was also one of the topics that came
under discussion during Prime Minister
Compilation June-July-August 2023

Narendra Modi’s July 15 visit to the UAE.
Q82. Which country has occupied the top
position on the Henley Passport Index 2023?
A. USA
B. Japan
C. Singapore
D. France
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: India secures 80th rank on
Henley Passport Index
The Hindu
Japan, which occupied the top position on
the Henley Passport Index for five years,
dropped to the third place. It was replaced
by Singapore, which is now officially the
most powerful passport in the world, with its
citizens able to visit 192 travel destinations
out of 227 around the world visa-free.
India has climbed seven places on Henley
Passport Index 2023 to 80th rank from 87
last year though the number of countries
allowed visa-free access to Indian
passport holders remain unchanged.
Q83. Consider the following statements
about Deomali in Odisha.
1. Deomali is considered the highest
mountain peak in the State.
2. Deomali is home to a forestland known
as Deomali Reserve Forest.
3. Odisha Government is constructing
tourist infrastructure at Deomali which is
part of Swadesh Darshan Scheme of
Central Government.
How many of the above statements is/are
correct?
A. One only
B. Two only
C. All the three
D. None
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: NGT issues notice to Odisha
government over cottage construction atop
184
its highest peak
The Hindu
 The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has
directed the Odisha government to furnish a
reply on its ongoing construction of cottages
atop Deomali, which is considered the
highest mountain peak in the State.
 In its petition, the WSO said Deomali, home
to endemic species of flora and fauna, is a
forestland known as Deomali Reserve
Forest.
 The Deomali Project has been included
under the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan
Scheme for the development of
infrastructure to boost inflow of tourists.
Q84. Consider the following statements
about quality control regime in India.
1. While Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Standards are voluntary in nature, Quality
Order Control(QCO) is a mandatory
certification scheme.
2. QCO is applicable only for the products
manufactured for domestic market.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Ans: A
Source: DPIIT notifies Quality Control Orders
for ‘Resin treated compressed wood
laminates’ and ‘Insulated Flask, Bottles and
Containers for Domestic Use’
The Hindu
 While Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Standards are voluntary in nature, QCO
is a mandatory certification scheme,
whereby compliance to specified list of
Indian Standards applicable to the
concerned product is made compulsory
by the Central Government.
 The objective of notifying the QCOs is to
help curb the imports of sub-standard
products into India, prevention of unfair
trade practices and enhance quality of the
Compilation June-July-August 2023

domestically manufactured products for
the protection of human, animal or plant
health and safety of the environment.
Q85. Consider the following statements about
Indus Water Treaty(IWT).
1. Pakistan initiated arbitration at
Permanent Court of Arbitration to
address the interpretation and
application of the IWT to certain design
elements of two Indian run-of-river
hydroelectric projects on Jhelum and
Chenab.
2. In July 2023, the court determined that it
is not competent to consider and
determine the disputes set forth in
Pakistan’s request for arbitration.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: More than court action, revisit the
Indus Waters Treaty
The Hindu
 In January this year, Pakistan initiated
arbitration at the Hague-based Permanent
Court of Arbitration to address the
interpretation and application of the IWT to
certain design elements of two run-of-river
hydroelectric projects — on the
Kishanganga (a tributary of the Jhelum)
and Ratle, a hydro-electric project on the
Chenab. India raised objections as it views
that the Court of Arbitration is not competent
to consider the questions put to it by
Pakistan and that such questions should
instead be decided through the neutral
expert process.
 On July 6, 2023, the court unanimously
passed a decision (which is binding on both
parties without appeal) rejecting each of
India’s objections. The court determined
that it is competent to consider and
185
determine the disputes set forth in Pakistan’s
request for arbitration.
Q86. Which of the following textile centres
accounts for more than half of the total textile
exports from India?
A. Varanasi, UP
B. Tiruppur, TN
C. Ahmedabad, Guj
D. Kanpur, UP
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: Textiles in a tangle
The BS
 Since last Saturday, around 1,800 of the total
2,200 spinning mills in Tamil Nadu decided
to stop production and sale of yarn. The state
is home to more than half the country´s 4,000
odd spinning mills.
 These companies´ key grievance is the lack
of policy support as a result of the demand
recession in the United States (US) and the
European Union (EU) markets that has made
their businesses unviable.
 Some estimates suggest that these closed
mills supply around 45 per cent of the yarn
requirement for India´s largest garment hub,
Tiruppur.
 The list of problems that the textile industry is
facing go beyond the demand decline in key
western markets to the high import duty on
cotton, competition from countries like
Bangladesh, and rising borrowing costs.
 Meanwhile, exporters from Tiruppur are
seeing themselves losing out to rivals such
as Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia
among others.
 Tiruppur accounts for 54 per cent of
India´s textile exports.
Q87. Consider the following statements
about the restrictions on social media.
1. Section 69A of the IT Act allows the
government to issue content-blocking
orders to online intermediaries.
2. In 2015 the Supreme Court in Shreya
Singhal vs Union of India held that Sec
Compilation June-July-August 2023

69A should be used in very rare
circumstances.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: What is Section 69 (A), under which
Govt has asked social media platforms to
take down Manipur video ,
The Indian Express
 Section 69 of the IT Act allows the
government to issue content-blocking orders
to online intermediaries such as Internet
Service Providers (ISPs), telecom service
providers, web hosting services, search
engines, online marketplaces, etc. The
Section requires the information or
content being blocked to be deemed a
threat to India’s national security,
sovereignty, or public order.
 In a landmark 2015 ruling, the Supreme
Court in Shreya Singhal vs Union of India
struck down Section 66A of the Information
Technology Act of 2000, which entailed
punishment for sending offensive messages
through communication services, etc. The
plea had also challenged Section 69A of
the Information Technology Rules 2009,
but the SC held this to be
“constitutionally valid”.
Q88. Consider the following statements
about presiding officers in Rajya Sabha.
1. RS Chairman has nominated four women
parliamentarians to the panel of vice-
chairpersons.
2. A vice-chairperson from the panel can
preside the house if the position of the RS
Chairman falls vacant.
3. The RS has never had any woman Deputy
Chairman so far.
186
How many of the above statements is/are
correct?
a) One only
b) Two only
c) All the three
d) None
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: The Hindu
 Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar
nominated four women parliamentarians to
the panel of vice-chairpersons, giving
women equal representation in the panel, for
the first time in the history of the Rajya
Sabha.The panel, which was reconstituted
before the monsoon session, has a total of
eight members.
 Among the newly nominated members, S.
Phangnon Konyak has also found a berth.
She is the first ever woman from Nagaland
to be elected as a member of the Rajya
Sabha. The other members are: nominated
member P.T. Usha, BJD’s Sulata Deo and
NCP’s Fauzia Khan. Both Ms. Khan and Ms.
Usha were part of the earlier panel too.
Among the men, Congress’s L.
Hanumanthiah, Trinamool Congress’s
Sukendu Shekhar Ray and the BJP’s
Ghanshyam Tewari were nominated for the
panel.
 Ms Najma Heptullah had remained RS Dy
Chairperson for 16 long years.
Q89. Consider the following statements
about recent orders on drug containing
pholocodine.
1. The retail chemists been advised to ask
patients to get a substation drug from
their doctors in case anyone carries a
prescription for a drug containing
pholcodine.
2. According to the Drugs and Cosmetics
Act, chemists cannot substitute a doctor´s
prescription.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
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B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Ans: C
Source: Chemists to take pholcodine cough
medicines off shelves
The Business Standard
 The chemist´s lobby has asked its members-
roughly 1.2 million retail chemists across the
country-to advise patients to get a substation
drug from their doctors in case anyone
carries a prescription for a drug containing
pholcodine.
 All Indian Origin Chemists & Distributors
(AIOCD) has issued an advisory to chemists
against sharing brand names that contain
pholcodine.
 According to the Drugs and Cosmetics
Act, chemists cannot substitute a
doctor´s prescription.
Q90. Consider the following statements about
ban on export of rice by India.
1. The Central Government has banned the
export of non-basmati white rice with
immediate effect.
2. The ban order is driven mainly by
excessive rainfall in Punjab and Haryana.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: Centre bans export of non-basmati
white rice
The BS
 The Centre on Thursday banned the export
of nonbasmati white rice with immediate
effect to boost domestic supply and help
control inflation.
 Nonbasmati white rice accounts for nearly
25-30 per cent of total rice exported from the
country.
187
 Major destinations of India´s nonbasmati
white rice exports include Thailand, Italy,
Spain, Sri Lanka and the USA.
 Concerns over rice production in the
kharif season due to inadequate rainfall in
the major growing states of Bihar (40
percent cumulative deficit), Jharkhand
(44 per cent deficit), Odisha (15 per cent
deficit) and excess rains in other major
states like Punjab (+52 per cent) and
Haryana (+65 per cent), have played a part
in the government´s decision.
Q91. Consider the following statements about
lunar exploration.
1. Europe, Japan and Canada have joined
the United States as partners on
the Lunar Gateway, a space station that
will orbit the Moon.
2. The Artemis Accords include countries
from North America, Europe, South Asia,
Arab world and no country from Africa.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans:A
Explanation:
Source: Returning to the Moon can benefit
commercial, military and political sectors:
Expert
The Hindu
 Europe, Japan and Canada have already
joined the United States as partners on
the Lunar Gateway, a space station that will
orbit the Moon, with the first modules
expected to launch in 2025.
 The United States is also seeking
international support for the Artemis
Accords, a set of principles for responsible
lunar exploration and development. As of
July 2023, 27 nations had signed the
accords. This includes not just close allies
like the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan,
Compilation June-July-August 2023

but also less traditional partners, such as
Rwanda, Nigeria and the United Arab
Emirates. India’s signing of the accords in
June 2023 was seen as a sign of
strengthening ties between the U.S. and
India.
Q92. Consider the following statements
about natural gas sector in India.
1. Of the total gas demand in India, more
than 75% is imported.
2. Gas is sold under Administered Price
Mechanism (APM) only.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Ans: D
Explanation: Source: Gas sector: Groaning
under price controls
The HinduBL
 India has total gas demand of
approximately 160 million standard cubic
metre (MMSCM), of which only 50 per
cent is produced domestically.
 Gas sold under Administered Price
Mechanism (APM) constitute about 45
million standard cubic metre a day
(MMSCMD), gas from High Pressure
High Temperature is about 25 MMSCMD
and balance is non-APM gas generally
priced around APM. Besides these there
is liquefied natural gas (LNG).
 The country has different pricing
regimes for domestic gas and they are
not aligned with imported gas which is
freely priced.
Q93. The initiative WINDS launched by
the Union Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare aims to
A. establish a wide network of weather
stations at the block and gram panchayat
level
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B. provide advance weather information on
storms in coastal areas
C. provide cheaper loans to agri-startups by
women farmers in Rajasthan
D. provide highly subsidised power
manufactured from wind energy to farmer
households in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Ans: A
Explanation:
Source: Earth Sciences Minister Shri Kiren
Rijiju calls for adapting Agriculture to
Climate Change with a responsive and
appropriate scientific mechanism
PIB
 The Union Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare launched three
important initiatives- YES TECH
(Technology based Yield Estimation
System), WINDS (Weather Information
Data Information System) and AIDE
(App for Intermediary Enrolment)
dedicated to the farmers.
 Crucial weather related information and
data will be available to the farmers
through WINDS. Keeping in view the
challenges of obtaining accurate
meteorological data from inadequate
infrastructure, the WINDS initiative is
laying emphasis on setting up a strong
network of weather stations. Through
this initiative, the target is to establish
a wide network of weather stations at
the block and gram panchayat level.
This strategic approach will ensure
widespread access to accurate and
timely weather data. The goal is to bridge
the gap in weather information availability
and empower decision makers, farmers
and stakeholders at the grassroots level.
Q94. A notification that ´restricted´ the use of
glyphosate is in news these days. Glyphosate
is used in
A. Cough syrups
B. Controlling unwanted plant growth
Compilation June-July-August 2023

C. Diabetes control medicines
D. Artificial sweetners
Ans: B
Source:
The Business Standard
 The government recently told the Delhi
High Court that the notification that
´restricted´ the use of glyphosate only
through pest control operators (PCOs)
will not be implemented till further orders.
 Last year in November, the Delhi High
Court had stayed the implementation of a
government notification that ´restricted´
the use of glyphosate only through PCOs
first for a period of three months.
 In crop, glyphosate has been majorly
used in tea plantations in India where it is
used to control herbicides.
 Glyphosate is also used on noncrop
areas to control unwanted growth.
 These include, alongside irrigation
channels, railway sidings, fallow land,
bunds, farm borders, parks, industrial and
military premises, airports, power
stations, etc.
 Glyphosate usage saw a manifold rise,
once Ht BT cotton started getting illegally
cultivated in India.
Q95. Consider the following statements about
the BRICS expansion.
1. The BRICS countries represent more
than one quarter of global GDP and 42
per cent of the world’s population.
2. Under recently released conditions of
joining BRICS, the membership to
BRICS is open to countries by meeting a
mandatory criteria of GDP of $400 billion
and BRICS trade of $50 billion.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: A
Explanation:
189
Source: BRICS expansion: India may soften
stand on criteria for eligibility
TheHindu BL
India may soften its stand on expansion of the
five-country BRICS when the proposal comes up
for discussion at the BRICS Summit next month
and not insist that the standards and stated
criteria of qualification being discussed, such as
minimum GDP and trade with bloc members, be
``strictly’’ met to accommodate countries
favoured by existing members, sources said.
“New Delhi is likely to support the inclusion of
about three to five new members into the BRICS.
It would not insist that the criteria of qualification
pushed by it, such as GDP of $400 billion and
BRICS trade of $50 billion, be strictly met as
long as it can be established that the new
countries favoured by other BRICS members
are indeed emerging economies,” a source
tracking the matter told businessline.
The frontrunners for new membership are
Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and
some others. All these countries meet the
non-economic parameters of being UN
members and democracies.
Q96. Consider the following statements about
T-Bills.
1. T- Bills are promissory notes issued by
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) almost
every week on behalf of the government
of India.
2. Unlike Fixed Deposits, T- Bills and other
government securities cannot be pledged
to avail loans or sold out in the markets in
any contingency.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans:A
Explanation:
Source: T-bills are safer and better than fixed
deposits
The MINT
Compilation June-July-August 2023

 T- Bills are promissory notes issued by
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) almost
every week on behalf of the government
of India. These bills come with a maturity
profile of 91 days, 182 days and 364
days.
 One of the biggest advantages of FDs is
easy liquidity despite the lower interest
rates. However, it should be noted that, in
case of an emergency, T- Bills and other
government securities can be pledged to
avail loans or sold out in the markets.
Q97. Consider the following statements
about latest developments in disputes
resolution in patent licensing in India.
1. Competition Commission of India (CCI)
cannot probe terms and conditions
imposed by patent holders on those who
seek licence of these patents.
2. The Controller of Patents has wide
investigation powers including powers to
call for information from all relevant
parties in a case of a dispute.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) Neither
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: Delhi HC patents verdict may hit small
scale, mid-sized manufacturers
The Hindu
 A verdict by a two-judge bench of the
Delhi High Court last week is expected to
have an adverse impact on India’s mid
and small manufacturers who licence
patents from large international firms.
 The court ruled that in the issues pertaining
to rights of patentees, the Patents Act
overrides the Competition Act and hence the
anti-trust regulator cannot probe issues
pertaining to rights of patentees.
190
 This verdict was delivered in the appeals
moved by global companies Ericsson and
Monsanto against a Competition
Commission of India (CCI) probe. Earlier, a
single bench of Delhi High Court had ruled in
favour of CCI—a verdict that has now been
overturned.
 Legal experts said the judgment implies that
CCI cannot probe terms and conditions
imposed by patent holders on those who
seek licence of these patents. Instead,
any grievances regarding patentee rights
need to be taken up before controller of
patents.
 However, unlike CCI which has wide powers
to summon documents and depose people,
the controller of patents is not a full-fledged
regulator.
Q98. Which of the following countries has
become the first case where India, has
handed over a full operational corvette to a
foreign country?
A. Bangladesh
B. Vietnam
C. Maldives
D. Oman
Ans: B
Explanation:
Source: India hands over INS Kirpan to
Vietnam in landmark move
The Mint
 India handed over INS Kirpan, a corvette in
active use by the Indian Navy, to Vietnam
People’s Navy on Saturday.
 “On completing 32 years of illustrious service
to the nation, Indian Naval Ship Kirpan has
been decommissioned from the Indian Navy
and handed over to Vietnam People’s Navy
at Cam Ranh, Vietnam. The
decommissioning and handing over
ceremony of INS Kirpan to VPN was
presided over by Adm R. Hari Kumar, chief
of naval staff, Indian Navy and Rear Adm
Pham Manh Hung, deputy commander-in-
Compilation June-July-August 2023
 191

chief and chief of staff, VPN,” reads a press  Scientists say Russia is warming at least 2.5
statement. times faster than the rest of the world,
 According to the Indian Navy chief, this melting the long-frozen tundra that covers
marks the first time India has handed over a about 65% of the country's landmass and
full operational corvette to a foreign country releasing greenhouse gases stored in the
thawed soil.
Q99. 'Akira' that remains in news these days is  The "gateway to the underworld," as some
a) a cyclone building up in Bay of Bengal locals in Russia's Sakha Republic also call it,
b) a ransomware virus has a scientific name: a mega-slump.
c) an AI driven robot
d) a Japanese Anime character
Ans: B
Source: CERT-In cautions Internet users against
Ransomware 'Akira' attack
The Hindu
An Internet ransomware virus 'Akira' that steals
vital personal information and encrypts data
leading to extortion of money from people has
been reported in cyberspace, the country's
federal cyber security agency has said in the
latest advisory.

Q100. Batagaika crater,one-kilometre in length

forms the world's biggest permafrost crater is
located in
A. Antarctica
B. Greenland
C. Russia
D. Norway
Ans: C
Explanation:
Source: World's biggest permafrost crater in
Russia’s Far East thaws as planet warms
TheHindu
 Stunning drone footage has revealed details
of the Batagaika crater, a one-kilometre-long
gash in Russia's Far East that forms the
world's biggest permafrost crater.
 In the video two explorers clamber across
uneven terrain at the base of the depression,
marked by irregular surfaces and small
hummocks, which began to form after the
surrounding forest was cleared in the 1960s
and the permafrost underground began to
melt, causing the land to sink.

Compilation June-July-August 2023