Kakapo parrots

Genetic mapping of the nearly entire

kākāpō population, a critically endan-
gered flightless parrot found only in New
Zealand, has revealed valuable insights
into specific traits crucial for conservation
efforts.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 30
SEPTEMBER 2023
.IW NSIGHTSONINDIA.CM
O

INSIDE
GENERAL STUDIES – 1
Topics: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art
Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern
times.
1. Protect world heritage sites to conserve biodiversi-
ty: UN 7 Topics: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the pop-
Topics: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the
eighteenth century until the present- significant events, per-
sonalities, issues.
2. Maritime trade route between India and Europe 8
Topics: Post-independence consolidation and reorganiza-
tion within the country.
3. Accession of Hyderabad to India 9 Topics: Issues relating to development and management of
Topics: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
4. Suicides in India
Topics: Population and associated issues, poverty and devel-
opmental issues.
5. India Ageing, Elderly to Make Up 20% of Population
by 2050: UNFPA Report 11
Topics: Distribution of key natural resources across the world
(including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent)
6. Vanadium discovered in the Gulf of Khambhat 14
Topics: Factors responsible for the location of primary, sec-
ondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the
world (including India)
7. Firms are moving away from metro campuses to
smaller towns 15
Topics: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earth-
quakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical
features and their location- changes in critical geographical
features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora
and fauna and the effects of such changes.
8. Reasons behind Morocco’s earthquake 16
GENERAL STUDIES – 2
Topics: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the
States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal struc-
ture, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels
and challenges therein.
1. Cauvery Water Dispute 17
Topics: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, func-
tioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues
arising out of these.
2. Simultaneous elections 19
3. Significance and legacy of Parliament in India’s de-
mocracy 20
4. Fraternity in the Indian Constitution 21
5. Parliament’s 75-year journey 23
2 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Topics: Government policies and interventions for develop-
ment in various sectors and issues arising out of their design
and implementation.
6. Extreme weather events lead to increase in child
marriages: Study 24
7. Measuring Hunger Across States 25
8. Jal Jeevan Mission remains a pipe dream 26
9. HungerMap LIVE: Global insights and key trends 27
10. Parliamentary panel on MEME system in NEP 2020
29
ulation by the Centre and States and the performance of
these schemes.
11. Omission of disability-related questions from NFHS-6
 30
12. Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 (Women’ Reser-
vation Bill) 31
Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
9 Resources.
13. Findings of Parliament Panel on NEP 33
Topics: Important aspects of governance, transparency and
accountability, e-governance applications, models, success-
es, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency
& accountability, and institutional and other measures.
14. Concerns about RTI Act 34
15. Dire conditions faced by women prisoners in India
35
Topics: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agree-
ments involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
16. India-South Korea partnership in Indo- Pacific 36
17. Rift in relations between India and Canada 37
Topics: Effect of policies and politics of developed and devel-
oping countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
18. Role of the Indian diaspora as an ambassador of
India39
19. End of old multilateralism – and the beginning of a
new order 40
20. Three Years of Abraham Accords 41
Topics: Important International institutions, agencies and
fora, their structure, mandate.
21. African Union in G20 42
22. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-
EC) 43
23. G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration 44
GENERAL STUDIES – 3
Topics: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mo-
bilization of resources, growth, development and employ-
ment.
1. Advanced Manufacturing 46
2. ICRIER Report: Leveraging E-commerce for the
Current Affairs 30
Growth of MSMEs 47 Topics: Disaster and management.
3. India’s GDP measurement and its limitations 49 26. Are natural disasters man-made? 78
Topics: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Topics: Various Security forces and agencies and their man-
4. Use financial inclusion to reduce inequality and date.
speed up growth 50
5. DPI achieves an 80% financial inclusion rate in India GENERAL STUDIES – 4
52 1. G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023
Topics: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the 79
country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems 2. Examples of Ethics 80
storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce 3. Lessons from the life of M S Swaminathan 85
and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid 4. Parliamentary conduct 86
of farmers.
5. Persuasion: Green Nudge 87
6. Understanding curbs on rice exports 52
6. Copyright infringement by OpenAI 87
7. The impact of food on climate 54
8. Climate change has transformed pearl millet cultiva-
tion zones 55
CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT
1. Example of Initiative: E Rajalakshmi 88
9. India’s falling cotton production 56
2. R Ravi Kannan (Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2023)
10. Tackling Food Inflation 57  88
11. Dr M S Swaminathan: Father of India’s Green Revo- 3. Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton 88
lution 59
4. Breaking Stereotypes: Working mothers in sports88
12. Green Revolution: M S Swaminathan 60
5. Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) 89
Topics: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in 6. Enhancing AI and creativity skills among students
industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. and teachers 89
13. 2023 World Trade Report: Re-globalization 62
7. Bamboo-based Reusable Straw 89
Topics: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Rail- 8. India’s Pond Man 89
ways etc.
9. Tribes India pavilion (G20) 90
14. Centre asks states to formulate a logistics policy 63
10. Initiatives for promoting disability Rights and Pro-
Topics: Science and Technology- developments and their moting inclusivity 90
applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of In-
11. “Student Cell”: For suicide prevention 90
dians in science & technology; indigenization of technology
and developing new technology. 12. Muthulakshmi Reddy’s efforts to abolish the Deva-
15. LIGO-India: Next frontier for India after Chandrayaan dasi system 91
and Aditya 64 13. Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam 91
16. The Draft Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2023 65 14. Tamil Nadu: Women Temple Priest 91
17. Geospatial intelligence 67 15. Agra: Decentralized garbage processing System 92
Topics: Awareness in space. 16. Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting
18. Ethics and Outer Space 68 (BRSR) 92
17. Coco Gauff 92
Topics: Awareness in the fields of IT, Computers, robotics,
nano-technology, bio-technology, and issues relating to in- 18. Project to revive Ancient Maritime Trade route 92
tellectual property rights. 19. Amrit Brikshya Andolan 93
19. National Strategy for Robotics (NSR) 69 20. California Suing Major Oil Companies 93
Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution 21. Women Parliamentarians in Rwanda 93
and degradation, environmental impact assessment. 22. Standard Clubs in schools and colleges 94
20. Wastewater - Turning Problem into Solution 70 23. Free Bus Travel Initiative: Improving School Enrol-
21. Threat of Invasive alien species (IAS) 71 ment94
22. Sand Mining: Irreversible damage to Ocean benthic 24. Carrying Capacity Assessment 94
life73 25. Architecture and Landscape of Santiniketan 95
23. Forest Restoration 74 26. Immunization Wheel 95
24. Amended Forest (Conservation) Act imperils the 27. Abdul Ahad Khan 95
Northeast75 28. Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Ganesh Chaturthi 96
25. Case Study: Gender impacts of Climate change in 29. Odhuvars 96
Jharkhand 77

www.insightsonindia.com 3
 Current Affairs 30
30. Applying the “Sponge City” concept in Bengaluru96 8. Gramodyog Vikas Yojana 108
31. Young Activists Sue 32 Governments at European 9. PM-DAKSH 108
Court97 10. French laïcité 108
32. Iyal Vaagai farmer’s market in Coimbatore 97 11. Gujarat Declaration 108
33. Using Goats to Prevent Wildfire 97 12. G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard 109
34. CRIIIO 4 GOOD 97 13. Malaviya Mission - Teachers Training Programme
 109
14. ASEAN summit 109
FACTS FOR PRELIMS; GS-1 15. Draft Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of
1. Kokborok language 98
Dark Patterns 110
2. Tibetan Democracy Day 98
16. Vidya Samiksha Kendras 110
3. Onam (Kerala) 98
17. CBI does not require permission to probe pre-2014
4. Sanatan Dharma 98
cases too: SC 110
5. Adopt a Heritage 2.0 99
18. Criminalisation of politics 110
6. Sahara space rock 99
19. Strategic Partnership Council 111
7. Heat index 99
20. ILO and OECD to measure and monitor the global
8. Shiva’s Nataraja form 100 skills gap 111
9. Phanigiri artefacts 100 21. Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) 111
10. Banglar mati, Banglar jol 100 22. VVPAT 112
11. Salem sago 101 23. iGOT Karmayogi Platform 112
12. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya 101 24. AYUSHMAN BHAV CAMPAIGN 112
13. Santiniketan 101 25. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) 112
14. Three Hoysala temples declared UNESCO World Her- 26. Achievements of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada
itage Sites 102 Yojana (PMMSY) 113
15. Old Parliament Building 102 27. All reported births, and deaths to be digitally regis-
16. Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards 103 tered113
17. London’s India Club 103 28. Skill India Digital 113
18. Paryushan 2023 103 29. National Judicial Data Grid 114
19. Adi Shankaracharya 103 30. OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrolo-
20. Formation of Pink Diamond 104 gy)114
21. Excavation in Keeladi 104 31. SHREYAS scheme 114
22. Mewar school of painting 104 32. Kisan Rin Portal 114
23. India’s First Lighthouse Festival 105 33. UNCITRAL South Asia Conference 115
24. 53rd Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement 34. National Higher Education Qualifications Framework
Award 105 (NHEQF) 115
25. Sarna religious code 105 35. Cauvery Water Management Authority 115
26. Toto Language 105 36. ‘Bima Sugam’ online platform 115
27. Matangini Hazra 105 37. Immunity of legislators from bribery charges 116
38. All-women panel of 13 Vice-Chairpersons in the Up-
GS-2 per House 116
1. Agricultural Cess 106 39. Five Eyes Alliance 116
2. Indian Railway Board Chairman: Jaya Verma Sinha 40. 75% of Villages Are Now ODF Plus  117
 106 41. India-UN Capacity Building Initiative 117
3. “Special Session” of Parliament 106 42. World Coffee Conference 117
4. NCERT as Deemed-to-be-University 107 43. Gita Mittal Committee 118
5. Artefacts to grace G-20 corridor 107 44. Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan 118
6. Karnataka High Court Nullifies Hassan Lok Sabha 45. Foreign Contribution Regulations Act 118
Elections 107 46. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authori-
7. Offspring of Void/voidable Marriages Entitled to An- ty (PFRDA) 118
cestral Property 107 47. e-cabinet system 119

4 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
48. MGNREGS social audit 119 89. Fujianvenator 131
90. White sambar deer 131
91. Nuclear-armed submarine 131
GS-3 92. Varuna-23 131
49. Third Rail of Kolkata Metro Railway 119
93. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (SSB) 2022 131
50. Global Fund secures deal to slash HIV treatment
price119 94. Goa Roadmap and ‘Travel for LiFE’ program 132
51. Net Zero pledges of Big Oil Companies 119 95. Global regulation of cryptocurrencies 132
52. New species of leaf insects 120 96. Project Samudrayaan 133
53. Red sand boa 120 97. Genetic engineering to control Mosquitoes 133
54. Kākāpō parrots 120 98. New Central Empowered Committee (CEC) for Envi-
ronmental Issues 134
55. Largest indigenously developed N-plant unit begins
operations 121 99. United Nations’ Global Stocktake Report 134
56. Chandrayaan-3 takes seismic readings from lunar 100. Gresham’s Law 134
surface121 101. Dolly the sheep 135
57. BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’ 121 102. A novel approach to detect and kill cancer
58. Stem cell therapy 122 cells135
59. Fish resistant to marine heatwaves 122 103. arXiv 136
60. Export control of Dual-Use Items 122 104. Nipah Virus 136
61. Multi-Purpose Seaweed Park (Tamil Nadu) 123 105. National Green Tribunal 136
62. Ecocide 123 106. Data-driven innovations in agriculture 137
63. Aarogya Maitri Cube 123 107. New discoveries by Webb telescope 137
64. Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT) (Vi- 108. Planet Mercury 137
sakhapatnam) 124 109. One Health Approach for Pandemic Pre-
65. Reviving BOT model 124 paredness137
66. Dementia 124 110. Cybercrime Investigation Tool 138
67. Self-Confining Radioactive-isotope Ion Target 125 111. Critical Raw Materials Act 138
68. Cartesian coordinates 125 112. NavIC 138
69. Kylinxia zhangi: Three-Eyed “Fossil Monster” 125 113. Banning Glue pads for rodent control 138
70. UPI QR Code-Central Bank Digital Currency interop- 114. Rubber 138
erability125 115. Red fire ants 139
71. Battery energy storage system 125 116. C295 aircraft 139
72. Missing green growth 126 117. ‘Anti-trust’ Law 139
73. New UPI features 126 118. Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics 140
74. Human embryo 127 119. Water on the Moon 140
75. ‘Atlantification’ of the Arctic Ocean 127 120. India Seeks Australia’s Help to Combat Nipah
76. Heatwaves leading to ozone pollution 127 Virus 140
77. One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) 127 121. Segur elephant corridor 140
78. BHARAT DRONE SHAKTI 2023 128 122. Anamudi Shola national park 141
79. Incremental cash reserve ratio 128 123. World Ozone Day 141
80. Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) Vadodara 128 124. ‘Pralay’ ballistic missiles 141
81. XRISM Space Telescope and SLIM Lunar Lander 128 125. Dhanush guns 141
82. Bubble of galaxies 129 126. Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spec-
trometer (STEPS) 142
83. Global Biofuels Alliance 129
127. Operation Sajag 142
84. MQ-9B predator drones 129
128. Old Pension Scheme (OPS): A Caution by RBI
85. World food price index 129
142
86. Crude Oil benchmark 129
129. Phosphorus 143
87. Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for fintech enti-
130. Hypertension 143
ties 130
131. One Health Framework to Fight Antimicrobi-
88. Mandatory Hallmarking 130
al Resistance 143

www.insightsonindia.com 5
 Current Affairs 30
132. Collaborative Partnership on Forests 143
133. Gravitational Instabilities and Galaxy Evolu- SPORTS CORNER
tion 144 1. Esports in Asian Games (Hangzhou) 156
134. Marine Tardigrade 144
135. Mithun (‘Food Animal’) 144 MAPPING
136. Agumbe Rainforest Complex (ARC) 145 1. Micronesia and COFA 156
137. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 145 2. Kigali (Rwanda) 157
138. Basel-III capital framework 146 3. 9 Dashed Line 157
139. Wilful defaulters 146 4. Israel 158
140. Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research 5. Nairobi (Kenya) 158
and Application 146 6. Siang River 158
141. JP Morgan global bond index 146 7. Morocco 159
142. Perovskite 147 8. imor-Leste 159
143. Artificial Reef (AR) 147 9. Moodbidri (Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka) 159
144. Vibrio vulnificus 147 10. Libya 160
145. Pterygotrigla intermedica – New Fish Spe- 11. Harami Nala (Sir Creek, Gujarat) 160
cies147
12. Nyoma Airfield (Eastern Ladakh) 161
146. Galactic tides 148
13. Mega oil refinery and petrochemicals project (Ratn-
147. NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex 148 agiri, Maharastra) 161
148. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve 148 14. Tonga 161
149. The State of the Rhino Report, 2023 148 15. Global North/South Divide (Brandt Line) 162
150. EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS-23 149 16. Narmada River 162
151. Indian Standards on Biofuel  149 17. Azerbaijan (Nagorno-Karabakh) 162
152. Green hydrogen-run bus 149 18. Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary 163
153. Maharashtra’s ephemerals 149 19. Bangkok (Thailand) 163
154. Kole wetlands 150 20. Argentina 163
155. Asola Bhatti sanctuary 150 21. Kaobal Gali-Mushkoh Valley 164
156. Nilgiri tahr 150 22. Haifa (Isreal) 164
157. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 151 23. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary 164
158. Using Newspapers for handling food 151 24. Sundarbans 165
159. National Policy on Research & Development 25. Bojjannakonda 165
and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector 151
160. RoDTEP scheme 152
161. Social bonds 152
162. Breakthrough Agenda Report 2023 152
163. PET46 152
164. Balsams 153
165. Qubit circuit 153
166. HIV Act 153
167. Green Ammonia 153
168. Lithium-ion battery fires 154
169. Conocarpus trees 154
170. Rough diamonds 154
171. Global Innovation Index 2023 155
172. Cookies 155
173. International Shipping emissions 155
174. New Asian pangolin species 155
175. Fish mint 156

6 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

GENERAL STUDIES – 1 1. High Biodiversity Richness: Virunga National Park,

World Heritage sites are home Democratic Republic of
Topics: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art to a significant portion of the Congo, is home to di-
Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern world’s biodiversity, including verse wildlife, including
times. numerous plant and animal mountain gorillas and
species. endangered African ele-
1. PROTECT WORLD HERITAGE SITES TO phants.
CONSERVE BIODIVERSITY: UN 2. Habitat for Endangered Kaziranga National Park,
Species: Many critically endan- India, is a sanctuary for
Context: gered species find refuge in the one-horned rhinoc-
UNESCO World Heritage sites, home to a significant por- these sites. eros, tigers, and various
tion of global biodiversity, including iconic species like el- bird species.
ephants, tigers, and pandas, are under threat from climate 3. Protection from Anthro- Great Barrier Reef, Aus-
change and human activities. pogenic Threats: These sites tralia, offers shelter to
• The sites make up only 1% of Earth’s surface but provide a degree of protection coral reefs and marine
play a critical role in preserving biodiversity and ad- from human activities such as species, shielding them
dressing climate disruption habitat destruction, poaching, from direct human dis-
and overexploitation. turbances.
What are World Heritage sites? 4. Climate Change Resilience: Mont-Saint-Michel and
World Heritage sites are landmarks or areas of cultural, his- Preserving biodiversity in these its Bay, France, show-
torical, scientific, or natural significance that are recognized areas contributes to global cli- case intertidal eco-
and designated by the United Nations Educational, Scien- mate resilience as diverse eco- systems that adapt to
tific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These sites are systems are more adaptable to sea-level rise.
considered to be of outstanding value to humanity, and their climate change.
preservation is of global importance.
5. Scientific Study: These sites Yellowstone Nation-
offer unique opportunities al Park, USA, serves as
There are two main types of World Heritage sites: for scientific research and the a living laboratory for
• Cultural Heritage Sites: These include historical study of diverse ecosystems. studying geothermal
buildings, cities, monuments, archaeological sites, features and wildlife be-
and cultural landscapes that hold cultural and his- haviour.
torical significance.
6. Cultural and Natural Har- Machu Picchu, Peru,
o Examples include the Pyramids of Egypt, the
mony: Cultural World Heritage combines cultural heri-
Historic Centre of Rome, and the Great Wall
sites often coexist with biodi- tage with stunning natu-
of China.
versity-rich areas, highlighting ral surroundings, foster-
• Natural Heritage Sites: These encompass natural
the harmonious relationship ing a strong bond with
areas, ecosystems, and geological formations that
between humans and nature. the environment.
are of exceptional natural beauty or scientific impor-
tance. 7. Conservation Education: Galápagos Islands, Ec-
o Examples include the Galápagos Islands, These sites promote awareness uador, attract scientists
the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Yel- and education about biodiver- and tourists interested
lowstone National Park in the United States. sity and conservation, helping in understanding and
people connect with nature. protecting unique spe-
Significance of World Heritage sites: They are protected and cies.
preserved to ensure that they are passed down to future 8. Sustainable Livelihoods: Lo- Mount Athos, Greece,
generations. cal communities often rely on sustains monastic com-
these sites for sustainable liveli- munities that practice
Protecting World Heritage sites will lead to Biodiversity hoods linked to ecotourism and sustainable agriculture
Conservation: traditional practices. and forestry.
Importance for Biodiversity Examples
Conservation What are geo-heritage sites and geo-relics?
Geo-heritage sites are special areas displaying geological
features like rock formations, fossils, and landscapes, reflect-
ing Earth’s history. They’re preserved for scientific, educa-
tional, and cultural significance.

www.insightsonindia.com 7
 Current Affairs 30
Geo-relics are unique geological features or specimens
prized for rarity, scientific value, or historical meaning.
o Examples: Siwalik Fossil Park in Himachal
Pradesh, Deccan Traps, Lonar Lake in Ma-
harashtra, fossil-rich sedimentary rock for-
mations of Jaisalmer
Recently, the Ministry of Mines has notified Geo-Heritage
Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill
that is aimed at providing for the declaration, preserva-
tion, protection and maintenance of geo-heritage sites and
geo-relics of national importance, for geological studies,
education, research and awareness purposes.

Conclusion:
The UN calls for the nomination of more biodiversity-rich About the Red Sea Route:
areas as World Heritage sites and emphasizes the impor- About Details
tance of these sites in national biodiversity strategies. Ad- Indian Trade Contribu- Custom taxes from Red Sea
ditionally, site managers are being trained in climate change tion to the Roman Em- trade may have covered one-
adaptation strategies, with plans for all sites to have climate pire’s Income third of Roman income
adaptation plans by 2029.
Trade Goods Exchanged Luxuries, spices, ivory, pearls,
precious gemstones, pepper,
Insta Links: wild animals, and more
• Protecting India’s natural laboratories
• What does the Ministry of Mines’ draft Geo-heritage Importance of Indian Pepper was India’s major export
Sites and Geo-relics Bill say? Pepper and was highly sought after in
Rome
Importance of the route
Topics: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the Chinese silk reached Rome
eighteenth century until the present- significant events, per- through India’s ports, emphasiz-
sonalities, issues. ing India’s historical importance
Recent excavations in places like
2. MARITIME TRADE ROUTE BETWEEN IN- Muziris and Berenike have con-
DIA AND EUROPE tributed to understanding the
trade
Context: India’s centrality in trade and
The article is related to the recently launched India-Middle the spread of ideas during the
East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC), from a historical 1st and 2nd centuries CE is rec-
point of view. Check the next article for IMEE-EC ognized

What is the Red Sea Route? About Red Sea:

The Red Sea route refers to an ancient maritime trade route The Red Sea is an inlet of the Indian Ocean located between
that connected India with the Roman Empire through the Africa and Asia. It is one of the most saline bodies of water
Red Sea. globally. Bordering countries include Egypt, Saudi Arabia,
• This route facilitated the exchange of various goods, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti. It connects to the In-
including luxuries like spices, ivory, pearls, gem- dian Ocean in the south through the Bab el Mandeb Strait
stones, and pepper from India to the Roman Empire. and the Gulf of Aden. In the north, it is bordered by the Sinai
• Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez, leading to
the Suez Canal. The Red Sea occupies a part of the Great Rift
Valley, known as the Afro-Arabian Rift Valley.

Why is it called “Red Sea”?

The Red Sea is not red in appearance; it typically has blue-
green water. One theory suggests that a cyanobacteria
called Trichodesmium erythraeum, a red-colored algae,
may occasionally turn the water reddish-brown during sea-

8 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
sonal algal blooms. Another theory links the name to Asiatic ing a paramilitary group called ‘razakars’ with state
languages that use colours to denote cardinal directions, support. They brutally suppressed opposition to the
with “red” possibly representing “south.” Nizam.
• Peasant Movements: Hyderabad witnessed a sa-
tyagraha for democracy and a Communist-led peas-
ant movement against landholdings, forced labour,
and excessive taxes. These movements gained
strength against the Nizam’s rule.
• Operation Polo: In September 1948, the Indian Army
launched Operation Polo to annex Hyderabad. The
Nizam’s forces surrendered, and the razakars were
banned. This marked the end of the Nizam’s rule.

Aftermaths:
• After the operation, widespread communal vio-
lence occurred, with death estimates ranging from
27,000 to 200,000.
• The Nizam retained a symbolic role, disowned UN
complaints, and Hyderabad was absorbed into In-
dia despite protests from Pakistan and criticism from
other countries.

Significance:
Topics: Post-independence consolidation and reorganiza-
Hyderabad’s accession to India was a significant achieve-
tion within the country.
ment for Indian secularism, demonstrating unity and the
acceptance of diversity within the newly independent na-
3. ACCESSION OF HYDERABAD TO INDIA tion. It was also seen as a problem resolved through peace-
ful means.
Context:
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Operation Polo and
Prelims links:
‘Police Action’ in Hyderabad
Q. With reference to Indian history, which of the following
statements is/are correct?
A Brief History of Hyderabad
1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
Founded in 1591, it became the capital of the Qutb Shahi
2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of the Vijayanagara
Kingdom (Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah founded the city). In
Empire.
1724, Nizam-ul-Mulk established the Asaf-Jah dynasty. Hy-
3. The Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territo-
derabad thrived culturally, with landmarks like Charminar
ries occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
and Golconda Fort.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2
Accession of Hyderabad to India
(b) 2 only
Hyderabad, a significant princely state, was ruled by the
(c) 2 and 3
Nizams under British paramountcy. Unlike other princely
(d) 3 only
states, the Nizam did not accede to India at independence in
1947, aiming for independence and receiving support from Ans: A
Pakistan.
• Nizam’s Reluctance: In August 1947, Hyderabad’s Topics: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Nizam, Mir Usman Ali, had hopes of Hyderabad re-
maining independent due to its wealth, historical 4. SUICIDES IN INDIA
significance, and personal ties.
• Sardar Patel’s Approach: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Context:
India’s Deputy Prime Minister, handled Hyderabad The article discusses the alarming increase in student sui-
cautiously. He recognized the strategic importance cides in Kota, India, describing it as a “suicide cluster” that
of Hyderabad and believed that pushing too hard demands a public health approach.
might drive the Nizam towards joining Pakistan.
• Role of Razakars: The Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen, led by What are Suicides?
Qasim Razvi, became violent and extremist, form- Suicide refers to intentional acts where individuals cause

www.insightsonindia.com 9
 Current Affairs 30
their own death. A suicide cluster occurs when suicides, at- Social Media and Exposure to cyberbullying, re-
tempts, or self-harm events happen closer in time and space Peer Pressure venge pornography, and peer
than expected, forming a pattern. pressure affects self-esteem and
body image.
Example: In Kota, India, a suicide cluster mainly affects stu- Educational Stress High expectations from parents
dents preparing for exams in residential coaching centres. and society cause stress, anxiety,
These clusters can lead to contagion, where one person’s and depression.
suicide can trigger suicidal thoughts or attempts in others
Economic Factors Financial struggles, unemploy-
who are already vulnerable.
ment, and financial dependence,
such as single mothers facing chal-
Reasons for Rising Student Suicide: lenges.
• Social Stigma: not enough discussion about depres-
sion and suicides
Government steps taken:
• Academic Pressure
• Relationship breakdown. Initiative Description
• Lack of adequate support: the ‘Log Kya Kahenge’ at- National Suicide Pre- Aims to reduce suicides by 10%
titude (‘What will people say’) in Indian society is a vention Strategy (NSPS) by 2030.
permanent feature in the lives of competitive exam Suicide Surveillance Targeted at establishing effec-
aspirants. Systems tive suicide surveillance systems
• High expectations from Students. within the next three years.
• Mental Issues: Anxiety disorder, depression,
Mental Health Outpa- A goal under NSPS is to set up
personality disorder.
tient Clinics mental health outpatient clinics
providing suicide prevention ser-
Suicides among women in India
vices within five years.
Women in India account for over one-third of global female
suicide deaths. According to NCRB data, in the year 2021, Helplines in Various Several states (e.g., Telangana,
over 45 thousand women died by suicide. States Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karna-
taka, Tamil Nadu) have launched
suicide prevention helplines.
Several complex and interconnected factors contribute to
this concerning issue of increasing female suicides MANAS program in Maharashtra, strict law enforcement
against dowry, child marriage, and forced marriages, and
Factors Contributing Description efforts by NGOs like Snehi and Vandrevala Foundation
to Female Suicides contribute to suicide prevention efforts.
Mental Health Stigma The stigma around mental health
can deter young women from For: “Student Cell”: For suicide prevention: Click Here
seeking professional help.
Marital Pressures Early and forced marriages, dys- What more should be done?
functional marriages, domestic
Action Description
abuse, and dowry harassment in-
crease suicide risk. Implement a Develop and enforce a Suicide Cluster
Response Plan Response Plan involving surveillance,
Housewives Over 50% of female suicides in In-
consistent information sharing between
dia are among housewives (NCRB
agencies, and support for those be-
data).
reaved by suicide.
Societal Contradic- The conflict between increasing
Media Respon- Encourage media to report responsibly
tions female education and empower-
sibility on suicides to prevent contagion.
ment and persistent gender dis-
parities. Regular Moni- Continuously assess the effectiveness of
toring and Re- the response and adapt strategies based
Gender Discrimina- Disparities in access to education,
view on lessons learned.
tion employment, and decision-making
lead to hopelessness and frustra- Adopt Success- Consider adopting successful approach-
tion. ful Models es like the Tomorrow Project in Notting-
ham, UK, which halted suicide contagion
through community information, meet-
ings, and clinical support.

10 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Ethical Perspective of Suicide:
Ethical Per- Description
spectives
Moralists Suicide prevention is a moral obligation.
Philosophers like Kant argue that humanity
should be considered an end in itself, and
using oneself as a means to an end (suicide)
is unacceptable.
Plato emphasizes obligations to society,
making suicide inconsistent with the greater
good.
Evident in countries like Singapore and In-
dia, where attempted suicide is punishable.
Libertarians Suicide can be a rational, carefully contem-
plated choice to avoid pain or suffering.
Value freedom of choice, considering the
decision to die by suicide a right.
Reflected in countries where suicidal be-
haviour is decriminalized or euthanasia is
legalized
Relativists The acceptability of suicide varies based on
a cost-benefit analysis of situational, cultur-
al, and contemporary variables.
The decision is influenced by individual,
family, and societal needs at that moment
The analysis aims to maximize social utili-
ty, considering whether suicide benefits or
harms society.
Conclusion
Indian society needs more comprehensive efforts to create
a supportive environment for all irrespective of age, back-
ground, and economic conditions in order to mitigate these
preventable deaths by suicides.
Insta Links: Preventing Student Suicides
Mains Links: Q. Explain why suicide among young women is
increasing in Indian Society (UPSC 2023)
Topics: Population and associated issues, poverty and devel-
opmental issues.
5. INDIA AGEING, ELDERLY TO MAKE UP
20% OF POPULATION BY 2050: UNFPA RE-
PORT
Context:
The United Nations Population Fund, India, has released the
“2023 India Ageing Report,” which projects a significant in-
crease in the elderly population in India
Major Findings of the Report:
Findings Description
Elderly Population The population of people aged 80+
Growth years is projected to grow by around
279% between 2022 and 2050.
By 2046 it is likely that the elderly
population will have surpassed the
population of children (aged 0 to 15
years) in the country
Elderly Population By 2050, the elderly population in In-
Share dia is expected to make up over 20%
of the total population (The pres-
ent share of elderly is about 10% in
2021 )
Poverty Among the More than 40% of the elderly in In-
Elderly dia are in the poorest wealth quin-
tile, with over 18% having no income.
Gender Differences Women, on average, have a longer
in Life Expectancy life expectancy compared to men,
with variations across states.
Sex Ratio Among The sex ratio among the elderly is
the Elderly increasing, indicating longer survival
of women compared to men.
Gendered Poverty Poverty is gendered in old age, with
in Old Age older women more likely to be wid-
owed, living alone, and dependent
on family support.
Challenges in De- Significant inter-state variations in
mographic Transi- the elderly population reflect dif-
tion ferent stages of demographic tran-
sition.
Policy Recommen- The report suggests policies to ad-
dations dress the feminization and rural-
ization of the elderly population,
increase awareness of schemes for
older persons, and promote in-situ
ageing.
Policy recommendations from the “2023 India Ageing Re-
port”:
Recommendations Description
Address Gender-Spe- Policies should specifically address
cific Challenges the challenges faced by older
women, including widowed and
dependent elderly women.
Promote In-Situ Ag- Encourage and facilitate ageing at
ing home (in-situ ageing) where pos-
sible, ensuring that elderly individ-
uals can stay within their commu-
nities.
www.insightsonindia.com 11

Increase Awareness Raise awareness about govern-
of Schemes ment schemes and programs de-
signed for older persons, ensuring
they can access necessary support.
Regulate Old Age Implement regulatory measures to
Homes oversee Old Age Homes, ensuring
the well-being and rights of resi-
dents.
Inclusion in Data Col- Include relevant questions related
lection Exercises to older persons in national data
collection exercises to gather cred-
ible data on elderly issues.
Focus on Multigener- Encourage elderly individuals to
ational Households live in multigenerational house-
holds, promoting better care and
support within families.
Other aspects of Ageing:
Effects of globalization on India’s ageing population:
Positive Effects:
Effects Description
Access to Globalization has improved healthcare facil-
Healthcare ities and technologies, enhancing the health
of the elderly.
E c o n o m i c New economic opportunities have improved
Opportuni- the financial situation of elderly citizens re-
ties lying on savings or pensions.
Technology Increased technology access enables elderly
Access citizens to stay connected with family world-
wide.
Social Inclu- Globalization fosters social inclusion and
sion participation by introducing new cultures
and lifestyles.
Negative Effects:
Effects Description
Ageism Globalization has led to ageism, devalu-
ing the role of the elderly in society.
Economic Inse- Economic insecurity has arisen due
curity to job loss or reduced savings result-
ing from globalization’s impact on the
economy.
Social Isolation Changing family structures and urban
migration of younger generations have
increased social isolation among the el-
derly.
Health Risks Unhealthy lifestyles, like processed food
consumption, lack of physical activity,
and pollution exposure, have increased
health risks for the elderly.
12 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Challenges faced by women in old age due to rising life ex-
pectancy and widowhood:
Challenges Description
Financial De- Limited access to employment opportu-
pendence nities, lower wages, and inadequate sav-
ings can lead to financial dependence in
old age.
Deteriorating Aging can bring deteriorating health, in-
Health cluding chronic diseases, mobility issues,
and mental health challenges.
Social Isolation Older women, especially widows, may
experience social isolation and loneli-
ness due to the loss of a spouse and lim-
ited social networks.
Rural Situation Older women in rural areas face unique
challenges like limited access to health-
care, inadequate infrastructure, and
caregiving or agricultural burdens.
Intersectional- Women from marginalized communities
ity may face compounded challenges in old
age due to their socio-economic back-
ground, and tribal or minority status.
Ageism and Mi- Older women may encounter ageism
sogyny and misogyny, leading to stereotypes,
discrimination, and limited opportuni-
ties for engagement in various aspects
of life.
Suggested measures:
Measures Description
Social Securi- E.g., Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam is
ty Systems a women’s rights grant scheme just rolled
out in Tamil Nadu aimed at providing
financial support to eligible women
recognized as heads of families
Karnataka Gruha Lakshmi
Scheme supports women heads of
families by providing eligible women will
receive financial assistance of ₹2000 per
month.
Intergenerational programs: Programs
that promote intergenerational bonding,
such as mentorship programs and com-
munity service projects
Access to Improve access to healthcare services, in-
Healthcare cluding geriatric care, preventive screen-
ings, and mental health support, to ad-
dress the specific health needs of older
women.
Social Inclu- Promote social inclusion and active partic-
sion ipation of older women through commu-
nity-based programs, intergenerational
activities, and support networks.
Current Affairs 30
Civil Society Community-based initiatives and CSO en-
Engagement gagement through Senior citizen clubs
and programs, can provide social support
and help prevent social isolation among
the elderly
E.g. Asha Deep Foundation provides Day
Care Centre for the elderly members of
our community who are either neglected,
have no children or are abandoned by
their families.
Demographic Focus on policies and programs that ad-
Stability dress population ageing and the needs of
older women, such as promoting family
planning, women’s empowerment, and
intergenerational solidarity.
C o m m u n i - ASHA program could be used for building
ty-based care a community-based workforce to sup-
system for el- port the diverse health and social care
ders needs of elders
Age-friendly Cities can be designed to be age-friendly,
cities with infrastructure and public spaces that
are accessible to all, including elderly cit-
izens.
Government Scheme for Old Age:
Scheme About
National Social Offers non-contributory pensions for
Assistance Pro- the elderly, widowed women, and dis-
gramme (NSAP) abled individuals. Administered by the
Ministry of Rural Development.
Pradhan Mantri Exclusive pension scheme for senior cit-
Vaya Vandana izens aged 60 and above. Extended up
Yojana (PMVVY) to 2023 for three more years beyond
2020.
Integrated Pro- Aims to enhance the quality of life for
gram for Older senior citizens by providing basic ame-
Persons (IPOP) nities such as food, shelter, medical
care, and entertainment opportunities.
Rashtriya Vay- Central sector scheme funded by the
oshree Yojana Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund. Provides
aids and assistive living devices to el-
derly BPL individuals with age-related
disabilities.
SAMPANN Proj- Launched in 2018, an online pension
ect processing system for Department of
Telecommunications pensioners. Direct
credit of pension into bank accounts of
pensioners.
SACRED Portal Developed by the Ministry of Social Jus-
for Elderly tice and Empowerment. Citizens above
60 can register to find jobs, and work
opportunities, and access information
and guidance on various issues.
Elder Line: Toll- Provides information, guidance, emo-
Free Number for tional support, and immediate assis-
Elderly tance for elderly citizens, particularly
on pension, medical, and legal matters.
SAGE (Senior- A platform offering access to elderly
care Ageing care products and services by credible
Growth Engine) start-ups, supporting entrepreneurship
Initiative in the field of elderly care.
Conclusion:
By recognizing the specific needs of older persons and pro-
viding targeted support, we can create a society that values
and empowers them, ensuring their well-being and active
participation in all spheres of life.
About UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund):
It is a UN agency (founded 1969; HQ: New York) dedicat-
ed to enhancing global reproductive and maternal health.
It works on national healthcare strategies, access to birth
control, and campaigns against child marriage, gender-based
violence, obstetric fistula, and female genital mutilation. Op-
erating in over 144 countries across four regions, it’s a key
member of the United Nations Development Group, focus-
ing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. UNFPA
has been operating in India since 1974
Insta Links:
• Issues related to Elderly People
• old age care
• World Population Prospects
Mains Links:
Q. Despite Consistent experience of high growth, India still
goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Ex-
amine the issues that make balanced and inclusive develop-
ment elusive. (UPSC 2021)
Prelims Links:
Q. Which of the following is/are the principal UN organs?
1. UN Security Council
2. The Economic and Social Council
3. The Trusteeship Council and the Secretariat
4. World Health Organization (WHO)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a. 1, 2 and 3 only
b. 2, 3 and 4 only
c. 1 and 2 only
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (a)
www.insightsonindia.com 13
 Current Affairs 30
Topics: Distribution of key natural resources across the world Cobalt The key component in lithium-ion
(including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent) batteries, crucial for electric vehicles
and portable electronics.
6. VANADIUM DISCOVERED IN THE GULF Vanadium Used in aerospace, defence, and en-
OF KHAMBHAT ergy storage, including vanadium re-
dox flow batteries
Platinum Group Critical for catalytic converters in
Metals vehicles and industrial processes. In-
cludes platinum, palladium, and rho-
dium.
Graphite An essential component in lithi-
um-ion batteries and various indus-
trial applications.
Antimony Used in flame retardants, semicon-
ductors, and as a hardening agent in
lead-acid batteries.
Tungsten Essential for high-temperature appli-
cations, particularly in aerospace and
defence.
Rare Metals Materials like tantalum and niobium,
are used in electronic components
and aerospace applications.

Significance of finding Vanadium deposits in India:

Significance Examples
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted the research Economic Potential Exploration and mining activities can
and reported this potential new source of vanadium, mark- generate revenue and create jobs in
ing the first such discovery in offshore sediments in India. the region
This finding adds to India’s growing interest in rare metals, Exporting vanadium can contribute
following the discovery of lithium reserves in Jammu and to India’s foreign exchange earnings
Kashmir, further supporting initiatives for sustainable energy This discovery is significant because
and technology development. vanadium is scarce in India and is pri-
marily found in only a few regions
What are Critical Raw Materials?
Reducing Import India is a significant consumer of va-
Critical raw materials are substances that are of high eco-
Dependency nadium but relies on imports.
nomic importance and are essential for the production of
various goods, technologies, and industries. These mate- Strategic Impor- Vanadium is crucial for the defence
rials are considered critical due to their potential supply tance and aerospace industries.
chain risks, geopolitical concerns, and their importance for India can secure a stable supply for
strategic sectors. strategic applications.
The use of vanadium in critical aero-
Examples of critical raw materials include: space components can enhance na-
Examples Description tional security.
Rare Earth Ele- Used in high-tech products like elec- Technological Ad- The presence of vanadium promotes
ments tronics, wind turbines, and electric vancement technological advancements.
vehicle batteries. Includes neodymi- Research and development in vana-
um, europium, and dysprosium. dium-based technologies can lead to
Lithium Essential for lithium-ion batteries in innovations.
EVs, smartphones, laptops, and re- Advancements in vanadium batter-
newable energy storage. ies can benefit India’s energy storage
infrastructure.

14 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Environmental Im- Vanadium redox batteries are known
pact for their low ecological impact.
Widespread adoption of VRBs can
contribute to a more sustainable en-
ergy ecosystem.
International Col- Collaboration with countries like Chi-
laboration na, Russia, and South Africa with va-
nadium expertise.
Bilateral agreements can facilitate
vanadium trade and investment op-
portunities.
Other initiatives taken by India for Critical Minerals:
• India just joined the Mineral Security Partner-
ship (MSP) as the newest partner, which aims to
strengthen critical mineral supply chains.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is currently
focused on exploring critical and deep-seated
minerals to boost the growth of the mining sector.
• KABIL: A Joint Venture Company among NALCO,
HCL and MECL named Khanij Bidesh India Limit-
ed (KABIL) was formed in August 2019 to ensure the
supply of Critical Minerals.
About the Gulf of Khambhat (Gulf of Cambay)
It is a bay on the Arabian Sea coast of India, bordering the
state of Gujarat just north of Mumbai and Diu Island.
Insta Links: Critical Minerals List
Prelims Links:
Q. Which one of the following pairs of metals constitutes
the lightest metal and the heaviest metal, respectively?
(UPSC 2008)
(a) Lithium and mercury
(b) Lithium and osmium
(c) Aluminium and osmium
(d) Aluminium and mercury
Ans: B
Osmium is a hard metallic element which has the greatest
density of all known elements. Lithium has an atomic num-
ber of 3 and is the lightest known metal.
Topics: Factors responsible for the location of primary, sec-
ondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the
world (including India)
7. FIRMS ARE MOVING AWAY FROM MET-
RO CAMPUSES TO SMALLER TOWNS
Context:
The IT industry association Nasscom and Deloitte released a
report highlighting that there are now 26 emerging destina-
tions in India, beyond the 7 metro hubs, which offer promis-
ing opportunities for investments.
Reasons for Migration of Firms to Smaller Cities:
Reasons Example
Remote and Companies like Cognizant allowed em-
hybrid work ployees to work from anywhere (during
models the pandemic), leading to a shift away
from major cities.
Companies can establish satellite offices
in smaller cities, supporting remote and
hybrid work models.
Cost savings Moving to smaller cities allows compa-
nies to reduce real estate costs and in-
vest more in people and R&D.
Employees can save more in terms of
rental costs and experience social bene-
fits in smaller towns.
Rich talent Smaller cities have untapped talent with
pool a potential talent drain to larger metros,
providing opportunities.
Higher reten- Employees prefer to stay in their home-
tion rates towns, leading to higher retention rates
in smaller cities.
Availability of Smaller cities like Coimbatore offer qual-
office space ity office spaces with amenities at lower
costs compared to metros.
Rise of Co-working spaces provide access to
c o - w o r k - high-quality office space at a fraction of
ing spaces in the cost in larger cities.
smaller cities
Counter-mag- Surat and Pune have started acting as a
net dynamics counter-magnet region to Mumbai and
attract migrants from the neighboring
districts of Maharashtra.
www.insightsonindia.com 15
 Current Affairs 30
Implications of this shift: rocco, causing extensive damage and a death toll exceeding
Actors in- Positive Impli- Challenges 2,400 people. The earthquake’s epicentre was in the Atlas
volved cations Mountains near Marrakech.
Companies Cost savings in Infrastructure limitations.
real estate. Reason for the Earthquake:
The earthquake in Morocco resulted from a geological phe-
Access to un- Investment in employee
nomenon known as a “reverse fault.”
tapped talent amenities.
• Tectonic Plate Interaction: Morocco is situated in an
pools.
area where the Eurasian and African tectonic plates
Employees Lower living Adapting to different liv- converge.
costs. ing environments. • Plate Boundary Activity: The Atlas Mountains,
Reduced com- Limited access to certain where the earthquake occurred, are actively rising
mute times. urban amenities. due to the convergence of these two large tectonic
Local Com- Economic The strain on local re- plates
munities growth and In- sources and infrastruc- • Seismic Stress Accumulation: Although the region
creased job op- ture. had not experienced major recorded earthquakes
portunities. before, stress had been accumulating underground
for an extended period due to the slow movement
Real Estate Increased de- Potential oversupply.
of tectonic plates.
Sector mand for office
• Oblique-Reverse Fault: This type of faulting is com-
spaces.
mon in areas of compression along the convergent
Potential for Infrastructure planning plate boundaries. The stress along these fault lines
real estate de- challenges. can induce earthquakes as rocks abruptly shift to
velopment. release accumulated stress.
Government Regional devel- Infrastructure investment
opment. is required. More about Oblique-Reverse Fault:
Reduced pres- Addressing disparities in An oblique-reverse fault is a geological fault characterized
sure on major development. by both horizontal and vertical movements along the fault
metros. plane. In this type of fault, rocks on one side of the fault
plane move vertically upward while also sliding horizontally
Large Met- Reduced con- Reduced demand for of-
in a lateral direction. This movement occurs due to the com-
ros gestion. fice space.
pression of tectonic plates, where one plate is converging
Potential cost Potential economic shifts. into another.
of living reduc-
tion.
Various types of faults:
Type of Fault Description
Conclusion:
This development favours that now the people from smaller Dip-Slip Faults Movement along the di-
towns in India might enjoy better lifestyles and ample em- rection of the dip plane.
ployment opportunities in their own regions compared to Vertical movement ei-
20 years ago. ther up (reverse dip-
slip) or down (normal
Insta Links: dip-slip) along the fault
Human Migration plane.
Common in regions ex-
Topics: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earth- periencing crustal com-
quakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical pression or extension.
features and their location- changes in critical geographical Examples: Reverse
features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora faults (upthrown block
and fauna and the effects of such changes. above the fault plane)
and Normal faults
8. REASONS BEHIND MOROCCO’S EARTH- (downthrown block
QUAKE above the fault plane).

Context:
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Mo-

16 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Strike-Slip Faults Horizontal movement

along the fault plane.
Movement is parallel to
the strike of the fault.
Common in transform
plate boundaries where
tectonic plates slide past
each other horizontally.
Oblique-Slip Faults Show characteristics of
both dip-slip and strike-
slip faults.
Movement occurs in
two directions: horizon-
tal (strike-slip) and ver-
tical (dip-slip) along the
fault plane.

Why the earthquake in Morocco has caused so much dam-

age?
Factor Explanation
Epicentre Location The earthquake’s epicentre was in However, earthquakes cannot be accurately predicted be-
the High Atlas Mountains (close to cause there is currently no equipment or method to detect
the city of Marrakesh), causing it precursory signals within the Earth that would indicate an
to affect populated areas and infra- impending major earthquake. Such signals would need to
structure. be specific to significant seismic events and not indicative of
minor movements in the Earth’s crust.
Depth The depth of the earthquake, esti-
mated between 8km and 26km, was
relatively shallow, making it more Insta Links: 60% of India prone to earthquake
dangerous as shallow earthquakes
transmit more energy to the surface.
GENERAL STUDIES – 2
Previous Earth- The region had not experienced ma-
quake Activity jor recorded earthquakes before,
Topics: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the
suggesting that stress had been ac-
States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal struc-
cumulating underground for an ex-
ture, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels
tended period before being released
and challenges therein.
in this earthquake.
Lack of Prepared- Earthquakes are relatively rare in
ness North Africa, so Morocco was not
well-prepared for such a calamity. 1. CAUVERY WATER DISPUTE
Many buildings, especially in rural
areas and older cities, were not con- Context:
structed to withstand strong trem- The Supreme Court has refused to intervene in the ongoing
ors. Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka,
highlighting the persisting tensions despite an official reso-
lution.
Earthquake Prone areas in India:
The Western Himalayas in India are considered one of the What is the Cauvery Water Dispute?
most dangerous seismic zones globally, and the entire Hi- The Cauvery Water Dispute is a dispute between the Indian
malayan region, spanning from the Hindu Kush mountains states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, along with Kerala and
to Arunachal Pradesh, is at risk of a major earthquake with Puducherry, over the sharing of the Cauvery River’s waters.
a magnitude exceeding 8 on the Richter scale. This height- It involves issues of water allocation and usage rights, with
ened risk is attributed to the substantial energy accumula- historical agreements, tribunals, and court rulings playing a
tion along faultlines due to the ongoing interaction of vari- significant role in its resolution.
ous tectonic plates.

www.insightsonindia.com 17

Background of the dispute:
Year Event
19th Cen- Agreements were made between the Madras
tury Presidency and Mysore regarding water us-
age.
The agreement was that the upper riparian
state needed the lower riparian state’s con-
sent for any construction, like a reservoir, on
the Cauvery River.
1974 Karnataka started diverting Cauvery water
without Tamil Nadu’s consent, triggering the
modern phase of the dispute.
1990 The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)
was established to address the water-sharing
conflict.
2007 CWDT issues its final award, specifying wa-
ter allocations among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Kerala, and Puducherry.
Considering the total availability of 740 TMC
in a normal year. CWDT allocated water
among the four states as follows: Tamil Nadu
– about 404 TMC, Karnataka - about 284 TMC,
Kerala - 30 TMC, and Puducherry - 7 TMC
2018 Supreme Court upholds CWDT’s award, de-
claring the Cauvery a national asset and or-
dering the establishment of the Cauvery Wa-
ter Management Scheme.
In June 2018, the central government es-
tablished the ‘Cauvery Water Management
Scheme,’ which includes the ‘Cauvery Water
Management Authority’ and the ‘Cauvery
Water Regulation Committee.’
How is water being Shared currently?
Water sharing in the Cauvery River is regulated by a month-
ly schedule between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In a typ-
ical year, Karnataka must release about 177 TMC of water
to Tamil Nadu from June to May, including about 123 TMC
during the monsoon months from June to September. Dis-
putes often arise during the southwest monsoon season
when rainfall is below expectations.
Reasons behind the Dispute:
Reasons Description
Recent Issues Tamil Nadu went to the Supreme Court
to ensure the release of 24,000 cu-
secs of water from Karnataka’s reser-
voir. Karnataka had previously refused
agreed-upon water release quantities.
18 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Mekedatu Dam Project: Tamil Nadu ar-
gues that the project is unauthorized
and could harm its interests, violating
the orders of the Cauvery Water Dis-
putes Tribunal and the Supreme Court.
K a r n a t a k a While Tamil Nadu advocates for 10,000
Stand cusecs of water release for 15 days. Kar-
nataka suggests 8,000 cusecs of water
release for the same 15-day period.
Karnataka cites poor inflow due to re-
duced rainfall in the Cauvery catch-
ment, including Kodagu.
It highlights a 44% rainfall deficit in Ko-
dagu from June to August.
It rejects Tamil Nadu’s distress-sharing
formula demand.
Implications Tamil Nadu’s farmers are awaiting Kar-
nataka’s response due to low water
storage in the Mettur reservoir (20 TMC,
lasting ten days). This may impact agri-
culture crops and water requirements in
the region.
Ineffective Tri- The government creates tribunals for
bunals each dispute. However, these tribunals
are ineffective, and ad hoc, and their
judgements have little legal basis. Fur-
ther, when states challenge their deci-
sions, the conflict is only exacerbated.
The existing Inter-State River Water Dis-
putes Act, 1956, relies on tribunals to
resolve disputes.
Water distress The distress caused by Climate change,
erratic rainfall, depleting groundwater,
and water-intensive cropping patterns
intensify river disputes.
The way ahead:
• Passing a law to empower tribunals to enforce deci-
sions is crucial for quicker and more effective resolu-
tion of these disputes.
o In 2017, the Lok Sabha passed the In-
ter-State River Water Disputes (Amend-
ment) Bill to create a single permanent tri-
bunal and a mediation committee, but the
implementation has not yet been done.
• Allowing for water harvesting on a larger scale in
both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
• Strengthening the interstate council and Zonal coun-
cils for dispute resolution
Conclusion:
As India faces growing water scarcity and declining river vol-
umes, there is a need for urgent legislation granting tribunals
the power to enforce their decisions, facilitating quicker and
Current Affairs 30
more effective resolution of inter-state river water disputes.
About Cauvery River
It is the third largest river – after Godavari and Krishna –
in southern India, and the largest in the state of Tamil Nadu,
known as ‘Ponni’ in Tamil. Originates in Karnataka (Talaka-
veri in the Brahmagiri range in the Western Ghats, Kodagu
district) and eventually drains into the Bay of Bengal. Its left
bank tributaries include Arkavathi, Hemavathi, Shimsa, and
Harangi, while right bank tributaries consist of Lakshman-
tirtha, Suvarnavati, Noyil, Bhavani, Kabini, and Amaravathi.
Mains Links:
Q. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state wa-
ter disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is
the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both?
Discuss. (UPSC 2013)
Prelims Links:
Q. Which of the following Protected Areas are located in
the Cauvery basin? (UPSC 2020)
1. Nagarhole National Park
2. Papikonda National Park
3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: C
Topics: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, func-
tioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues
arising out of these.
2. SIMULTANEOUS ELECTIONS
Context:
The Government has formed a committee, headed by for-
mer President Ram Nath Kovind, to explore the possibility of
“one nation, one election,” which refers to holding simulta-
neous Lok Sabha (Parliament) and state assembly elections.
What is one nation, one election (ONOE)?
The concept of “one nation, one election” refers to holding
elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies si-
multaneously, once in five years.
Background:
Simultaneous elections were held in the country during the
first two decades after Independence up to 1967. The dis-
solution of certain Assemblies in 1968 and 1969 followed
by the dissolution of the Lok Sabha led to the disruption of
the conduct of simultaneous elections.
Benefits of “one nation, one election”
Benefit Description
Reducing Election Conducting all elections simultane-
Expenditure ously minimizes expenses on logis-
tics, security, and campaigning.
Better Governance Simultaneous elections allow elect-
ed governments to focus on gover-
nance rather than preparing for the
next election. It will help in stream-
lining the election cycle to avoid
policy disruptions due to the Model
Code of Conduct
Voter Convenience Ensures voters are not subjected to
multiple rounds of voting, leading
to better turnout and voter conve-
nience.
Reduced Security Conducting elections together re-
Concerns duces overall security concerns and
enhances security setup across the
country.
Level Playing Field Provides a level playing field for all
parties and candidates, promoting
fairness and transparency in elec-
tions.
Reduced Impact on Simultaneous elections reduce the
Education impact on the education sector, as
fewer teachers are involved in the
electoral process.
Challenges of “One Nation, One Election”:
Challenge Description
C o n s t i t u t i o n a l Requires constitutional amend-
Challenges ments, necessitating consensus
among political parties and states, a
complex and lengthy process.
www.insightsonindia.com 19
 Current Affairs 30

Anti-federal Assembly elections focus on local concerns that it raises. (250 words)
issues, and combining them with
general elections may overshadow 3. SIGNIFICANCE AND LEGACY OF PARLIA-
regional narratives. MENT IN INDIA’S DEMOCRACY
Logistical challeng- Conducting all elections simul-
es taneously involves logistical ar- Context:
rangements, security deployment, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s article discusses the signifi-
voter rolls, and polling booth man- cance and legacy of Parliament in India’s democracy.
agement, leading to administrative
difficulties. What is a Parliament?
Need for approximately 30 lakh Parliament is the supreme legislative body in a democratic
electronic voting machines (EVMs) country responsible for making and passing laws, represent-
and voter-verified paper audit trail ing citizens, and overseeing the government’s actions.
(VVPAT) machines
Possibility of Dom- Simultaneous elections may favour Significance of Parliament in India’s democracy:
ination by National national parties with more resourc- Aspect Significance and Examples
Parties es, potentially marginalizing regional Legacy
parties and issues.
Historical Deeply rooted in India is widely regard-
Impact on Democ- Voters may struggle to engage with Legacy India’s historical ed as the “mother of
racy all issues simultaneously, poten- and cultural her- democracy”. Ancient
tially leading to uninformed choic- itage, reflecting texts and local self-gov-
es and undermining the democratic participative gov- ernance traditions—
process. ernance for millen- Sabhas, Samitis, Repub-
nia. lic
Way forward
Founding India’s founders Adoption of a demo-
• Recommendation of Parliamentary Standing Com-
mittee on Law and Justice: A two-phase election Fathers’ Vi- had faith in peo- cratic system post-in-
schedule, according to which elections to some sion ple’s wisdom, lead- dependence
legislative assemblies whose term end within six ing to the adoption
months to one year before or after the election date of an enlightened
could be held during the midterm of Lok Sabha. For Constitution.
the rest of the states, elections could be held along
Accommo- Effective manage- Unity in diversity is a
with the general elections to Lok Sabha.
• Cost can be brought under control by ensuring that dative De- ment of conflicts, fundamental national
the legal cap on the expenditure of candidates is mocracy celebration of di- ethos.
followed by all parties. versity, and pro-
• Concept of One year, One election will be easier motion of unity for
than ONOE, and will have the same benefits. development and
prosperity.
International Examples: Simultaneous Elections are success- Watchdog Oversight of public Approval of budgets
fully held in South Africa (national and provincial), and Swe- of Public finances, budget and financial alloca-
den (including local elections as well on the same day). Exchequer approval, and ac- tions.
countability of the
Conclusion: Executive
While the idea of “One nation, one election” has its own Voice of Platform for cit- E.g., the issue of the
merits, it is important to consider the practical challenges the People izens to raise Manipur crisis dis-
and limitations of implementing it. A comprehensive study concerns, and cussed in Parliament
is required to examine the feasibility of this concept in India. promote so- sessions.
cio-economic
Insta Links change through
One nation, one election legislation and de-
bates.
Practice Questions
Q. In view of the idea of holding simultaneous elections to
the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, discuss the
advantages that its implementation would lead to and the

20 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Living Insti- Vibrant represen- Consistent legislative to provide a parliamentary forum to give expression to the
tution tation of the will work for national prog- collective will of the people.
of over a billion ress.
Indians, dedicated Insta Links:
to citizens’ welfare India’s New Parliament: Need and Significance
and unity.
Symphony Creation of an el- Successful parliamenta- 4. FRATERNITY IN THE INDIAN CONSTITU-
of Democ- egant symphony ry functioning despite TION
racy of democracy, up- disagreements. Context:
holding constitu- The article discusses how the concept of fraternity in India,
tional values and as enshrined in the Constitution, differs significantly from its
national interests. historical and philosophical origins.
Evaluation: Detailed scrutiny Committees’ role in
Parliamen- of bills, budget policy evaluation and We published an article on a similar theme in April Daily
tary Com- proposals, and formulation. CA: The concept of fraternity
mittees ministries, en-
hancing oversight
What is Fraternity?
and accountability.
According to Dr. Ambedkar “Fraternity means a sense of
Autonomy: Protection of Immunity from prose- common brotherhood of all Indians — of Indians being one
Parliamen- members’ auton- cution for parliamenta- people. It is the principle which gives unity and solidarity to
tary Privi- omy and dignity ry speech. social life,”.
leges through immunity
and privileges for
No one should treat a fellow citizen as inferior. While the
free expression.
morals of the Preamble like- Justice, Equality, and Liberty
A c c o u n t - Parliament is en- have been explicitly and implicitly ensured through Funda-
ability trusted with secur- mental Rights, Directive Principles and other constitutional
ing accountability provisions, this is not the case with Fraternity.
of the Executive
through various
More about Fraternity:
instruments such
as the Rules of Aspect Description
Procedure and Political Philos- Fraternity is deeply embedded in polit-
Conduct of Busi- ophy Roots ical philosophy, emphasizing empow-
ness, tradition and erment and emancipation in politics.
well-settled prece- It’s a fundamental element of liberal
dents. political thought, alongside liberty and
equality.
To read: Is India a parliamentary democracy? Click Here Ancient Origins The concept traces back to Plato, who
Challenges to India’s democracy by Parliament include: introduced it as “philia” (love) involv-
• Disruptions and Productivity: Frequent disruptions ing the sharing of knowledge, and
during parliamentary sessions hinder legislative deepening friendships. Aristotle later
work and reduce productivity. associated it with justice and friendship
• Unruly Behaviour: Instances of unruly behaviour by within the “polis,” marking its early po-
some members have become more common, affect- litical foundations.
ing decorum and debate. Historical Evolu- Throughout the Middle Ages, fraterni-
• Lack of Detailed Debates: Important legislation may tion ty found resonance within Christianity
be passed without thorough debate due to disrup- in Europe. It gained significant political
tions. prominence during the French Revolu-
• Public Perception: Citizens may lose trust in Parlia- tion, notably with the famous slogan
ment due to its inability to function effectively. “liberté, égalité, fraternité.”
Fraternity in In- Fraternity was underscored during In-
Conclusion: dia dia’s struggle for independence and is
As the nation undergoes transformative change during Amrit enshrined as a vital constitutional prin-
Kaal, the Parliament of India continues to serve as a beacon ciple.
of peace and hope for all societies and nations that aspire

www.insightsonindia.com 21

Fraternity’s Significance in India’s Independence:
• Foundational Role: Liberty, equality, and fraterni-
ty were pivotal ideals during India’s independence
struggle and the establishment of its constitutional
democracy. They provided guidance to a diverse so-
ciety transitioning into an independent republic.
• Ambedkar’s Emphasis: Dr. Ambedkar emphasized
the inseparability of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
He recognized the fraternity’s crucial role in India’s
diverse and divided society.
• Demand: It became an official demand of the Indian
National Congress in 1935 and was officially adopt-
ed in the Lucknow session in April 1936 presided by
Jawaharlal Nehru, who also drafted the Objectives
Resolution.
Constitutional Provisions:
Constitutional Description
Provision
Preamble The Preamble of the Indian Constitu-
tion mentions fraternity as one of its
objectives. It ends with “...and to pro-
mote among them all fraternity assur-
ing the dignity of the individual and
the unity and integrity of the Nation.”
Directive Prin- Article 38: The state shall strive to
ciples of State promote the welfare of the people by
Policy securing and protecting a social order
that fosters fraternity among the citi-
zens.
F u n d a m e n t a l Article 51A(e): The duty of every citi-
Duties zen to promote harmony and the spirit
of common brotherhood among all the
people of India transcending religious,
linguistic, and regional diversities
Fraternity meaning in the constitution:
Meaning Description
Signifies moral Fraternity in the Constitution implies a
obligation moral obligation to treat fellow human
beings justly and respectfully, priori-
tizing social cohesion over individual
identity.
Acharya Kripalani pointed out that the
contents of the Preamble were not only
legal and political principles but also had
moral, spiritual and mystical content.
Pillar of consti- It is one of the four pillars of constitu-
tutional moral- tional morality as stated in the Pre-
ity amble, alongside justice, liberty, and
equality
22 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Affirming the Fraternity in the Constitution affirms the
dignity of the dignity of the individual by recogniz-
individual ing moral equality and mutual respect
among individuals despite differences
in religious beliefs, caste, language, cul-
ture, ethnicity, class, and gender.
Challenges in Achieving Fraternity:
Challenges Description
Social and Cultural Differences based on religion or
Differences caste may result in mistrust, dis-
crimination, and violence.
Economic Disparities Economic disparities can lead to a
breakdown in social cohesion, a key
aspect of fraternity
Political Differences Polarization along political lines
can foster hostility and intolerance,
hindering common goals.
Lack of Trust A lack of trust and mutual under-
standing undermines the spirit of
brotherhood.
Failure of Constitu- Its failure can lead to a loss of con-
tional Morality fidence in institutions and the rule
of law, creating instability.
Inadequate Moral Failure in this area can erode frater-
Order nity, as unethical actions without
consequences hinder trust.
Measures to Achieve Fraternity in the Indian Context:
Measures Description
Promote Interfaith Di- Encourage dialogue and under-
alogue standing among diverse religious
communities to build fraternity.
Celebrate Diversity Embrace and celebrate India’s
cultural and religious diversity to
bring people closer.
Educate People About Educate citizens about the values
Constitutional Values enshrined in the Indian Constitu-
tion, including fraternity.
Encourage Volunteer- Engage people in volunteering for
ing social causes to foster coopera-
tion and a sense of fraternity.
Support Social Initia- Back social initiatives that pro-
tives mote inclusivity and equality, con-
tributing to the fraternity.
Foster a Sense of Na- Promote patriotism and national
tional Pride pride to unite people, enhancing
fraternity and unity.
Conclusion
Ambedkar dreamed of an India in which divisions of caste
and religion would gradually fade away in the spirit of fra-
Current Affairs 30
ternity. Therefore, investing in concepts like fraternity would 2023 Special Session to commemorate Parliament’s
save society from fragmentation. 75-year journey.

Insta links: The Indian Parliament has become disconnected from soci-
Preamble ety and turned into a gated community:
• Nepotism in Politics: The presence of dynastic poli-
tics in Indian democracy is perpetuated not only by
5. PARLIAMENT’S 75-YEAR JOURNEY national parties but also by regional parties.
• The increasing criminalisation of politics: In a peti-
Context: tion filed in Feb 2023, it was claimed that there has
A Special Session of Parliament, scheduled from September been an increase of 44% in the number of MPs with
18 to 22, will begin with a discussion on Parliament’s 75-year declared criminal cases since 2009 (ADR report).
journey, starting from the Constituent Assembly in 1946. • Wealthy politicians but poor citizens: The percent-
age of persons with a net worth above INR 1 crore
has only been increasing over the 2 decades.
The article is in continuation of the previous article Signif-  As per reports by the Association for Dem-
icance and Legacy of Parliament in India’s Democracy pub- ocratic Reforms, there are 315 members
lished on 4th September in our Daily CA whose net worth exceeds INR 1 crore in a
543-member Lok Sabha.
Key events in the Indian Parliament’s History are: • The lower number of women parliamentarians:
Year Key Event/Act The % of women in Lok Sabha is less than 15% and
1946 Constituent Assembly first met on December even lower in Rajya Sabha, which stands at around
9th. 13%.
• Not inclusive: The number of Muslim MPs in 2019
1950 Adoption of the Indian Constitution on Janu-
has only increased by 3. There has been no repre-
ary 26th.
sentation of the transgender community in the In-
1952 First general elections were held, marking the dian Parliament so far.
start of democracy • Lack of Transparency: E.g., very short time given to
1956 Adoption of the States Reorganization Act, re- scrutinize many of the bills. Several bills have been
shaping state boundaries. passed as money bills to limit Rajya Sabha scrutiny
1957 Second general elections.  Parliament and parliamentarians are gen-
erally not accessible for ordinary citizens to
1961 Liberation of Goa, Daman, and Diu. interact or express grievances.
1966 Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister.
1971 Passage of the 42nd Amendment Act, altering Despite these lacunas, the Indian parliament has made a
the Preamble. substantial effort to be an inclusive institution:
1975-77 The Emergency period was marked by sus- Aspect Examples
pended democracy. Representation The percentage of women’s representa-
1984 Operation Blue Star in Golden Temple, Am- tion in Lok Sabha has increased from 5%
ritsar. in 1951 to 14% in 2019. In the early de-
1986 Passage of the Muslim Women (Protection of cades, the Parliament was a stronghold
Rights on Divorce) Act of lawyers but in the past two decades,
1991 Economic liberalization under Prime Minister people from diverse educational back-
Narasimha Rao. grounds have entered the Parliament.
2005 Passage of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Public Debates Citizens can watch live debates on im-
portant issues, such as budget discus-
2016 Implementation of the Goods and Services
sions and legislative debates.
Tax (GST).
Parliamentary Committees like the Standing Commit-
2019 The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act
Committees tee on Finance analyze budgets and
of 2019 passed. The act also repealed Article
address economic concerns. E.g., the
370, which gave the region its “special status”
Parliamentary panel asked the former
2020 COVID-19 pandemic disrupts Parliament ses- RBI governor to present himself before
sions. it, so as to answer questions regarding
2023 Inauguration of the new Parliament building demonetization.

www.insightsonindia.com 23

Laws for Social Legislation like the Food Security Act
Welfare 2023 and increasing reservation has
helped provide representation to
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
in educational and public services
Amendments to Amendments to labour laws to pro-
Address Needs tect workers’ rights and accommodate
changing employment dynamics.
Public Participa- e-Petitions allow citizens to raise con-
tion cerns, and petitions are addressed in
the Parliament. Many of the state as-
semblies have completely become pa-
perless.
Conclusion
The Indian Parliament is a symbol of the nation’s democrat-
ic ethos. And hence, efforts to strengthen representation,
accessibility and inclusivity are essential for addressing the
needs and aspirations of the diverse Indian population.
Insta Links:
India’s New Parliament: Need and Significance
Topics: Government policies and interventions for develop-
ment in various sectors and issues arising out of their design
and implementation.
6. EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS LEAD TO
INCREASE IN CHILD MARRIAGES: STUDY
Context:
Extreme weather events are leading to an increase in child,
early, and forced marriages (CEFM), according to a recent
study published in the journal International Social Work.
We have previously published a related article on the Im-
pact of Climate Change on Children and the First UN guid-
ance on Children’s Rights and Environment
Major findings of the study:
Findings Details
Impact of Extreme Extreme weather intensifies gender
Weather Events inequality and poverty.
Adverse impacts on women and
girls’ resilience during disasters.
Development Ini- Without accounting for gender and
tiatives social inequalities, initiatives can
worsen disparities.
24 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Reasons for CEFM Child marriage is used as a coping
in Extreme Weath- strategy to reduce economic vulner-
er abilities.
Examples: Daughters married early
to reduce economic burden after di-
sasters.
Role of Bride Price Bride price linked to CEFM during
and Dowry droughts and rainfall shocks.
Dowry is linked to lower marriage
rates during droughts due to afford-
ability.
Protection from CEFM is used to protect daughters
Sexual Violence from sexual violence during crises.
Main Driver of Gender inequality is identified as
Child Marriage the primary driver of child marriage.
Global Perspective Approximately 12 million girls mar-
ried before adulthood each year
globally.
Risks of child marriage are in-
creasing, influenced by factors like
COVID-19.
Climate Change The Global Slavery Index 2023 re-
Impact veals that climate change and envi-
ronmental factors have worsened
modern slavery in Africa, with over
3 million forced into marriage and
about 4 million into forced labour.
Recommendations Health professionals and social
workers must recognize links be-
tween CEFM and extreme weather.
Urgent need to prevent the increase
in CEFM due to extreme weather
events.
Education and financial control are
key to empowering women and girls.
Higher parental education is associ-
ated with decreased CEFM rates.
Several international agreements address child marriage,
emphasizing protection:
• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Dis-
crimination against Women covers the right to
protection from child marriage
• Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age
for Marriage and Registration of Marriages
Conclusion:
The study emphasized the need for development initiatives
to address gender and social inequalities to prevent the in-
crease in CEFM due to extreme weather events.
Insta Links:
Still a nightmare for domestic violence survivors
Current Affairs 30

7. MEASURING HUNGER ACROSS STATES  Child Malnutrition: India faces significant

challenges in child nutrition, with high rates
Context: of stunting, underweight children, and wast-
ing
The article discusses the issue of hunger and malnutrition in
India and the need for a more localized assessment of this • The 2022 State of Food Security and Nutrition in
problem. the World report revealed that India has over 224
What is Hunger? million ( over 22 crore) undernourished individuals,
As per FAO, hunger is the condition characterized by habit- with notable disparities among states.
ual or chronic consumption of too few calories to meet the
minimum dietary energy requirements for a healthy and About State Hunger Index (SHI):
productive life Aspects Description
Index Indicators Global Hunger Index uses four indica-
Types of Hunger: tors among children below age 5:
Types Description • Prevalence of calorie under-
A c u t e This type of hunger occurs over a defined pe- nourishment
Hunger riod and is often associated with crises like • Under-five mortality rate
droughts, wars, or other emergencies. It rep- • Stunting
resents a severe and immediate lack of food. • Wasting
• Mortality
C h r o n i c Chronic hunger refers to a long-term state of State Hunger Index uses the same in-
Hunger undernourishment where the body consis- dicators, replacing calorie undernour-
tently receives less food than it requires. It is
ishment with BMI undernourishment
commonly linked to persistent poverty and is
among the working-age population.
a pervasive issue.
Data Sources Data for stunting, wasting, and child
H i d d e n Hidden hunger is a form of chronic hunger
mortality are from NFHS-5 (Nation-
Hunger resulting from an imbalanced diet that lacks al Family Health Survey 5). BMI un-
essential nutrients such as iron, iodine, zinc,
dernourishment data is from NFHS-5
or vitamin A. Even if caloric intake is suffi- (2019-21) and Longitudinal Ageing
cient, the absence of critical nutrients can
Study in India (2017-18).
lead to health problems.
Calculation of SHI score is calculated by combining
SHI normalized values of four indicators us-
What is Malnutrition?
ing GHI-recommended techniques. SHI
Malnutrition refers to a condition where an individual’s diet
scores range from 0 to 100, with higher
lacks the necessary nutrients (such as vitamins, minerals,
scores indicating more hunger.
proteins, and carbohydrates) required for proper growth,
development, and overall health. Malnutrition can manifest Performance of • Alarming: Bihar, Jharkhand,
as States Chhattisgarh scored 35
• Undernutrition (insufficient intake of nutrients) • Above national average: Guja-
• Overnutrition (excessive intake leading to obesity) rat, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Odi-
• Specific nutrient deficiencies sha, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura,
Maharashtra, and West Bengal
Status of India on Hunger: all scored above the national
• Despite being a major food producer with exten- average of 29
sive food security programs, India faces significant • Moderate hunger: Chandigarh
food insecurity, hunger, and child malnutrition. (12), Sikkim, Puducherry, Kera-
• In the 2022 Global Hunger Index (GHI), India ranked la (below 16)
107th out of 121 countries, behind Nigeria and Pa- • Serious hunger: States below
kistan. the national average but above
 The GHI measures undernourishment and 20. - Low hunger: No state falls
hunger on a national level, including calorie under ‘low hunger’ category.
undernourishment, child malnutrition, and COVID-19 Im- The impact of COVID-19 on SHI is not
under-five mortality. pact included as post-pandemic estimates
 Over the past five years, India’s GHI score are unavailable.
has worsened primarily due to the ris-
ing prevalence of calorie undernourish-
ment.

www.insightsonindia.com 25
 Current Affairs 30
Key issues: Eat Right India Organized by FSSAI to promote
Issue Description Movement healthy eating habits among citi-
Dispute over India’s GHI score deteriorated due to zens.
data & method- increasing calorie undernourishment. Zero Hunger Pro- Launched in 2017 to eliminate
ology However, the Indian government dis- gram hunger and malnutrition by 2030
putes the findings and cites concerns through farming interventions,
about data and methodology. training, and biofortified gardens.
Lack of National No NSS round on nutritional intake Pradhan Mantri Ma- Provides cash incentives to pregnant
Sample Survey since 2011-12. tru Vandana Yojana women and lactating mothers.
(NSS) data (PMMVY)
Climate change Climate change and extreme weather Pradhan Mantri A school meal program aimed at
& food insecurity events threaten India’s food system Poshan Shakti Nir- improving the nutritional status of
and poverty alleviation efforts. Gains in man scheme (PM school-age children.
poverty alleviation could be reversed Poshan Scheme)
by these shocks.
Non-communi- Rising burden of non-communicable Conclusion:
cable diseases diseases in India, especially among the The article highlights the pressing issue of hunger and mal-
“middle class”. Strongly linked to diet nutrition in India, the need for localized assessments, and
and nutrition. the challenges in obtaining up-to-date and accurate data to
address these critical concerns.
Suggestions for addressing the issues:
• India-Specific Hunger Index: There is a need for an 8. JAL JEEVAN MISSION REMAINS A PIPE
India-specific hunger index that evaluates hunger
and malnutrition at the state and union territory lev-
DREAM
els.
Context:
o This localized assessment is crucial for
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a central government initiative
achieving the Sustainable Development
to provide piped water to every rural household by 2024,
Goals related to hunger eradication.
faces challenges and limitations.
• Prioritize Young Children’s Nutrition: Elevate the
importance of young children’s food intake in poli-
cies, beyond just “complementary” nutrition. About the mission:
• Improved Assessments: Adapt the Food and Agri-
culture Organisation’s household-level food insecu-
rity modules for a better understanding of food se-
curity in India.
• Evidence-Based Policy: Base policies on measuring
the availability, accessibility, and affordability of nu-
tritious food, especially for vulnerable populations.
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana: Consider
a strategic initiative led by the Prime Minister’s Of-
fice to eliminate food insecurity and ensure afford-
able access to nutritious food, with a focus on young
children, to achieve the SDG of zero hunger.

Key nutrition-related programs and initiatives in India:

Initiative Description
National Nutrition Started in 2018 to reduce undernu-
Mission (NNM), trition and enhance children’s nutri-
Poshan Abhiyan tional status.
National Food Secu- Legally entitles a portion of the pop-
rity Act, 2013 ulation to receive subsidized food A fully functional tap water connection is defined as a house-
grains under the Targeted Public hold getting at least 55 litres of potable water per capita per
Distribution System. day all through the year

26 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Achievements of the mission:
• Over two-thirds (66%) of rural households in India
now have piped water connections, a significant
leap from the 2019 baseline of 17%.
• States Achieving 100% Tap Connectivity: Goa, Tel-
angana, Haryana.
• Union Territories Achieving 100% Tap Connectivity:
Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra &
Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu.
• States with over 90% FHTC Coverage: Punjab, Guja-
rat, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar
• States with Least FHTC Coverage: Rajasthan, Chhat-
tisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh
Present challenges with the mission:
Aspect Details
State Disparities Only a few states report high coverage
rates. In contrast, populous states like
Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have low-
er coverage.
Quality Con- Some households, despite having tap
cerns connections, use local groundwater
due to inadequate tap water quality.
Reporting and Adoption numbers rely on self-report-
Certification ing by villages and lack third-party cer-
tification.
Shortcomings in Despite official claims of 100% house-
Reality hold tap connections (FHTC), many
households lack taps, and those with
taps often receive limited water
Discrepancies in Discrepancies exist between official re-
Reporting ports and ground reality, where eligi-
ble FHTC households are not fully con-
nected to running water supply.
Water Treat- Water treatment plants have been
ment Efforts commissioned to address water scar-
city, but the challenge lies in commis-
sioning pipes over difficult terrain.
Taps Get Stolen In some areas, taps provided by the
mission have been stolen, and house-
holds lack sufficient storage to maintain
a continuous water supply.
Suggestions:
• Quality Over Quantity: Prioritizing consistent,
high-quality tap water adoption in rural India is
crucial. States with lower adoption rates and larger
populations should receive assistance to improve
their numbers.
• Third-Party Assessment: Implement third-party
assessments to verify the accuracy of reported tap
water connections, ensuring transparency and ac-
countability.
• Focus on Lagging States: Prioritize states with lower
adoption rates and larger populations to accelerate
progress toward universal tap water coverage.
• Public Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns to
educate rural communities on the benefits of clean
tap water and proper water usage.
• Make the Right to Water Legal: In India, the right to
water is not enshrined as a fundamental right in the
Constitution.
Other steps are taken for water management in Urban Ar-
eas:
• Atal Bhujal Yojana: For sustainable management of
groundwater resources with community participa-
tion in selected water-stressed areas.
• National Aquifer Management Program: For map-
ping of aquifers, characterization, and development
of aquifer management plans.
• National Water Policy (2012): Include provisions like
rainwater harvesting, augmenting the availability of
water through direct use of rainfall, etc.
• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transfor-
mation (AMRUT): To provide tap connections to
over 1 crore households in 500 cities.
Conclusion:
On 28 July 2010, through Resolution 64/292, the United
Nations General Assembly explicitly recognized the human
right to water and sanitation and acknowledged that clean
drinking water and sanitation are essential to the realiza-
tion of all human rights.
Insta Links:
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has hit the 51% mark
• Jal Jeevan Mission
9. HUNGERMAP LIVE: GLOBAL INSIGHTS
AND KEY TRENDS
Context:
The World Food Programme has released “HungerMap LIVE:
Global insights and key trends”.
What is HungerMap LIVE?
HungerMap LIVE is a real-time monitoring system tracking
key indicators of acute hunger, including household food
consumption, livelihoods, child nutritional status, mortality,
and access to clean water.
The trend:
The global issue of hunger and food insecurity has
shown an alarming increase since 2015, exacerbated by a
combination of factors including the pandemic, conflict, cli-
mate change, and deepening inequalities, which calls for
www.insightsonindia.com 27

attention.
Key findings of the Report:
Key Points (Global Details
figures)
Global Food Insecuri- 828 million chronically hungry
ty and Hunger globally.
193 million experiencing acute
hunger in 53 countries.
Countries with a High 12 countries account for 33% of
Prevalence of Insuffi- the total number of people with
cient Food insufficient food consumption
Includes Somalia, Afghanistan,
Syrian Arab Republic, Niger, Mali,
Haiti, and more.
Prevalence of Crisis Includes Haiti, the Syrian Arab Re-
or Above Crisis Level public, Afghanistan, Yemen, and
Coping more.
Prevalence of Chal- Includes the Central African Re-
lenges Accessing public, the Syrian Arab Republic,
Markets Namibia, and others.
Note: A person is food insecure when they lack regular
access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal
growth and development and an active and healthy life.
Hunger-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
• Hunger-related Sustainable Development Goals are
the SDGs that have a bearing on hunger status di-
rectly or indirectly. Accordingly, these are:
• SDG 1 - End poverty in all its forms everywhere (pov-
erty-hunger interlinkage)
• SDG 2 - Creating a world free of hunger by 2030
• SDG 3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being
for all at all ages
• SDG 6 - Ensure availability and sustainable manage-
ment of water and sanitation for all
• SDG 12 - Ensure sustainable consumption and pro-
duction patterns (choice of crops and nutrition)
• SDG 13 - Take urgent action to combat climate
change and its impacts (climate change-related nu-
tritional and food security issues)
India’s performance in hunger-related SDGs:
Key Points Details
S u s t a i n a b l e In the 2021 Sustainable Development
Development Report, India’s ranking slipped from 117
Ranking to 120 among 193 countries, placing it in
the serious category of hunger.
India also faces challenges related to zero
hunger, health, well-being, safe drinking
water, and gender equality among oth-
ers.
28 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Global Hunger The Global Hunger Index (GHI) for 2022
Index (GHI) ranked India 107 out of 121 countries,
Ranking lagging behind Nigeria (103) and Pakistan
(99).
Food Security According to the State of Food Security
and Malnutri- and Nutrition in the World Report 2022,
tion India is home to over 224 million under-
nourished people.
Despite initiatives like the Integrated
Child Development Services (ICDS) pro-
gram, the mid-day meal scheme since
1995, and the POSHAN Abhiyaan, India
struggles with high rates of malnutrition.
Hunger-related programmes:
• Mission Poshan 2.0: The flagship programme dedi-
cated to maternal and child nutrition.
• National Food Security Act 2013
• Zero Hunger Programme: Began in 2017 to improve
agriculture, health and nutrition.
• Eat Right India Campaign
• Food Fortification / Fortification of rice
• PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
Conclusion
Going forward, effective implementation of the programmes
with proper identification of the vulnerable population
will help India perform better in hunger-related goals and
achieve the target of zero hunger.
Mains Links:
Q) Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges to good
governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive
governments have progressed in dealing with these humon-
gous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (UPSC
2017)
Q) How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack
or availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the
attention away from ineffective human development poli-
cies in India? (UPSC 2018)
Prelims Links:
Q) Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators
used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report?
(UPSC 2016)
1. Undernourishment
2. Child stunting
3. Child mortality
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
Current Affairs 30
10. PARLIAMENTARY PANEL ON MEME
SYSTEM IN NEP 2020
Context:
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has
advised the Indian government to hold discussions with
stakeholders regarding the multiple entry and multiple exit
(MEME) system proposed in the National Education Policy
(NEP) 2020.
What is a multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) system?
The Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (MEME) system is an
educational approach that allows students in higher edu-
cation to enter and exit their academic programs at various
points, not necessarily following a traditional linear progres-
sion.
Benefits:
• It offers students greater flexibility by permitting
them to leave with certificates or diplomas at dif-
ferent stages rather than completing a full degree
program, which can suit their individual needs and
circumstances.
• This system is intended to provide diverse educa-
tional pathways and enhance access to higher ed-
ucation.
However, the parliamentary panel has criticised the MEME
system due to:
• Uncertainty in Student Numbers: The panel ex-
pressed concerns that the high student population
in India makes it difficult for institutions to predict
how many students will exit or join midway, leading
to uncertainty in managing resources and maintain-
ing pupil-teacher ratios.
• Geographical Challenges: Uneven distribution of
higher educational institutions across the country,
particularly in rural areas, poses challenges in imple-
menting MEME effectively.
• Lack of Clear Framework: The panel noted that
there is a need for comprehensive guidelines and
a well-defined framework for MEME options, in-
cluding specific eligibility criteria and credit transfer
mechanisms.
o Without these, the implementation of
MEME could be problematic.
• Potential for Devalued Degrees: Some critics, in-
cluding students and teachers, fear that the MEME
system could devalue degrees by allowing students
to exit with lower-level qualifications, potentially
leading to a perception of producing cheap labour
for the job market.
• State-Level Opposition: Some states, like Kerala,
have decided not to implement MEME in their col-
leges and universities, highlighting a lack of unifor-
mity in its acceptance across regions.
• Dropout Concerns: Experts and critics have ex-
pressed concerns that the MEME system could in-
crease dropout rates, as students may opt for early
exits without completing full-degree programs.
Other Recommendations by the Panel:
• Introduction of the “Design Your Degree” pro-
gramme (adopted in Jammu University) in Higher
Education Institutions for Personalized, Interdisci-
plinary Learning.
• Develop and distribute educational content tai-
lored to local needs and languages.
• Research and innovation in the field of education
for marginalized communities.
Provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for
higher education:
Provisions Description
Increase GER NEP 2020 aims to increase the Gross En-
to 50% by rolment Ratio (GER) in higher education,
2035 including vocational education, from
about 26% (2018) to 50% by 2035
Holistic Mul- The policy envisions broad-based,
tidisciplinary multi-disciplinary, holistic undergradu-
Education ate (UG) education with flexible curricu-
la.
It promotes creative combinations of
subjects, integration of vocational edu-
cation, and introduces multiple entry and
exit points with appropriate certification.
UG education can be 3 or 4 years with
various exit options and certifications at
different stages.
By 2025, at least 50% of learners through
school and higher education systems shall
have exposure to vocational education
Regulation The Higher Education Commission of In-
dia (HECI) will be established as a single
overarching umbrella body for the entire
higher education system, excluding med-
ical and legal education.
HECI will con- National Higher Education Regulatory
sist of four Council (NHERC) for regulation
independent General Education Council (GEC) for stan-
verticals: dard setting
Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC)
for funding
National Accreditation Council (NAC) for
accreditation
Both public and private HEIs will adhere
to the same set of norms for regulation,
accreditation, and academic standards.
www.insightsonindia.com 29

Rationalised The definition of a university will be ex-
Institutional panded to include a spectrum of institu-
Architecture tions, ranging from Research-intensive
Universities to Teaching-intensive Uni-
versities and Autonomous degree-grant-
ing Colleges
Model public universities for holistic and
multidisciplinary education, at par with
IITs, IIMs, etc., called MERUs (Multidisci-
plinary Education and Research Universi-
ties) will be set up
Major initiatives under NEP 2020 (for all types of educa-
tion) are:
Initiative Description
PM-SHRI High-quality education in schools with
a focus on equity and inclusivity
NIPUN Bharat Universal acquisition of foundational
literacy and numeracy by Grade 3, by
2026-27
PM e-VIDYA Promoting online education and digi-
tal learning through various platforms
and resources.
NCF FS and Jadui National Curriculum Framework for
Pitara Foundational Stage and play-based
learning for ages 3-8
NISHTHA Capacity-building program for teach-
ers and school principals.
NDEAR Blueprint for digital technology-based
education applications.
Academic Frame- Introduction of National Credit
works Framework (NCrF) and National High-
er Education Qualification Framework
(NHEQF).
Increased Invest- Advocating for 6% of GDP allocation
ment in Education to education.
Educational Inno- Allowing foreign universities in Gu-
vation in GIFT City jarat’s GIFT City to offer specialized
courses.
World-Class Insti- Creating top-notch academic and re-
tutions Scheme search facilities and designating “In-
stitutions of Eminence” (IoEs).
GIAN and SPARC Tapping expertise for academic re-
sources and fostering research collab-
orations.
Insta Links: Key highlights of the NEP
Mains Links: Q. National Education Policy 2020 is in con-
formity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It
intends to restructure and reorient the education system in
India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC 2020)
30 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Prelims links
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible
for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would
be required to possess the minimum qualification laid
down by the concerned State Council of Teacher Educa-
tion.
2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candi-
date is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conduct-
ed in accordance with the National Council of Teacher
Education guidelines.
3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institu-
tions are directly under the State Government.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer: B
Topics: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the pop-
ulation by the Centre and States and the performance of
these schemes.
11. OMISSION OF DISABILITY-RELATED
QUESTIONS FROM NFHS-6
Context:
The decision to omit disability-related questions from the
sixth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6)
has raised concerns about the understanding and represen-
tation of disability issues in India.
• Persons with disabilities make up around 2.21% of
the country’s population, which is approximately
2.68 crore people according to the 2011 Census.
Reasons for under representation of Persons with Disabili-
ties:
• The inadequate understanding of the term “disabil-
ity.”
• The government report on ‘Persons with Disabilities
(Divyangjan) in India - A Statistical Profile: 2021’
only acknowledges eight categories of disabilities,
failing to account for the 21 categories recognized
by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
(RPWDA).
• This oversight is particularly concerning for “invis-
ible disabilities,” such as mental health-related ill-
nesses, which affect nearly 24 lakh persons but are
not adequately addressed in the data.
Issues because of under representation of Persons with
Disabilities:
• Lack of Accurate Data: Without including questions
related to disabilities, it becomes challenging to
gather accurate and up-to-date data on the disabled
population in India.
Current Affairs 30
• Invisibility of Invisible Disabilities: Many disabili- ney towards gender equality in politics
ties, particularly “invisible disabilities” like mental
health conditions, often go unnoticed or unreport- Major provisions of the Bill and their significance:
ed. The omission of questions related to such con-
ditions exacerbates the invisibility of these disabil-
ities.
• Limited Policy Insights: Policies and programs de-
signed to support people with disabilities may not
be comprehensive or targeted effectively without a
clear understanding of the disability landscape.
• Exclusion from Development Goals: The United Na-
tions Convention on the Rights of Persons with Dis-
abilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) emphasize the inclusion and empow-
erment of people with disabilities.
• Barriers to Accessing Services: People with disabili-
ties often face barriers in accessing healthcare, ed-
ucation, employment, and social services.
• Underreporting of Disabilities: When individu-
als do not see their specific disabilities reflected in
data collection efforts, they may be less inclined to
self-identify or seek support.
• Stigmatization and Discrimination: When disabil-
ities are not recognized or understood, individuals
with disabilities may face exclusion, bias, or nega-
tive stereotypes.
• Missed Opportunities: Comprehensive data on
disabilities can provide valuable insights into the
After Lok Sabha?
diverse needs and experiences of people with dis-
abilities. The bill will have to be passed by Rajya Sabha by a majority
of the total membership of the house and by a majority of
Insta Links: not less than 2/3rd of members of the House “present and
Disability Rights voting”. Bill will require ratification by at least 50%

Mains Link: Historical Background of Women’s Reservation:

UPSC - 2017
Q. Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 en-
sure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion
of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss.
12. NARI SHAKTI VANDAN ADHINIYAM
2023 (WOMEN’ RESERVATION BILL)
Context:
The Lok Sabha passed the Women’s Reservation Bill (Nari
Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023) with more than a two-thirds
majority.
Status of Women Representation in India:
• According to the Global Gender Gap Report
2022, India ranks 48th out of 146 in the Political
Empowerment (Percentage of Women in Parliament
and in Ministerial Positions) dimension.
• At present, only about 14.4% of the members of the
Indian Parliament are women, the highest so far.
• Voting Share improving: Almost as many women as
men cast ballots in the most recent Lok Sabha elec-
tion in 2019, marking a turning point in India’s jour-
Period Events
P re - I n d e p e n - Long-standing demand for political res-
dence Period ervation of women.
In 1931, three women’s bodies sent
a letter to the British Prime Minister
requesting a political reservation for
women during the National Movement.
Government of The Government of India Act of 1935
India Act, 1935 gave women separate electorates but
did not reserve seats for them in the
legislature. It marked a step toward po-
litical participation for women.
Constituent As- The issue of women’s reservation was
sembly discussed in the Constituent Assembly
debates. However, it was rejected on
the grounds that a democracy should
provide representation to all groups.
Committee of The committee recommended the res-
the Status of ervation of women in local bodies.
Women 1971

www.insightsonindia.com 31
 Current Affairs 30

The Nation- This plan also recommended the reser- Arguments against the Bill:
al Perspective vation of women in local bodies. Argument Explanation
Plan for Wom- Against the Bill
en in 1988 Not a Homoge- Women are not a homogenous commu-
Constitutional These recommendations led to the 73rd neous Group nity like caste groups, making compari-
A m e n d m e nt s and 74th amendments to the Constitu- sons with caste-based reservations inap-
(1992) tion, which mandated all State govern- propriate.
ments to reserve one-third of the seats Violation of Critics argue that reserving seats for
for women in local bodies. the Equality women contradicts the Constitution’s
Principle equality guarantee, as it may be per-
ceived as a lack of competition based on
merit.
No Separate The Bill does not provide separate res-
OBC Reserva- ervations for OBC women, despite OBC
tion women constituting a significant portion
of the female population.
Exclusion from The Bill does not extend reservation to
Rajya Sabha women in the Rajya Sabha and legislative
and Legislative councils.
Councils
D e p e n d e n c y Implementation of women’s reservation
on Census and depends on the census and delimitation
Arguments in favour of the Women’s Reservation Bill:
Delimitation processes, which can be delayed or polit-
Argument Significance ically sensitive.
Increase in Addresses India’s low global ranking in Fear of Proxy There are concerns that women may be
political rep- women’s political representation. R e p r e s e n t a - used as proxies by male family members,
resentation India ranks low in global women’s legis- tion similar to what has happened in pancha-
of women lative representation, trailing behind 140 yats (local governments).
other countries - IPU 2021 Report Restriction on Some argue that reserving seats for
The ability Empirical evidence shows that women Voters’ Choice women limits voters’ choices, suggest-
of women’s leaders focus on public goods related to ing alternatives like women’s reservation
l e a d e rs h i p women’s concerns. within political parties.
to bring Women legislators have been associated
change with improved economic outcomes and in- What Should be Done:
frastructure development. • Raise Awareness and Education: Educate women
A step to- Reserved seats can potentially reduce the about their rights and the importance of political in-
wards de- presence of politicians with serious crimi- volvement through awareness campaigns.
criminal- nal cases. • Combat Gender-Based Violence: Address gen-
ization of der-based violence and harassment with policies
The current Lok Sabha includes 159 MPs
politics and legal measures to create a safer political envi-
with serious criminal charges, including
ronment for women.
rape, murder, attempt to murder, kidnap-
• Electoral Reforms: Implement electoral reforms like
ping, and crimes against women.
proportional representation and preferential voting
More wom- Aligns political representation with the vot- to ensure more women are elected.
en vote ing patterns of women. The vote share of • Intra-Party Democracy: Institutionalize intra-party
share women in elections has been continuously democracy to encourage more women candidates.
increasing. • Strengthen Women’s Self-Help Groups: Promote
Breaking pa- Promotes gender equality in political lead- women’s participation at the grassroots level to
triarchy ership and decision-making. groom potential candidates for higher offices.
Changing Challenges traditional gender roles and per- • Support Women’s Agencies: Strengthen organiza-
stereotypes ceptions of women’s roles. tions that work for gender equality and women’s
empowerment.
• Engage Young Women: Encourage girls’ participa-
tion in student politics and political debates at col-

32 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
leges and universities. Does not discriminate Women may become second-
against male candidates ary or add-on representatives
Insta Links:
Easier for members to To achieve 33% women rep-
• Way forward for Women in the Indian political sys-
manage smaller constit- resentation, half of the seats
tem
uencies must be dual constituencies,
• Women’s Reservation Bill: History, politics behind
increasing the total number
long-pending law
of MPs by 50% and potentially
complicating deliberations in
Mains Links:
Parliament.
Q. “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of
local self-government has had a limited impact on the patri-
archal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment. Additional Information:
(UPSC 2019) Comparison of the key changes between the 2008 Bill and
the Bill introduced in 2023:
Suggestions to further improve the women’s reservation in Aspect 2008 Bill 2023 Bill
India: Reservation in One-third of Lok One-third of seats
Recommendation Description Lok Sabha Sabha seats in each to be reserved for
Quotas for Politi- Every political party should nominate state/UT to be re- women
cal Parties 33% or 50% women candidates for served for women
all types of elections, from local to Rotation of Reserved seats are Reserved seats are
national levels. Seats to be rotated after to be rotated after
Countries like Rwanda, Norway, South every general elec- every delimitation
Africa, and Sweden have successfully tion to Parliament/ exercise
implemented such quotas. legislative assembly
Dual Member Dual member constituencies where Anglo-Indians Reservation for SC/ Reservation for only
Constituencies some constituencies shall have two ST and Anglo Indian SC and ST (not An-
candidates, one being a woman glo Indians)
In the past, India had multi-member
constituencies with SC/ST represen- Errata: In the Infographic for Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
tation. In 1961, these constituencies 2023 (released previously and not corrected), it was men-
were changed to single-member tioned that “The Bill provide sub reservation for SC, ST and
ones due to their large size, and this ANGLO INDIANS among women candidates”.
change was seen as a way to increase
the significance of SC/ST members in However, in the new version of the bill, the reservation for
reserved constituencies. the ANGLO INDIANS has been dropped.

Analysis of Reservation in Political Parties: In January 2020, the Anglo-Indian reserved seats in the Par-
Advantages Disadvantages liament and State Legislatures of India were abolished by
Provide more democratic No guarantee that a significant the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.
choices to voters number of women will get
elected Topics: Issues relating to development and management of
Allow more flexibility for Political parties may assign Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
parties in candidate se- women candidates to weak Resources.
lection constituencies
Can promote women Might lead to resentment if 13. FINDINGS OF PARLIAMENT PANEL ON
from minority communi- women are chosen over stron- NEP
ties strategically ger male candidates
Context:
Advantages of Dual-Member Constituencies: This is an extension of the article on 25th September (Parlia-
Advantages Disadvantages mentary panel on MEME system in NEP 2020)
Does not decrease the Sitting members may have to
democratic choice for share their political base Other Key Findings of the Parliamentary Standing Commit-
voters tee on Education:

www.insightsonindia.com 33

1. 70% of universities in India operate under State Acts.
2. 94% of students attend State or private institutions.
3. Issues: Rigid academic disciplines, limited access in dis-
advantaged regions, shortage of local language instruction.
4. Insufficient faculty numbers.
5. NEP implementation in Jammu and Kashmir is a posi-
tive example.
6. Concerns about the feasibility of multiple entry and exit
systems (MEME).
Recommendations by the Committee:
1. Establish at least one multidisciplinary HEI in every dis-
trict by 2030. Increase Gross Enrolment Ratio to 50% by
2035.
2. Increase funding, enrolment targets, gender balance,
and support for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged
Groups (SEDGs) in HEIs.
3. Promote inclusivity in admissions and curriculum, im-
prove employability, and offer more regional language
courses.
4. Provide infrastructural support for physically chal-
lenged students and enforce non-discrimination rules.
5. Diversify funding sources for the Higher Education Fi-
nancing Agency (HEFA) and review loan interest rates.
6. Address challenges of the MEME system, considering
potential disruptions in pupil-teacher ratios.
Topics: Important aspects of governance, transparency and
accountability, e-governance applications, models, success-
es, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency
& accountability, and institutional and other measures.
14. CONCERNS ABOUT RTI ACT
Context:
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, which was initially
seen as a powerful tool for citizens to access government
information, is facing concerns about its effectiveness and
transparency
What is the RTI Act?
RTI Act (enacted in 2005) replaced the former Freedom of
Information Act, 2002. Under the provisions of the RTI Act,
any citizen of India may request information from a “public
authority” which is required to reply expeditiously or within
thirty days.
Significance of RTI:
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2nd ARC)
lauds the Right to Information (RTI) as the “master key of
good governance.” This legislation marks a significant para-
digm shift, transitioning from the veil of secrecy to the light
of transparency.
34 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
• Often termed the dawn of a new era in democracy,
RTI initiates the second democratic revolution, em-
powering citizens to access information crucial for
an informed and accountable governance system.
Success of RTI
Success Details and Impact
Empowering Cit- Over 50 lakh RTIs are filed annually,
izens showcasing extensive use.
Public offices (90%) proactively share
RTI-related information, promoting
openness.
Access to Vital RTI grants access to crucial information
Information like competitive exam answer keys (IIT
JEE, Civil Services), ensuring fairness.
Disclosure of property details of pub-
lic officials helps prevent conflicts of
interest.
Exposing Scams RTI played a pivotal role in uncovering
and Corruption major scams like the Commonwealth
Games and 2G spectrum allocations.
Fosters accountability and corrective
actions against wrongdoings.
Global Influence The adoption of similar information
and Inspiration access laws in Sri Lanka underscores
India’s impactful legal framework.
Reflects India’s positive global influ-
ence and effective governance practic-
es.
Tr a n s p a r e n c y RTI promotes transparency in diverse
and Anti-Corrup- sectors and empowers citizens in dem-
tion Efforts ocratic processes.
Recognized by Transparency Inter-
national for combating corruption
through exposure and accountability.
Areas of Concern with the RTI Act:
Aspects of the Details and Impact
RTI Act
Amendments The Digital Personal Data Protection
Act, 2023, made significant amend-
ments to the RTI Act, particularly re-
garding the disclosure of personal
data.
This change has raised concerns about
the impact of social audits and public
officials’ accountability.
Current Affairs 30
Union Govern- The Right to Information (Amend-
ment’s Control ment) Act, 2019, granted the Union
Government unilateral power in de-
ciding the tenure and salaries of infor-
mation commissioners, affecting their
independence.
Rules and Ap- The implementation of the RTI Act
pointments depends on rules made by the Union
and State Governments. This can lead
to complications, as states have discre-
tion in deciding payment methods for
public authority fees.
Delayed appointments to information
commissions have also undermined
the RTI framework.
Online RTIs While filing RTI applications online has
made the process more accessible,
some states lack online portals. The
Union Government’s RTI portal has
faced issues, including data loss and a
more complex application process.
Low Satisfaction Dissatisfaction with the RTI system is
growing, as more citizens file first ap-
peals, indicating their dissatisfaction
with the information received from
public officials.
Structural Prob- Many of the issues faced by the RTI
lems Act stem from institutional and web-
site-related problems, as well as nar-
rowing avenues to conveniently file
requests and appeals.
Limited Applica- The RTI Act’s limitations regarding its
bility applicability to political parties, the
judiciary, and intelligence agencies
have been subject to debate.
Moreover, the Act’s limited applicabil-
ity to NGOs and private entities nar-
rows its reach.
Non-compliance Over 26% rejection rate of RTI applica-
tions on spurious grounds as per DoPT
data. Appeals processes are delayed
Safety of Activ- The safety of RTI activists remains a
ists and Lack of concern due to instances of violence
Centralized Data- and fatalities. Additionally, the ab-
base sence of a centralized database ham-
pers data access, impacting the Act’s
intended transparency
Inconsistent Re- Poor record management by Public
cord Manage- Information Officers (PIOs) leads to
ment response delays and incomplete infor-
mation
Grievance Re- Enforcing fines for non-compliance re-
dressed Backlog mains weak, with only a 1% imposition
rate
For the Impact of the DPDP Bill on the RTI Act: Click Here
Conclusion:
While the RTI Act initially empowered citizens to seek gov-
ernment information, concerns have arisen about its dimin-
ishing effectiveness due to changes in the law, bureaucratic
processes, and structural issues. These challenges threaten
its role in ensuring transparency and accountability in gov-
ernment operations.
Insta Links:
New draft digital data protection bill: How it compares with
the older version and laws elsewhere
Mains Links:
Q. The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill must ensure that
individuals’ personal data is collected and processed in a
manner that respects their privacy rights under Article 21 of
the Indian constitution. Comment.
15. DIRE CONDITIONS FACED BY WOMEN
PRISONERS IN INDIA
Context:
A Supreme Court-appointed committee (Justice Amitava Roy
Committee ) report on prison reforms has highlighted the
dire conditions faced by women prisoners in India.
Key observations:
• The correctional justice system is “evidently gender
exclusionary”.
• Increase in population of female prisoners by over
11% between 2014-19
Key findings of the report:
Aspect Key Findings
Access to basic Women prisoners face more signifi-
facilities cant challenges than men in accessing
basic facilities such as medical care,
legal aid, paid labour, and recreational
activities.
Meeting children Only jails in Goa, Delhi, and
Puducherry allow female prisoners to
meet their children without any bars
or glass separation.
Sanitary napkins Less than 40% of prisons in India pro-
vide sanitary napkins for female in-
mates.
www.insightsonindia.com 35
 Current Affairs 30

Sharing facilities Approximately 75% of female wards
in prisons have to share kitchens and
common facilities with male wards.
Exclusive wom- Only 18% of women prisoners are al-
en’s prisons lotted exclusive women’s prison facil-
ities.
Lodging together All categories of female prisoners, in-
cluding undertrials and convicts, are
lodged in the same wards and bar-
racks.
Gender-specific Lack of gender-specific training for
training matrons on how to search women in-
mates.
Complaints Women inmates can file complaints
against abuse or against jail staff for abuse or harass-
harassment ment only in 10 states and 1 union
territory.
Medical and psy- Lack of separate medical and psychi-
chiatric wards atric wards for women inmates.
Child delivery fa- Inadequate “basic minimum facili-
cilities ties” for child delivery in prisons.
Gender-specific Shortage of healthcare professionals
healthcare pro- to address the gender-specific health
fessionals needs of female inmates.
To know about Model Prisons Act 2023: Click Here
Topics: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agree-
ments involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
16. INDIA-SOUTH KOREA PARTNERSHIP
IN INDO- PACIFIC
Context:
The Camp David summit between the United States, Japan,
and South Korea offers a unique opportunity for India to en-
hance its strategic partnership with South Korea, particular-
ly in the Indo-Pacific.
What is Camp David Summit?
Camp David summit is a series of meetings held at the Camp
David presidential retreat in Maryland, USA. It’s where world
leaders, meet and negotiate agreements with the USA. E.g.,
The USA, Israel and Egypt negotiated and eventually reached
the Camp David Accords in 1978, leading to a peace treaty
between the two countries in 1979.
What is the Indo-Pacific?
The Indo-Pacific is a term used to describe the region en-
compassing the Indian Ocean and the western and central
Pacific Ocean. It’s significant for its geopolitical and econom-
ic importance, with several countries, including India, Chi-
na, and the United States, having strategic interests in the
region.

Key points of the United States, Japan, and South Korea

Recommendations:
summit:
• Repair in Seoul-Tokyo Relations: The trilateral meet-
ing indicates improved relations between South Ko-
rea and Japan, recognizing the changing regional se-
curity environment.
• Strategic Shift: South Korea’s new strategic thinking
suggests a willingness to address the China chal-
lenge and engage more actively in the Indo-Pacific.
• Quad Membership: South Korea’s desire to join the
Quad grouping may become more feasible, with po-
tential Quad Plus membership in the future.
• Foreign Policy Enthusiasm: President Yoon Suk Yeol
aims to make South Korea a “global pivotal state”
with increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
Conclusion:
• For India and South Korea, potential areas of collab-
The report underscores the need for significant improve-
oration include political dialogues, defence cooper-
ments in the treatment and facilities for women in Indian
ation, and nuclear energy, leveraging South Korea’s
prisons, calling attention to the gender-specific challenges
expertise in these fields.
they face.
o This partnership aligns with India’s interests
in the Indo-Pacific amid growing concerns
Insta Links: about China’s intentions and power.
Prison Reforms in India
Indo- South Korea Relationship:
Area of Co- India-South Examples
operation Korea Status

36 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Political Strong and Regular high-level visits:

Relations friendly E.g. 2+2 dialogue
Joint Commission Meet-
ings: Coordinating India’s
‘Act East Policy’ with South
Korea’s ‘New Southern Pol-
icy’
Strategic Partnership (Up-
graded to ‘special strategic
partnership’ in 2015 with
defence cooperation
Economic & Growing 2022 bilateral trade: Over
Commercial trade ties USD 27 bn (Target: USD 50
bn by 2030)
India-South Korea Com-
prehensive Economic Part-
nership Agreement (CEPA)
(2010)
‘Korea Plus’ initiative to
promote Korean Invest-
ments in India (joint ven- Insta Links
tures in electronics, auto- More about India-South Korea ties
mobiles, and shipbuilding) India a stakeholder in Korean peace: Modi
Energy Growing en- Civil Nuclear Energy Cooper-
ergy cooper- ation (2011)
17. RIFT IN RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIA
ation
Defence & Defence co- Joint military exercises - De-
AND CANADA
Security operation fence equipment procure-
Context:
ment
Current tensions between India and Canada escalated when
South Korea’s evolving stra- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of in-
tegic outlook and alignment volvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated
with the U.S., Japan, and as a terrorist by India. India rejected the allegations and ac-
Australia make it a valuable cused Canada of sheltering Khalistani extremists.
partner for India in advanc-
ing its interests in the In- Who are Khalistani Extremist?
do-Pacific. The Khalistan extremist movement is a separatist movement
Cultural Vibrant Buddhist Connection that seeks to establish an independent Sikh state called
Exchanges cultural ex- “SamgukYusa” text (13th Khalistan. It emerged primarily among the Sikh diaspora,
changes CE) mentions a Princess particularly in countries like Canada, during the 1980s and
from Ayodhya marrying a has been associated with violence and acts of terrorism.
Korean Prince in 48 AD
Cultural festivals showcas- Khalistan Movement History:
ing Indian and Korean arts The Khalistan movement has roots in Canada, with the es-
and heritage tablishment of a ‘Khalistan government in exile’ office in
Peo- Growing Significant Korean ex-pat Vancouver in 1982. The movement gained momentum after
ple-to-Peo- community in India Operation Bluestar in 1984.
ple Ties Growing Indian community
in South Korea To know further about Khalistan Movement: Click here
Rift in relations between India and Canada:
Conclusion: Aspect Explanation
South Korea’s evolving strategic outlook and alignment with
the U.S., Japan, and Australia make it a valuable partner for
India in advancing its interests in the Indo-Pacific.

www.insightsonindia.com 37

Historical The strained relationship dates back to 1948
Back- when Canada supported a plebiscite in
ground Kashmir. In 1998, Canada recalled its high
commissioner to India after India conducted
nuclear tests.
Sikh ex- Presence of Sikh separatist groups in Canada
tremism E.g., In 2022, India objected to Canada
permitting a Khalistani secessionist “refer-
endum”
Concerns about the revival of the Khalistan
movement E.g., a recent incident where
a pro-Khalistani parade in Canada featured
a tableau depicting India’s former Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi and her assassins
Sikh Diaspora’s Influence on Canadian Poli-
tics e.g., Canadian PM Justin Trudeau relied
on the New Democratic Party (NDP) for his
government’s survival, and NDP leader Jag-
meet Singh is a vocal supporter of Khalistan
Changing Canada’s annual report on the terrorist
Reports threat initially mentioned Sikh extremism
and Khalistan in 2018 but later removed
these references. This action was criticized
by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.
Canada’s Canadian comments over India’s farmer
interfer- protests and India’s cancellation of diplo-
ence matic talks in response.
Recent Tensions have escalated over the last few
Tensions years, especially since Justin Trudeau be-
came Canada’s Prime Minister in 2015.
Allegations India has accused the Canadian government
of Inaction of inaction against pro-Khalistan support-
ers, which it views as an attempt to gain
favour with the Canadian-Sikh community.
Canada has denied these allegations.
In February-March 2023, India protested
against attacks on its diplomatic missions in
Canada.
Impact on The ongoing tensions have led to a signifi-
Immigra- cant increase in asylum claims by Indian na-
tion tionals, primarily Punjabis, in Canada.
Impedi- India’s Complex labour laws; Market protec-
ments for tionism; Bureaucratic regulations
Trade No progress has been made in bilateral
agreements such as the Comprehensive Eco-
nomic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and
Investment Promotion and Protection
Agreements (BIPPA)
Canada’s Perspective: Canadian officials argue that the
Khalistan separatist movement is relatively insignificant and
that the referendums organized by Sikh for Justice are within
the bounds of the law.
38 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Other Aspects of India- Canada Bilateral Relations:
Relations Examples and Initiatives
Diplomatic India established diplomatic relations with
Canada in 1947. Prime Minister of India’s vis-
it to Canada in April 2015 elevated the bilat-
eral relationship to a strategic partnership.
Political India and Canada share commonalities in
Parliamentary structure and procedures.
Commer- Bilateral trade between India and Canada
cial stands at over USD 6 billion in 2020. Negoti-
ations for a Comprehensive Economic Part-
nership Agreement (CEPA).
Nuclear Co- Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA)
operation signed in 2010. Joint Committee on Civil Nu-
clear Cooperation, restoration of nuclear co-
operation.
Science IC-IMPACTS (the India-Canada Centre for
and Tech- Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to
nology Accelerate Community Transformation and
Sustainability) is the first, and only, Cana-
da-India Research Centre of Excellence.
Space Co- Cooperative and commercial relations in
operation space science, satellite launch services,
ground support, and the launch of Canadian
nanosatellites.
Security Collaboration in international fora, mutual
and De- ship visits. Framework for Cooperation be-
fence tween India and Canada on Countering Ter-
rorism in 2018. Indo-Pacific: Both countries
share a suspicion of China and support free
and open navigation in international waters.
P e o - Large Indian diaspora in Canada, diaspora’s
ple-to-Peo- contribution in various sectors, political rep-
ple Ties resentation, cultural exchanges.
Cultural Ex- Country of Focus at the International Film
changes Festival of India. India-Canada Coproduction
Agreement. Diwali celebrations on Parlia-
ment Hill.
Cooper- Repatriation flights for stranded Canadians.
ation in Export of medicines and medical supplies to
C OV I D - 1 9 Canada.
Pandemic
Mains Links: India-Canada
Prelims Links:
Q. Which among the following has the world’s largest re-
serves of Uranium? (UPSC 2009)
(a) Australia
(b) Canada
(c) Russian Federation
(d) USA
Ans: A
Current Affairs 30
Topics: Effect of policies and politics of developed and devel-
oping countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
18. ROLE OF THE INDIAN DIASPORA AS
AN AMBASSADOR OF INDIA
Context:
The Indian diaspora, represented by individuals like Vivek
Ramaswamy, is achieving remarkable success in various
fields, from technology to politics.
About Vivek Ramaswamy:
He is a Harvard and Yale Law graduate, billionaire in finance
and biotech, and has gained recognition even from former
President Donald Trump.
Other examples of leaders of Indian origin are:
• Rishi Sunak (PM of UK)
• Tharman Shanmugaratnam (Recently, Singapore
President)
• Christine Kangaloo President of Trinidad and Tobago
• Leo Varadkar (Head of Government, Ireland)
• Prithvirajsing Roopun (President of Mauritius)
• Wavel Ramkalawan (President of Seychelles)
To know the examples of people of Indian origin in different
fields: Click Here
What is the meaning of the term ‘Indian Diaspora’?
The Indian Diaspora is a generic term to describe the people
who migrated from territories that are currently within the
borders of the Republic of India. India has the second-largest
Diaspora in the world. The overseas Indian community esti-
mated at over 32 million is spread across every major region
in the world.
Role of the Indian diaspora as an ambassador of India:
Area of Contri- Examples
bution
Cultural Ex- Promotion of Yoga, Ayurveda, Indian
change and spiritualism, Bollywood, and Indian cui-
Soft Power sine abroad.
Celebrating Indian festivals and sharing
Indian traditions, music, and dance in
host countries.
Economic Ties Excellence in business, entrepreneur-
and Investment ship, technology, and academia.
Significant contributions to the technol-
ogy sector and venture capital in Silicon
Valley.
Political En- Active participation in political process-
gagement and es and advocacy.
Advocacy E.g., The Congressional Caucus on In-
dia and Indian Americans in the United
States.
K n o w l - Bringing technical expertise to domestic
edge-Economy startups and acting as angel investors.
Diaspora Indian faculty abroad improv-
ing education quality in Indian institu-
tions.
P h i l a nt h ro py Engaging in philanthropic activities, and
and Social De- supporting social development initia-
velopment tives.
Providing aid during crises, such as rais-
ing funds and supplying medical equip-
ment during pandemics.
Boosting Bilat- Diaspora members hold prominent po-
eral Ties sitions in the high offices of their host
nations.
Facilitating significant agreements like
the Indo-US Nuclear deal.
Engaging with the Indian diaspora:
Initiative Description
Pravasi Bhartiya Di- Flagship program recognizing the
was contribution of the overseas Indian
community to India’s development.
Immigration and Easier immigration and customs
Customs Clearance procedures with courteous service
to welcome Diaspora members to
India.
Tracing the Roots Ministry of External Affairs’ scheme
to help PIOs trace their Indian roots.
Know India Pro- A three-week orientation program
gramme for diaspora youth to promote
awareness of life in India and the
country’s progress.
Pravasi Bharatiya Award to acknowledge the Indian
Samman Award diaspora’s contributions in promot-
ing India, supporting its causes, and
aiding local communities.
Sewa International Facilitates diaspora engagement
in humanitarian causes, including
disaster relief efforts in India and
abroad.
Conclusion
The brain drain concern of the past has evolved into an un-
derstanding that Indians’ success abroad can benefit India,
and the growing diversity among those leaving India is a rea-
son for celebration. This trend reflects the diaspora’s ability
to build bridges and coalitions internationally.
www.insightsonindia.com 39

Insta Link:
• Indian Diaspora: The roots of global success
• Indian Diaspora
19. END OF OLD MULTILATERALISM –
AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ORDER
Context:
The article discusses the declining state of post-Cold War
multilateralism at both global and regional levels, particu-
larly due to conflicts involving Russia and China.
What is Multilateralism?
It refers to the practice of multiple countries coming to-
gether and collaborating on global issues, challenges, and
decision-making. It involves engaging in dialogue, negotia-
tion, and cooperation through international organizations,
treaties, and fora to address common problems and pursue
collective goals.
Some of the multilateral fora that India is engaged in are-
The United Nations, SCO, BRICS, etc.
The weakening of ‘Old Multilateralism’ in the post-Cold
War era can be attributed to several factors:
• Russian Conflicts: Russia’s aggressive actions, such
as the annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014 and
the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, have strained in-
ternational relations and created divisions.
• China’s Territorial Ambitions: China’s territorial dis-
putes with neighbouring Asian countries, including
India, Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam, have
raised concerns and contributed to regional ten-
sions.
• Economic Leverage: China’s use of its economic
power for political and strategic gains has eroded
trust among nations that depend on its economy,
leading to scepticism and caution.
• Change in Chinese Policies: China’s shift in poli-
cies under Xi Jinping, departing from the peaceful
periphery and shared prosperity approach of the
1980s, has disrupted regional and global institu-
tions, impacting stability and cooperation.
Need for ‘New’ Multilateralism:
Multilateral- Examples
ism
40 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
A d d r e s s i n g The Paris Agreement on climate change
Global Chal- aims to combat global warming by bring-
lenges ing together nations to reduce green-
house gas emissions.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative in-
volves multiple countries in the effort to
eliminate polio worldwide.
P r o m o t i n g UN Peacekeeping Missions, such as UN-
Peace and Se- PROFOR in Bosnia, demonstrate multina-
curity tional cooperation in maintaining peace
and stability in conflict zones.
The Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) was a mul-
tilateral agreement aimed at preventing
Iran from developing nuclear weapons
and contributing to regional security.
Protecting Hu- The Universal Declaration of Human
man Rights Rights, adopted by the UN, outlines fun-
damental human rights principles and
protections globally.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is
a multilateral institution that prosecutes
individuals for genocide, war crimes, and
crimes against humanity.
Environmen- The Convention on Biological Diversity
tal Sustain- (CBD) promotes conservation and sus-
ability tainable use of biodiversity, addressing
global environmental challenges.
The Kyoto Protocol sought to limit green-
house gas emissions to combat climate
change through international coopera-
tion.
Building Al- The G7 and G20 summits provide plat-
liances and forms for leaders from various countries
Trust to engage in dialogue, fostering interna-
tional cooperation and trust-building.
Regional organizations like the European
Union promote economic and political in-
tegration among member states, enhanc-
ing collaboration and unity.
Strengthening The United Nations Convention on the
International Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishes rules
Law governing maritime boundaries, rights,
and responsibilities, contributing to sta-
bility.
The Geneva Conventions are multilateral
treaties that set standards for humanitar-
ian treatment in armed conflicts, uphold-
ing international law.
Factors that contribute to India being perceived as a key
player in advancing multilateralism in the 21st century:
Factors Examples and Impact
Current Affairs 30
Large and Grow- India’s active participation in the G20
ing Economy group of major economies demon-
strates its role in shaping global eco-
nomic policies and addressing financial
challenges.
Strategic Geopo- India’s engagement with ASEAN and its
litical Location influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Quad Collaboration: At the Jakarta
summit, India’s PM emphasizes that
the Quad complements ASEAN’s efforts
and promotes regional stability
Re-globalisation Focus: External Affairs
Minister S Jaishankar advocates for a
diversified, democratic globalisation,
moving away from a China-centric
production model.
Democratic Val- India’s commitment to democratic
ues and Institu- values and stable political institutions
tions makes it a reliable partner in multilater-
al engagements.
Global South Concerns: India prioritiz-
es the concerns of the Global South in
the G-20 agenda, aiming to enhance co-
operation between developed and de-
veloping nations, rather than reviving
old confrontational politics.
Soft Power India’s cultural exports, such as Bolly-
wood films, yoga, and cuisine, enhance
its soft power appeal and global influ-
ence.
Diplomatic Out- India’s active engagement in BRICS, the
reach SCO, and other international forums
demonstrates its commitment to col-
lective solutions for global
challenges.
Diaspora Influ- India’s influential diaspora communi-
ence ty serves as a bridge, enhancing peo-
ple-to-people connections and diplo-
matic ties.
Advocacy for India’s role in the International Solar
Global Issues Alliance and its advocacy on issues like
terrorism, cybersecurity, and UN re-
forms contribute to its active engage-
ment in advancing multilateralism.
Conclusion:
In an interconnected world, where challenges transcend
borders, multilateralism serves as an effective mechanism for
fostering cooperation, finding common ground, and collec-
tively advancing global interests. It promotes a rules-based
international order, enhances diplomatic engagement, and
empowers nations to work together towards shared goals,
ultimately contributing to a more stable, prosperous, and
inclusive world.
20. THREE YEARS OF ABRAHAM AC-
CORDS
Context:
The article discusses the significance of the Abraham Ac-
cords, a series of agreements between Israel and various
Arab nations, which have led to improved regional ties and
opportunities.
What is Abraham Accord?
Brokered by the USA, the Abraham Accord (2020) is a nor-
malization agreement between the UAE and Israel to
establish formal diplomatic relations. The accord was later
joined by Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco and in exchange
Israel would suspend its plans to annex parts of the occupied
West Bank. With this accord, UAE becomes the third Arab
nation to recognize Israel after Egypt (in 1979) and Jordan
(1994)
Significance of the Abraham Accords:
Significance Details
Stable West Decision to promote a stable future for
Asia West Asia.
The Abraham Accord agreements bring
people together, despite differences in
language, religious beliefs, cultures, and
more.
Trade Coop- Trade between Israel and other West Asian
eration countries increased by 74% between 2021
and 2022.
Tourism, mostly non-existent in the past,
has skyrocketed. In 2021, visits from Israel
to the UAE increased by 172%.
Commercial The Prosperity Green & Blue agreement
and Energy between Israel, the UAE, and Jordan de-
Cooperation termined that a solar field to supply 600
megawatts of electricity to Israel and a de-
salination plant in Israel would deliver 200
million cubic meters of water to Jordan.
Abraham Ac- In a region where 65% of the population
cord for Sta- is under 30 years of age, providing the
bility younger generation with opportunities is a
key factor in preventing instability.
The Abraham Accord encourages collabo-
ration and education
The UAE incorporated Holocaust educa-
tion into its school curriculum as a man-
datory subject, fostering coexistence and
religious tolerance.
About ‘New QUAD’:
Mohammed Soliman, An Egyptian scholar, was the first to
www.insightsonindia.com 41

propound the idea of the “Indo-Abrahamic Accord” and
its trans-regional implications to the west of India. The first
meeting between the foreign ministers of India, Israel, the
United Arab Emirates, and the United States is being widely
called a new QUAD or QUAD of the Middle East on the lines
of the Abraham Accord.
Significance of Abraham Accord for India:
Significance Details
Economic Substantial increase in the commercial col-
Cooperation laborations between companies from the
UAE, Israel, Bahrain, and the U.S., partner-
ing with the Indian private sector
Opportu- Indian students are enjoying increased
nities for ease of travel, gaining improved access
Students to universities and the opportunity to ex-
plore international study programmes.
Regional Abraham Accords improved regional con-
Connectivity nectivity among member countries, bene-
fiting Indians.
Indian diaspora in the Gulf can now fly di-
rectly from the UAE to Israel or from Israel
to Bahrain.
Technology Potential for collaboration in various ar-
Cooperation eas, from space to defence technology, be-
tween India, UAE, and Israel.
Geopolitical India’s engagement in the new “Quad” in
Engagement the Middle East, bridging the Arab-Israeli
rift, served as a non-ideological engage-
ment with the Middle East.
Extended Engagement opens opportunities to col-
Neighbour- laborate with other regional partners like
hood Egypt, expanding India’s impact in the re-
gion.
Peace and The agreement fosters rapprochement be-
Stability tween traditional adversaries in West Asia,
Israel, and the Arab states, providing a plat-
form for India’s engagement.
Group For- The Accords facilitated the formation of
mation the I2U2 Group, established by Israel, In-
dia, the UAE, and the United States.
Conclusion:
The opportunities for India to the west of the Subcontinent
are as significant as those that have recently emerged in the
east like QUAD, which has changed the way India had trans-
formed the way it thinks of the “Indo-Pacific”, the notion of
a “Greater Middle East” can provide myriad opportunities
to India’s engagement with the extended neighbourhood to
the west.
Insta Links: I2U2 Summit
42 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Mains Links
Q. The opportunities that are coming India’s way to the west
of the Subcontinent are as consequential as those that have
recently emerged in the east. Discuss the statement in the
context of the Abraham Accord and its significance for India.
(15M)
Topics: Important International institutions, agencies and
fora, their structure, mandate.
21. AFRICAN UNION IN G20
Context:
The African Union (AU) became a new permanent member
of the G20 during the 18th G20 Heads of State and Gov-
ernment Summit in New Delhi, just three months after India
proposed its inclusion.
About AU:
Aspects Description
About The African Union (AU) is a continental
body consisting of 55 member states in
Africa.
Formation In 1963, the Organization of African Unity
(OAU) was founded to promote coopera-
tion among African states.
In 2002, the OAU was succeeded by the
AU with a goal to accelerate economic in-
tegration of the continent.
Objectives of The AU emphasizes greater unity and
the AU solidarity among African countries. It
promotes political and socio-economic
integration, peace, stability, security, and
human rights.
A c h i e v e - African Continental Free Trade Area (Af-
ments of AU CFTA): Established in 2018, it seeks to cre-
ate a single continental market for goods
and services.
Diplomatic Achievement: AU established a
mission in Beijing, strengthening ties with
China, Africa’s largest trading partner. It
played a key role in brokering a peace deal
between the Ethiopian Government and
the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
Women’s Economic Financial Inclusion:
AU introduced a 10-year continental dec-
laration for gender equality and women’s
empowerment.
Current Affairs 30
Challenges Unconstitutional Hold on Power: At least
32 military coups or coup attempts since
2013; five out of seven attempts since
2020 succeeded.
Disregard for the Rule of Law: Democrat-
ically elected governments crackdown on
civil society organizations and the media.
Significance The AU’s membership in the G20 offers
of AU’s Inclu- an opportunity to reshape global trade,
sion in G20 finance, and investment structures. It pro-
vides African interests and perspectives
with a voice and visibility in the G20, po-
tentially influencing global policy decisions.
Indian-Afri- Social Infrastructure: India-Africa cooper-
can Relations ation involves education, health, and skills
enhancement at various levels. India-Afri-
ca Partnership (Achievements, Challenges
and Roadmap 2030)
Common Geo-Political Interests: India and
Africa share interests in UN reforms, count-
er-terrorism, peacekeeping, and cyberse-
curity.
Economic Cooperation: Trade amounted
to USD 63.3 billion in 2018-19, contributing
to economic ties. Asia-Africa Growth Corri-
dor – an economic cooperation agreement
between India, Japan and multiple African
countries.
Opportu- Addressing Food Security: India and Africa
nities in In- can cooperate to ensure food and nutri-
dia-Africa Re- tional security, leveraging India’s agricul-
lations tural expertise.
Combating Neo-Colonialism: Differentiat-
ing from neo-colonial approaches, India fo-
cuses on building local capacities and equal
partnerships.
Preventing Global Rivalries: As global play-
ers engage with Africa, India and Africa can
prevent rival ambitions and maintain coop-
eration.
To know about detailed India-Africa ties: Click Here
Conclusion:
Having become a member of G20, AU should use this oppor-
tunity to address constitutional violations firmly and con-
sistently. Address root causes of coups, such as corruption
and insecurity, to deter military interference. Utilize natural
resources for economic growth and empower citizens.
Insta Links:
India-Africa
22. INDIA-MIDDLE EAST-EUROPE ECO-
NOMIC CORRIDOR (IMEE-EC)
Context:
On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, an MoU
was signed between India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the Europe-
an Union, the UAE, France, Germany, and Italy to establish
the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC).
What is IMEC?
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC)
is an infrastructure development project that aims to create
connectivity through rail and shipping networks, energy ca-
bles, and data links.
More about IMEC EC:
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC)
Participating India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany,
Countries Italy, USA, EU
Objectives IMEC seeks to boost trade, clean energy,
and economic growth while providing an
alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initia-
tive (BRI)
Part of It is part of the Partnership for Rail and
Shipping Corridors Global Infrastructure
Investment (PGII) and focuses on enhanc-
ing global trade and cooperation through
critical infrastructure development.
C o r r i d o r Railway lines (make trade between India
Components and Europe 40% faster).
Electricity cable and a clean hydrogen
pipeline to foster clean energy trade.
High-speed data cable to link innovative
digital ecosystems in the world and create
business opportunities
Corridor Seg- Eastern Corridor
ments connecting India to
the Arabian Gulf,
Northern Corridor
connecting Arabi-
an Gulf to Europe
www.insightsonindia.com 43

Benefits for Enhancing food security, regional supply
India chains, trade accessibility, environmen-
tal considerations, economic cohesion,
job creation, and reduces greenhouse gas
emissions.
Reliable cross-border ship-to-rail transit
network connecting India, the UAE, Saudi
Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Europe.
It offers India a crucial role in global com-
merce, digital communication, and ener-
gy networks vis-à-vis China’s BRI
Geographical Advantage: It firmly posi-
tions India along the trade route spanning
South East Asia to the Gulf, West Asia,
and Europe.
What is the PGII initiative?
The PGII (Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment)
initiative (announced in 2021 during the G7 summit in the
UK) is a collaborative effort by G7 countries to fund infra-
structure projects in developing nations.
• It serves as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI) and aims to mobilize funds for critical
infrastructure development, focusing on transpar-
ency, sustainability, and gender equality.
• PGII emphasizes loans over charity, benefiting both
lending and receiving countries.
Other initiatives under PGII announced previously are:
PGII Initiatives Description
Trans-African It will connect the port of Lobito in An-
Corridor gola with Katanga province in Congo
and the copper belt in Zambia
Clean Energy The PGII announced clean energy proj-
Projects in In- ects in Indonesia to support sustainable
donesia energy sources and infrastructure devel-
opment.
Investments in The US government’s International De-
India’s Health velopment Finance Corporation (DFC)
Infrastructure pledged over $15 million to invest in In-
dia’s health infrastructure, including eye
clinics and women’s hygiene products.
EU’s Global The European Union (EU) committed
Gateway Pro- to activating 300 billion USD in invest-
gram ments for critical connectivity projects,
with a focus on Africa and various re-
gions around the world.
About the BRI project:
China began the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 under
its President Xi Jinping. It aims to revive the ancient trade
routes crossing to and from China–from Rome in Europe to
East Asia. Under this, the Chinese government helped in
providing loans for infrastructure projects to various coun-
44 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
tries, and in many cases, Chinese companies were awarded
contracts for carrying out the work.
Issues with BRI Description
Unsustainable According to a 2019 World Bank report,
Debts among the 43 corridors, 12 could face
a situation where debts were not sus-
tainable
Environmental BRI projects have raised concerns about
Concerns environmental degradation and their
impact on ecosystems.
Corruption There have been allegations of corrup-
tion in some BRI projects, affecting
their credibility.
Critics argue that the BRI lacks trans-
parency in agreements and financing,
making costs unclear.
Territorial Dis- E.g., BRI included the China-Pakistan
putes Economic Corridor, which connected
Kashgar in China with the Gwadar port
in Pakistan via Pakistan-occupied Kash-
mir
Varying Benefits Different countries have varying opin-
ions on the benefits of enhanced trade
connectivity through BRI.
G7 Alternative The G7’s PGII initiative aims to provide a
more transparent and sustainable alter-
native to the BRI.
23. G20 NEW DELHI LEADERS’ DECLARA-
TION
Context:
The 18th G20 Summit was hosted by India in New Delhi on
September 9-10, 2023. The theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutum-
bakam,” highlighted global unity.
The G20 Leaders’ New Delhi Declaration achieved unani-
mous consensus, addressing issues like Russia-Ukraine ten-
sions, sustainable development, and food security.
Current Affairs 30
Key highlights of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration:
Key Areas Highlights
Ukraine War All states must act in line with the UN
Charter. Refrain from threats or use of
force.
G ra i n / Fo o d / Call for unimpeded deliveries of grain,
Energy Securi- food, and fertilizers/inputs from Russia
ty and Ukraine.
Gender Equal- Creation of a working group on wom-
ity en’s empowerment to prioritize gender
equality, women empowerment, and
leadership.
Food Security G20 leaders aim to eliminate hunger and
malnutrition, address rising commodity
prices, and promote transparent and fair
trade in agriculture.
Economies & Commit to protecting the vulnerable
Markets through equitable growth. A Financial
Inclusion Action Plan aimed at advanc-
ing financial inclusion for individuals and
MSMEs.
Global Value Chains: A generic frame-
work for mapping global value chains to
identify risks and build resilience.
Reaffirmation of commitment to the
twin pillars of the international tax pack-
age, including profit allocation and nexus
and global minimum taxation.
A roadmap for implementing the recom-
mendations of the G20 Independent Re-
view of MDBs’ Capital Adequacy Frame-
works.
Other major outcomes of the G20 Summit:
Technology Crypto-Assets: A joint roadmap to sup-
port a coordinated policy and regulatory
framework for crypto-assets.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Estab-
lishment of a Global DPI Repository to
share best practices and experiences in
DPI development and deployment.
C l i m a t e Accelerate efforts to phase down unabat-
Change ed coal power
Aim to triple renewable energy capacity
by 2030
Call for ambitious, transparent, and track-
able climate finance goals from 2024
Recognition of the need for about USD
6 trillion in the pre-2030 period for de-
veloping countries to implement their
Nationally Determined Contributions
(NDCs) for climate action.
India’s Cultural Highlights:
Global Debt Commit to addressing debt vulnerabili-
Vulnerabilities ties in developing countries. Call for swift
conclusion of debt treatment for Ethio-
pia.
Health Commit to strengthening global health
architecture.
Emphasis on building a climate-resilient
healthcare systems, integrating tradi-
tional medicine, and adopting a one-
health approach.
A g r i c u l t u r a l Strengthening Agricultural Market In-
Transparency formation System (AMIS) and Group on
Earth Observations Global Agricultur-
al Monitoring (GEOGLAM) to enhance
transparency and avoid food price vola-
tility.
AMIS, launched in 2011, enhances food
market transparency and policy respons-
es for food security, while GEOGLAM,
with roots in the French G20 Presiden-
cy in 2011, offers global agricultural in-
formation for market transparency and
food security.
Biofuels Initia- The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) is an
tives India-led initiative promoting biofuels’
adoption globally. It will support India’s
existing biofuels programs, including
PM-JIVAN Yojna, SATAT, and GOBAR-Dhan
scheme.
UNSC Reforms Agreement on UNGA 75/1 (UNSC re-
forms) for the first time in G20.
Outcome Description
A d m i t t a n c e The African Union became a permanent
of the African member of the G20, increasing the rep-
Union (G20 now resentation of developing countries.
G21)
Global Biofuels India-led initiative promoting biofuels
Alliance (GBA) globally, contributing to India’s existing
biofuels programs.
India – Middle A significant infrastructure project con-
East – Europe necting India, the Middle East, and Eu-
Economic Corri- rope, aiming to provide an alternative to
dor (IMEE-EC) China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
India-Mercos- Collaboration to expand economic ties
ur Preferential through the India-Mercosur PTA.
Trade Agree-
ment (PTA)
Handover of G20 chairmanship from India to Brazil.
Cultural Highlights Description
www.insightsonindia.com 45
 Current Affairs 30

Bharat Mandapam An exhibition or showcase inspired by

Anubhav Mandapam, a cultural plat-
form in India.
Bronze statue of A bronze sculpture of Lord Nataraja in
Lord Nataraja the Chola artistic style, representing
Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance.
Konark Chakra Displays of the Konark Chakra, a sig-
and Image of Na- nificant symbol from Odisha’s Sun
landa University Temple, and images related to Nalan-
da University.
Thanjavur Paint- Exhibition of traditional Thanjavur
ings and Dhokra paintings, known for intricate details
art and rich colours, and Dhokra art, a Issues and Trends are shaping the manufacturing industry:
form of tribal metal casting. Trends Key Issues
A brass statue of Lord Buddha sitting under Bodhi tree Geopolitical Shifting political landscapes and regulato-
A brass sculpture of Lord Buddha in a meditative posture tensions and ry changes
beneath the Bodhi tree, symbolises his enlightenment. economic in- Rising protectionism
stability Challenges due to the war in Ukraine
Insta Links: Social distrust and erosion of social cohe-
• As India takes G20 presidency, key takeaways from sion
the summit in Bali
C l i m a t e The need for carbon reduction and net-ze-
change ro emissions
Transitioning to sustainable practices
GENERAL STUDIES – 3 Te c h n o l o g y Intense technological competition
integration Escalating cybercrime
Topics: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mo-
bilization of resources, growth, development and employ- The digital divide between frontrunners
ment. and laggards
Changing Green transition and technological ad-
1. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING people dy- vancements
namics Supply chain transformations
Context: Demographic changes and societal values
The paper, created by the World Economic Forum’s Ad-
Need for workforce adaptation and up-
vanced Manufacturing Industry community, highlights the
skilling
role of advanced manufacturing in addressing global dis-
ruptions and promoting innovative, inclusive, and sustain-
able industry transformation. How Advanced Manufacturing Can Resolve these Issues:
Issue Solutions
What is Advanced Manufacturing? Geopolitical ten- Improve supply chain resilience
Advanced manufacturing involves the use of innovative sions and eco- through IoT technologies
technologies to create both existing and new products. It nomic instability Reduce operational and production
encompasses production activities reliant on information, costs through process automation
automation, computation, software, sensing, and network-
Enhance predictions and responsive-
ing.
ness to dynamic customer demands
Climate change Accelerate energy efficiencies and
promote renewable energy sources
Focus on value-added energy and
sustainable production practices
Technology inte- Stay competitive by adopting ad-
gration vanced manufacturing technologies
Foster innovation to maintain busi-
ness competitiveness

46 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Changing people Upskill and reskill workers to adapt to 2. ICRIER REPORT: LEVERAGING E-COM-
dynamics new manufacturing technologies MERCE FOR THE GROWTH OF MSMES
Make manufacturing an attractive ca-
reer choice for new generations Context:
Address the talent gap in manufactur- The report titled “Annual Survey of Micro, Small, and Medi-
ing um Enterprises (MSMEs) In India: Leveraging E-commerce
for the Growth of MSMEs” conducted a comprehensive sur-
vey of MSMEs in India to explore the potential of e-com-
Initiatives by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to support
merce in enhancing their growth.
industry transformation:
Initiative Description
What are MSMEs?
Global Light- Encourages the adoption of advanced Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises [“MSMEs”] are small
house Net- Fourth Industrial Revolution technolo- to medium-sized businesses that typically have a limited
work gies in manufacturing. number of employees and generate moderate levels of rev-
People as This initiative, in collaboration with the enue.
the Future of University of Cambridge, aims to scale
Manufactur- the use of technologies to augment, em- MSMEs are defined or classified in accordance with the
ing power, and upskill the factory workforce. MSME Development Act of 2006.
Industry Net Addresses the urgent need for companies
Micro Small Medium
Zero Acceler- to act on their commitments to achiev-
ator ing net-zero emissions due to climate Manufacturing Invest- Invest- Investment: <
and Services ment: < 1 ment: < 10 50 crore
change.
crore crore
Circular Trans- Focuses on driving systemic change in in- Turnover: <
formation of dustries towards a circular economy. Turnover: Turnover: < 250 crore
Industries < 5 crore 50 crore
I n d u s t r i a l Recognizes the need for a reassessment
Status of MSMEs in India:
Strategies for of global supply chain configurations
• Around 19 million MSMEs which employ over 131
the Future of driven by sustainability, resilience, talent,
million (over 13 crore) individuals are registered on
Supply Chains technology readiness, and changing cus-
the Udyam portal of which about 96 % are classified
tomer demand.
as micro, about 3 % as small, and 0.4% as medium
enterprises.
Mains Links • 27% of the MSMEs are engaged in manufacturing
Q.1 “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the over- and 73% are in services
all growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP) in the post-re-
form period” Give reasons. How far are the recent chang- Significance of E-Commerce integration:
es in Industrial Policy capable of increasing the industrial • Successful integration with the E-commerce plat-
growth rate? (UPSC 2017) form has reported an increase in sales. Integrated
firms report higher turnovers and profitability.
Q.2 Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry • Integrated firms have a higher share of permanent
and then later to services, but India shifted directly from employees
agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge Significance of MSMEs
growth of services vis-à-vis the industry in the country? Can
India become a developed country without a strong indus- Economic transformation:
trial base? (UPSC 2014)
Key Benefits Description
E m p l o y m e n t MSMEs create significant job opportu-
Prelims Links:
generation nities, especially for unemployed youth,
Q. In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the due to low start-up costs.
following is given the highest weight? (UPSC 2015)
Economic sta- They contribute significantly to India’s
(a) Coal production bility and ex- GDP and play a crucial role in the coun-
(b) Electricity generation port growth try’s exports, contributing about 40% to
(c) Fertilizer production overall exports.
(d) Steel production
Ans: B

www.insightsonindia.com 47

Reducing re- MSMEs promote industrialization in ru-
gional imbal- ral and backward areas, reducing region-
ance al disparities and ensuring a more equi-
table distribution of income and wealth.
Complementa- They often serve as ancillary units, sup-
ry to large in- plying semi-finished and auxiliary prod-
dustries ucts to larger companies, fostering a
linkage between MSMEs and big corpo-
rations.
Diversity India’s MSME sector is highly diverse in
terms of size, technology use, product
range, and target markets.
Innovation MSMEs encourage innovation by pro-
viding opportunities for entrepreneurs
to develop creative products, fostering
competition and growth.
Poverty Allevi- MSMEs have played a significant role in
ation reducing poverty by providing employ-
ment to disadvantaged sections of soci-
ety.
Social transformation:
Key Benefits Description
Female empower- About 20% of MSMEs in India are
ment women-owned, providing a platform
for female participation and develop-
ment.
Income distribu- MSMEs, as a labour-intensive sector
tion employing both genders, increase
purchasing power and contribute to
income redistribution.
Demographic div- India’s large number of graduates
idend and engineers benefit from MSMEs,
which can absorb a significant portion
of fresh talent each year.
Inclusive growth MSMEs contribute to infrastructural
development, reducing income gaps
between rural and urban areas. They
also help prevent rural-to-urban mi-
gration by creating jobs in rural re-
gions.
Better income Evidence suggests that small enter-
prises, including MSMEs, offer better
job stability, higher wages, and im-
proved benefits, particularly for un-
skilled labour, leading to increased in-
come and savings for the workforce.
Social inclusion MSMEs enhance socio-econom-
ic conditions, support the national
economy, and provide employment,
fostering social inclusion and commu-
nity development.
48 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Challenges to MSMEs
Challenges Description
Challenges in Lack of knowledge and digital illiteracy;
i n t e g ra t i n g Lack of digital infrastructure; Lack of ac-
with E-Com- cess to skilled labour
merce sites
Financial Less than 5% of MSMEs have access to in-
challenges stitutional credits.
Lack of creditworthiness among MSMEs.
The bias of investors towards ser-
vice-based MSMEs
Financial distress due to events like de-
monetization, GST, and COVID-19
Higher operating costs due to low econo-
mies of scale, affecting competitiveness
Labour Difficulty in attracting skilled labour
Lack of social security net for over 90% of
unorganized MSMEs employees
Infrastruc- Challenges in access to basic amenities,
ture and like a constant power supply for semi-ur-
Te c h n o l o g y ban and rural MSMEs
Concerns High land and labour costs for urban MS-
MEs
Use of outdated technology or slow tech-
nology adoption.
Government Withdrawal of incentives when MSMEs
Policy outgrow the prescribed limits in the MSME
Act, leading to ‘dwarfism.’
Complex entry and exit norms
Challenges in tax and legal compliance and
clearance
Market Low competitiveness of Indian MSMEs
and competition from multinational cor-
porations
Delayed payments from customers
Continued reliance on middlemen for mar-
keting.
Government Initiatives
• MSME Definition Revision: Expanded to promote
growth without losing incentives.
• CHAMPIONS Portal: Provides information, griev-
ance redressal, and integration.
• RAMP: COVID resilience and recovery support.
• Finance: Emergency Credit Line, PM Mudra Yojana,
equity infusion.
• Technology Upgradation: Credit Linked Capital Sub-
sidy Scheme.
• Udyam portal provides MSMEs with a permanent
registration and basic identification number.
Current Affairs 30
ket value of all the finished goods and services produced
within a country’s borders in a specific time period.
• India’s GDP is calculated by the Central Statistics Of-
fice (CSO), which is part of the Ministry of Statistics
and Program Implementation (MoSPI).

How is it Calculated?
India’s GDP is calculated with two different methods, one
based on economic activity (at factor cost), and the second
on expenditure (at market prices). The factor cost method
assesses the performance of eight different industries. The
expenditure-based method indicates how different areas of
the economy are performing, such as trade, investments,
and personal consumption.

For 72% of MSMEs stagnant since past 5 years: Survey: Click

Here

Conclusion
In pursuit of MSME sustainability, RBI’s UK Sinha-led com-
mittee suggests key measures:
• Periodic MSME definition updates
• Tackling delayed payments
• Mandating government procurement from MSMEs
• Offering marketing, technical, and financial support
• Promoting cluster-based approaches
Accurate GDP measurement matters because it:
• Implementing an easy exit policy.
• Reflects True Growth: It represents India’s economic
growth accurately.
Prelims Link: • Captures New Activities: Ensures inclusion of new
Q. Which of the following can aid in furthering the Govern- economic activities and private initiatives.
ment’s objective of inclusive growth? (UPSC 2012) • Informs Policy: Essential for effective policymaking
1. Promoting Self-Help Groups and achieving the goal of a $5 trillion economy.
2. Promoting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises • Attracts Investments: Enhances India’s global image
3. Implementing the Right to Education Act and can attract foreign investments.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: • Encourages Citizen Participation: Informs citizens,
(a) 1 only fostering cooperation toward economic goals.
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only To improve GDP measurement:
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Improvements Actions
Answer: D Update Base Year Update the base year to capture
new economic activities.
3. INDIA’S GDP MEASUREMENT AND ITS Use New Data Sets Utilize GST and digital payment data
for accuracy.
LIMITATIONS
Implement Supply Use supply use tables to reconcile
Context: Use Tables statistics.
Accurate GDP measurement is crucial for India’s economic Initiate Revision Start the base year revision prompt-
goals. Currently, India’s GDP base year is outdated (2011- Process ly.
12), which may not capture recent economic activities and Form Advisory Com- Create expert committees to guide
investments. mittees the process.
Publish Relevant Share results of surveys, like con-
What is GDP?
Surveys sumer expenditure.
Gross domestic product (GDP) is the total monetary or mar-

www.insightsonindia.com 49
 Current Affairs 30
However, there are still limitations to the GDP method of Ways Description
calculating growth:
Focus on Labor-In- Prioritize labour-intensive manufac-
GDP Limitations Issues with GDP tensive Manufac- turing, even for domestic consump-
Not a Welfare Mea- GDP doesn’t measure overall turing tion, to boost job creation.
sure well-being or happiness. Diversify Growth Develop diversified growth strat-
Simon Kuznets, who developed Strategies egies that emphasize not just GDP
the concept of GDP, warned it was growth but also the creation of
not a suitable measure of a coun- high-quality jobs and addressing
try’s economic development employment elasticity.
Weak Relationship State of Working India (SWI National Employ- Implement a National Employment
Between Growth and 2023) report indicates that the ment Policy Policy to address both labour supply
Employment connection between GDP growth and demand, enhancing the quan-
and employment in India is weak. tity and quality of employment op-
Growth in GDP doesn’t assure portunities.
proportional job creation. Explore Green Explore opportunities in green man-
The same report says that the Manufacturing ufacturing to reshape India’s indus-
employment benefits of growth trial development in a sustainable
aren’t equally shared among gen- manner.
ders, castes, or religions. Address Structural Tackle structural issues in the econo-
No Adjustment for Ignores differences in work hours Issues my related to caste, gender, and reli-
Leisure Time and leisure time. gion to ensure equitable distribution
Misses Home Produc- Doesn’t account for informal or of growth benefits.
tion home-based economic activity.
Income Distribution Doesn’t reflect income distribu- Insta Links:
tion within a country. Whose GDP is it anyway?
Ignores Pollution Fails to factor in environmental or   
Costs social costs. Mains Links:
Q. What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Examine the
Fails to Measure Hu- Doesn’t encompass aspects like
limitations pertaining to GDP as an economic performance
man Well-Being happiness or community.
measurement framework of the country. (250 words)
Unequal Progress Doesn’t address wealth inequality   
and social disparities.
Prelims Links:
Ignores Non-Mone- Doesn’t value activities like volun-
Q. Consider the following statements:
tized Activity teering or housework.
1. Nominal GDP is calculated in a way such that the goods
Neglects Sustainabil- Doesn’t account for the environ- and services are evaluated at some constant set of pric-
ity mental impact of growth. es.
2. If the Real GDP changes, it implies that the volume of
Suggestions for alternatives to GDP: production is undergoing changes.
Suggestions 3. The ratio of nominal GDP to real GDP gives us an idea of
how the prices have moved from the base year to the
Explore the use of Green GDP to account for environmen-
current year.
tal factors.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explore alternatives to GDP such as OECD’s “GDP alterna-
a) 1, 2
tives” that adjust for leisure and other factors.
b) 1, 3
Consider the “Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare”
c) 2, 3
that accounts for pollution costs and income distribution.
d) 1, 2, 3
Explore the “Genuine Progress Indicator” that adjusts for
income distribution, household work, and more. Solution: c)
Explore well-being measures like the Happy Planet Index,
Topics: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Gross National Happiness, and National Well-Being Ac-
counts.
4. USE FINANCIAL INCLUSION TO REDUCE
Ways to link GDP growth with better Job Creation in India: INEQUALITY AND SPEED UP GROWTH

50 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Context:
The article discusses financial inclusion as a tool for reducing
inequality and fostering economic growth.
What is financial inclusion?
It means ensuring that all individuals and businesses have
access to affordable and essential financial services, such
as banking, credit, savings, and insurance, regardless of their
income or location. It aims to promote economic stability,
reduce poverty, and empower marginalized populations by
providing them with the tools to manage their finances and
participate in the formal economy.
Importance of Financial Inclusion:
• Financial inclusion is essential for reducing poverty
and inequality.
• It helps strengthen the livelihoods of those at the
bottom of the economic pyramid.
• It contributes to global economic growth.
Challenges in Promoting Financial Inclusion (globally):
• Limited Access: Around 24% of adults worldwide
lack access to formal financial accounts, hindering
their participation in the financial system.
• Low Savings and Borrowing Rates: Only 29% of
adults deposit their savings in financial institutions
and just 28% borrow from formal financial institu-
tions on a global scale.
• MSME Financing Disparities: Micro-enterprises in
developing countries face constraints due to loan
application rejections or unfavourable terms (21%),
while small and medium-sized enterprises experi-
ence even higher barriers (30%).
• Gender Disparities: Women encounter obstacles
such as restrictive social norms, limited mobility,
and low financial literacy, leading to a gender gap in
bank account ownership, especially in low-income
and developing countries.
• Limited Digital Payment Adoption: Men with ac-
counts are more likely to use digital payment meth-
ods (6 percentage points higher) in developing na-
tions, further excluding women from digital financial
services.
• Emergency Funds Access: Women in developing
nations find it more challenging to access emergen-
cy funds, with only 50% claiming consistent access
compared to 59% of men.
The Way Forward for Financial Inclusion:
• Pillar 1: Strengthening the Ecosystem:
o Promote private sector involvement through
partnerships.
o Enhance financial literacy and capaci-
ty-building programs.
o Promote gender-inclusive financial services.
• Pillar 2: Expanding Financial Services:
o Increase insurance penetration beyond 7%
of GDP.
o Accelerate financial inclusion for agricultur-
al, rural, and migrant populations.
o Reduce the cost of capital for financial insti-
tutions.
o Innovate distribution channels and stan-
dardize cross-border payments.
• Pillar 3: Consumer Protection:
o Formulate policies that balance consumer
protection and innovation.
o Uphold consumer trust in new digital prod-
ucts and services.
India’s Case Study with Banking Correspondents/ Business
Correspondents (BCs)
BCs are agents who work on behalf of banks and other
financial institutions to provide banking services to under-
served communities, including rural areas, where traditional
bank branches are often scarce.
• Origins: BCs are often members of the local commu-
nity and are seen as trustworthy and reliable by their
customers.
Role in financial inclusion:
Role Description
Last Mile BCs provide crucial last-mile connectivity,
Connectivity bridging the gap to underserved rural com-
munities.
Liaisons They act as intermediaries between banks
and customers, offering banking services
to those distant from traditional bank
branches.
Trust Build- BCs help build trust and confidence among
ing customers from target communities, mak-
ing formal banking services more accessi-
ble and acceptable.
Customized They offer tailored services to meet cus-
Services tomers’ specific needs, such as account
opening, cash deposit/withdrawal, and
other banking services, enhancing conve-
nience.
Increased Fi- BCs contribute to improving financial liter-
nancial Liter- acy, especially among women, by providing
acy guidance on using formal banking services.
C o st- ef fe c - BCs reduce operational costs for banks
tive and financial institutions compared to set-
ting up full-fledged branches.
SHG Syner- Women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
gies serving as Business Correspondents (BC
Sakhis) and Bank Sakhis have played es-
sential roles, including disbursing funds
during the COVID-19 lockdown.
www.insightsonindia.com 51

Insta Links
• Boost Financial Inclusion
• Financial Inclusion in Rural India
• The financial inclusion of women
5. DPI ACHIEVES AN 80% FINANCIAL IN-
CLUSION RATE IN INDIA
Context:
India’s use of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has achieved
an 80% financial inclusion rate in just six years, according to
a World Bank report.
• A feat that would have taken nearly five decades
without a DPI approach
The article should be read in continuation of the y’day article
on Financial Inclusion.
What is DPI?
Achievements of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India:
Achievement Details
Financial In-Increased from 25% in 2008 to over 80% of
clusion Rate adults in 6 years thanks to DPIs.
PMJDY Ac- The number of PMJDY accounts tripled
counts from 147 million (Mar 2015) to 462 million
(Jun 2022), with 56% owned by women.
Jan Dhan Encouraged low-income women to save,
Plus Program resulting in over 12 million women cus-
tomers (Apr 2023) and a 50% increase in
average balances in 5 months.
52 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
G2P Pay- Supported transfers of $361 billion directly
ments to beneficiaries through 312 schemes, re-
sulting in $33 billion in savings (Mar 2022).
UPI Transac- More than 9 billion transactions were val-
tions ued at about Rs 15 trillion in May 2023, ac-
counting for nearly 50% of India’s nominal
GDP in FY 2022-23.
Efficiency for Enhanced efficiency for private organiza-
Private Orga- tions, enabling higher conversion rates,
nizations cost savings, and reduced fraud detection
costs.
Lower Cost of Reduced KYC compliance costs from $0.12
Compliance to $0.06, making lower-income clients
for Banks for more attractive for services and generating
KYC profits.
Cross-Border UPI-PayNow interlinking between India
Payments and Singapore facilitates faster, cheaper,
and more transparent cross-border pay-
ments.
Account Ag- AA Framework aims to strengthen India’s
gregator (AA) data infrastructure, enabling consumers
Framework and enterprises to share their data only
with their consent through an electronic
consent framework. The framework is reg-
ulated by RBI.
Enabled over 1 billion cumulative accounts
for data sharing with over 13 million cu-
mulative consents raised in June 2023.
Data Empow- Grants individuals control over their data,
erment and enabling tailored product and service ac-
P r o t e c t i o n cess, and fostering innovation and compe-
Architecture tition.
(DEPA)
Topics: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the
country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems
storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce
and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid
of farmers.
6. UNDERSTANDING CURBS ON RICE EX-
PORTS
Context:
The Indian government has implemented several measures
to regulate rice exports and ensure domestic food security,
including a 20% export duty on par-boiled rice until October
15 and restrictions on white rice exports.
Status of Rice production and export:
• India is the second-largest producer of rice in the
world, after China.
• India is the world’s largest exporter of rice, with a
Current Affairs 30
45% share.
• Non-Basmati rice exports have been on a consistent
upward trend over the past three years.
• Decreased production: The latest rice production
estimate in India for the Rabi season 2022-2023 in-
dicates a decrease of about 14% compared to the
previous year.
• The government has increased the Minimum Sup-
port Price (MSP) for rice.
Recent government restrictions on Rice exports:
• In May 2022, the government banned wheat ex-
ports.
• In June 2023, restrictions on stock holdings were
imposed.
• In September 2022, the export of broken rice
was prohibited, and a 20% tariff was imposed on
non-parboiled white grain shipments.
• In July 2023, non-basmati white rice exports were
entirely prohibited, with only parboiled non-basma-
ti and basmati rice allowed.
• Recently, a 20% duty was introduced on all par-
boiled non-basmati rice exports.
Suggestions and the way ahead include:
• Consider classifying rice for export policy decisions
as common and speciality rice, rather than just as
Basmati and non-Basmati.
• Protect varieties of rice with Geographical Indica-
tion (GI) recognition from general market interven-
tions.
• For Basmati rice, permit exports to continue or set
a minimum export value, such as $900 per tonne,
as new crop arrivals are expected to meet demand
due to good quality and consistent supply.
Conclusion
Government’s actions aim to strike a balance between safe-
guarding domestic interests and maintaining a competitive
presence in the global rice market. The situation will become
clearer by mid-September, as factors like crop arrivals and
government policies evolve.

Why is the Indian government imposing restrictions on rice

and wheat exports?
• Enhancing Domestic Supply: The government’s goal
is to reduce exports to ensure an adequate supply of
grains within the country.
o There are concerns about depleting rice
stocks, especially in light of the free-
foodgrains scheme’s continuation pressure
(Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana)
• Impact of monsoon/El Nino: It includes potential de-
clines in rice production in several Indian states. El
Nino may affect new crop arrivals.
• Tackling Inflation: Retail food inflation was at 11.5%
in July, and the government is taking measures to
control rising food prices.
• Preventing Illicit Exports: The minimum export price
rule is meant to prevent illegal exports of non-bas-
mati white rice from being misrepresented as bas- Insta Links:
mati rice. Direct seeding of Rice

The government’s initiative to limit rice and wheat exports
faces several issues:
• Enforcement Challenges: Export limitations can be
bypassed through inaccurate classification. White
non-basmati rice has been exported using codes in-
tended for parboiled and basmati rice.
• Excessively High Minimum Export Price: The $1,200
Minimum Export Price is considered too high. Only
specific rice varieties achieve these prices, account-
ing for just around 15% of basmati exports.
• Impact on the earnings of farmers
Prelims Links:
Q. What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in
agriculture? (UPSC 2020)
1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue
of the previous crops.
2. Without the need for a nursery of rice saplings, direct
planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible.
3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only

www.insightsonindia.com 53

(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Q. The lower Gangetic plain is characterised by a humid cli-
mate with high temperatures throughout the year. Which
one among the following pairs of crops is most suitable for
this region?
(a) Paddy and Cotton
(b) Wheat and Jute
(c) Paddy and Jute
(d) Wheat and cotton
Answer: C
7. THE IMPACT OF FOOD ON CLIMATE
Context:
Agriculture and the food we consume have a significant im-
pact on climate change.
The impact of food on climate
Impact Examples
G r e e n h o u s e Agriculture contributed to 11% of global
Gas Emissions greenhouse gas emissions in 2018.
Livestock digestion produces methane
emissions (10% of agricultural emissions).
India, with its large livestock population,
generates 8% of its total greenhouse gas-
es from methane emissions.
Synthetic fertilizers and rice cultivation
also contribute to emissions.
Land use change and deforestation for
agriculture release carbon dioxide (CO2).
Food Produc- Energy-intensive processes in food pro-
tion duction lead to CO2 emissions.
Transportation of food over long distanc-
es results in fossil fuel consumption and
emissions.
Food Waste Decomposing food waste in landfills pro-
duces methane gas, a potent greenhouse
gas.
The resources used to produce wasted
food contribute to emissions.
Packaging Production and disposal of food packag-
ing materials generate CO2 emissions.
Plastic packaging contributes to plastic
pollution and affects ecosystems.
Food Choices Consumption of high-impact foods like
red meat generates more emissions than
plant-based diets
Food choices impact land use and defor-
estation patterns.
54 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Impact of climate change on the food system:
Aspect of Food Impact of Climate Change
System
Crop Produc- • Alters growing conditions, affecting
tion crop yields and quality.
• Increased temperatures can lead to
heat stress in crops.
• Changes in precipitation patterns
can result in droughts or floods.
• Altered pest and disease dynamics
affect crop health.
Food Availabil- • Unpredictable weather patterns dis-
ity rupt seasonal food availability
• Extreme weather events can dam-
age crops and disrupt supply chains
• Reduced food availability can lead
to price fluctuations and shortages.
Food Quality • Altered climate conditions affect the
and Safety nutritional content of crops.
• Increased temperatures can lead to
spoilage and food safety issues
• Changes in water availability impact
food processing and safety.
Food Security • Climate-induced crop failures can
lead to food insecurity
• Vulnerable populations are dispro-
portionately affected by food short-
ages
• Migration and conflict may result
from food-related stressors.
Food Distribu- • Transportation routes may be dis-
tion rupted due to extreme weather
events.
• Increased energy costs for transpor-
tation impact food prices
• Changes in trade patterns affect
global food distribution.
Food Waste • Climate change can exacerbate food
waste due to spoilage from tem-
perature fluctuations
• Resource-intensive food production
contributes to waste.
Ecosystem Dis- • Climate change alters ecosystems
ruption and biodiversity, affecting pollina-
tors and natural pest control
• Loss of biodiversity can disrupt food
production and ecosystem services.
Current Affairs 30
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFC-
CC) has not strongly addressed food production’s impact
on climate. Efforts to reduce emissions, such as the Neth-
erlands’ attempt to reduce nitrous oxide emissions, have
faced resistance and protests. Similarly, New Zealand’s pro-
posal for a “burp” tax faced opposition. The influence of the
meat industry on emissions remains challenging to confront,
comparable to the fossil fuel sector.
Solutions:
• Importance of Adaptation: Scaling up support, in-
cluding finance, capacity-building, and technology
transfer, is urgent to enhance adaptive capacity and
reduce vulnerability.
• Crop diversification: Diversifying cropping patterns,
particularly towards millets, pulses, and horticul-
ture, for sustainable agriculture.
• Adaptation Finance: Multilateral banks, financial
institutions, and the private sector should mobilize
more resources for adaptation.
• Multi-Pronged Approach: Addressing the cli-
mate-hunger crisis involves creating resilient liveli-
hoods, promoting climate-resilient food crops, em-
powering women, supporting small-holder farmers,
and increasing knowledge about vulnerability and
food security.
• Sustainable Food Systems: Sustainability should be
integrated into production, value chains, and con-
sumption.
o Cash transfers for sustainable agriculture
can be more effective than input subsidies.
• Non-Agriculture Sector: Labor-intensive manufac-
turing and services can reduce the pressure on ag-
riculture, especially for smallholders and informal
workers.
o Strengthening rural MSMEs and the food
processing sector is part of the solution.
Insta Links:
Climate change and agriculture
8. CLIMATE CHANGE HAS TRANSFORMED
PEARL MILLET CULTIVATION ZONES
Context:
A study ( by the International Crops Research Institute for
the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and ICAR-AICRP) reveals that
climate change has shifted India’s core pearl millet (bajra)
production zone from arid regions in Rajasthan to eastern
Rajasthan and Haryana due to increased rainfall caused by
human-induced climate change.
What is Pearl millet?
It is commonly known as bajra, a drought-tolerant cereal
grain widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of India
and Africa. It is known for its resilience to adverse growing
conditions, including low rainfall.
More about Pearl millet:
Its grains are small, round, and typically light yellow to
whitish in colour. This grain is a good source of nutrition,
containing essential nutrients like protein, fibre, and micro-
nutrients.
Importance:
It plays a crucial role in food security and livelihoods in re-
gions prone to water scarcity and challenging agricultural
conditions.
Major findings of the study:
Key Points Details
Shifted Pro- The core production zone shifted from arid
d u c t i o n regions in Rajasthan to eastern Rajasthan
Zone and Haryana.
Increased rainfall in Gujarat is prompting
farmers to shift from pearl millet to cash
crops like cotton and castor beans.
Tr i g g e r i n g Increased rainfall due to human-induced
Factor climate change.
Zone Classi- India classifies pearl millet cultivation zones
fication based on rainfall patterns and soil types.
Zone ‘A1’: The arid regions of Rajasthan,
which receive less than 400 millimetres
(mm) of rainfall, are categorised as Zone
‘A1’.
Zone ‘A’: Semi-arid regions in north and
central India, including southern Rajasthan,
Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, which
receive more than 400 mm of rainfall per
year, form Zone ‘A’.
Zone ‘B’: Semi-arid regions with heavy soils
in southern India and central western India
with over 400 mm of rainfall from Zone B.
www.insightsonindia.com 55
 Current Affairs 30
scheme
• Millet Startup Innovation Challenge
• A contest for designing a comic story, with the theme
‘India’s Wealth, Millets for Health’

Other Initiatives for millets:

• SCO: India proposed to organize the “Millet Food
Festival’
• Millet promotion in the current G20 summit at New
Delhi (2023)

Conclusion:
In view of the impact of climate change and the govern-
ment’s aim for climate-smart agriculture, Millets deserves
encouragement. It can also help in providing nourishment to
people across all income categories and supporting climate
adaptation of rainfed sustainable farming systems.

9. INDIA’S FALLING COTTON PRODUCTION

Context:
The article highlights the current issues with India’s cotton
production.

About Cotton:
Cotton is a versatile crop known for its white fluffy fibre, oil-
rich seeds, and protein-rich seed cake. It has various uses,
including textiles, cooking oil, and livestock feed.

Initiatives in India:
• The government declared (in 2018) millets as “Nu-
tri-Cereals”, considering their “high nutritive value”
and also “anti-diabetic properties”.
• The 2018 year: ‘National Year of Millets”.
• Increase in MSP for millets
• The government has included millets in the public
distribution system (PDS) and POSHAN Abhiyan. Significance of Cotton in India:
• Millet Mission (under the National Food Security • Triple Role: Cotton in India provides food, feed, and
Mission): It will help develop farm-gate processing fibre, making it a crucial crop for agriculture and the
and empower farmers using FPOs. textile sector.
• Kerala State Agriculture Department: Millet Village • Cotton Components: After harvesting cotton

56 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
(Kapas), the breakdown is approximately 36% fibre,
62% seeds, and 2% waste.
o Cottonseed is essential for vegetable oil and
feed cake production.
• Market Contribution: Cottonseed oil is the
third-largest domestically produced vegetable oil in
India, following mustard and soyabean. It also ranks
second in feed cake production, with soybeans lead-
ing.
• Textile Dominance: Cotton is the dominant fibre in
India’s textile industry, accounting for about two-
thirds of the total consumption.
The impact of Bt technology on cotton production in India:
• Introduction to Bt Technology (2002): India adopted
genetically modified (GM) cotton hybrids embedded
with genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteri-
um, which were toxic to certain pests.
• Significant Boost in Production and Yield: Between
2000-01 and 2013-14, Bt cotton led to a remarkable
increase in cotton production, from 140 lakh to 398
lakh bales, and a doubling of lint yields per hectare
from 278 kg to 566 kg.
o Lint is the fluffy, white fibre of cotton that is
used for textiles and fabric production.
• Subsequent Yield Decline: However, post-2013-
14, cotton production and yields started declining,
reaching about 343 lakh bales and 447 kg/hectare
by 2022-23.
Reasons for the decline of cotton Production in India:
Reason Impact on Cotton Production in
India
Development of Pink Initially, Bt cotton protected against
Bollworm (PBW) Re- pests like the American bollworm
sistance to Bt Cotton and pink bollworm. But by 2014,
pink bollworms developed resis-
tance to Bt proteins, causing wide-
spread infestations and yield re-
ductions.
Shift from Non-Bt Decreased diversity in cotton vari-
Cotton Cultivation eties increased the scale of infesta-
tion.
Pest Infestation Dis- Farmers in some states, like Pun-
couraging Farmers jab, avoid cotton cultivation.
Ineffectiveness of Conventional insecticides had lim-
Traditional Insecti- ited efficacy against PBW larvae,
cides affecting lint quality and yields.
Solutions to control the Pink Bollworm (PBW):
• Mating Disruption as a Solution: “Mating disrup-
tion” uses synthetic versions of pheromones to con-
fuse male PBW moths, preventing them from mat-
ing with females.
o Products like PBKnot and SPLAT were ap-
proved for this purpose.
Government initiatives for the Cotton sector in India:
• Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme
(ATUFS)
• Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme
• SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building in the Tex-
tile Sector)
• Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA)
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme to
promote the production of MMF Apparel, MMF
Fabrics and Products of Technical Textiles
The textile sector in India:
India is one of the largest consumers and producers of cot-
ton and jute in the world. 95% of the world’s hand-woven
fabric comes from India.
It is the 2nd largest employment provider after agriculture.
India is 2nd largest manufacturer of PPE and producer of
polyester, silk, and fibre in the world.
Insta Links:
• Textile industry seeks govt support to stay compet-
itive
• Sustainable Cotton Textiles
10. TACKLING FOOD INFLATION
Context:
An ICRIER paper, “Tackling Food Inflation: Is restricting ex-
ports and imposing stocking limits the optimal policy?” dis-
cusses the causes of high food inflation in India, and govern-
ment actions, and suggests alternative solutions.
Current status of India’s Food Inflation:
India’s retail inflation in August 2023 is at 6.83%, exceeding
the desired ceiling of 6%. Food and beverages contribute sig-
nificantly, making up 57% of retail inflation. Food inflation
has risen sharply to 9.94%, impacting overall retail inflation.
Government initiatives to contain inflation:
G o v e r n - Date Details
ment Ac-
tions
Wheat Ex- May 2022 Prohibited wheat exports to
port Ban control prices.
www.insightsonindia.com 57

Rice Export September Halted exports of broken
Restrictions 2022 rice.
July 2023 Imposed export ban on
non-basmati white rice.
S t o c k i n g June 2023 Introduced stocking limits for
Limits wheat traders and millers.
Rice Export July 2023 Imposed 20% export duty on
Duties parboiled rice.
August 2023 Set a Minimum Export Price
of $1,200 per tonne for bas-
mati rice.
Export Duty August 2023 Imposed a substantial 40%
on Onion export duty on onions.
Export ban impacts:
• Wheat Inflation Surge: After the May 2022 wheat
export ban, inflation rose from about 9% to about
25% by February 2023.
• Market Uncertainty: Sudden bans caused market
unpredictability, affecting traders and consumers.
• Rice Inflation Stagnation: Non-basmati rice export
ban in July 2023 had a limited impact on 13% infla-
tion, reducing it slightly to 12.5%.
• Consumer Panic: Non-basmati rice ban alarmed lo-
cal and diaspora consumers.
• Implications for Farmers: Farmers faced the conse-
quences of rapid government measures.
• Indicates a bias in favour of urban consumers and
hurts farmer’s earnings
• Impacts global food security, as it has hit the African
countries most.
Recommendations by the ICRIER paper for containing food
Inflation:
Timeframe Policy Recommendations
Short-Term Efficiently calibrate trade policy instead of
protectionism.
Reduce import duties on edible oils and
wheat. Import prices should ideally not be
lower than MSP to ensure that farmers at
least get the minimum price.
Build buffer stocks for volatile vegetable sta-
ples (TOP).
Expand cold storage infrastructure and use
solar energy for storage.
Promote processing of at least 10% of fresh
produce.
Support Farmer Producer Organisations
(FPOs) and farmer cooperatives.
Invest in R&D to enhance productivity and
climate-resilient farming practices.
Increase irrigation coverage through mi-
cro-irrigation infrastructure.
58 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
M e d i - Reform marketing and trade policies to bene-
um-Term fit both consumers and farmers.
Boost the processing sector, especially for
fresh produce.
Use schemes like “Operation Greens” to sup-
port FPOs and processing facilities.
Long-Term Increase investments in R&D for innovative
farming practices.
Develop drought-resistant seed varieties and
adaptive farming methods.
Expand irrigation coverage with micro-irriga-
tion for climate resilience.
Revamp the policy matrix to align with cli-
mate change challenges.
About ICRIER:
Established in August 1981, ICRIER (Indian Council for
Research on International Economic Relations) is an
autonomous, policy-oriented, not-for-profit, economic
policy think tank.
Insta Links
• Basics: Managing Inflation
• Inflation’s Long Shadow
Mains links:
Q. Inflation further exacerbates inequalities and affects the
poor the most. Discuss the policy measures that are needed
to ensure that inequalities do not deepen amidst rising infla-
tion. (10M)
Q. Distinguish between demand-pull and cost-push inflation.
Examine the factors that are causing inflation in India. What
measures are needed to keep inflation under check? (10M)
Practice Questions
Q. In India, which one of the following is responsible for
maintaining price stability by controlling inflation? (UPSC
CSE 2022)
1. Department of Consumer Affairs
2. Expenditure Management Commission
3. Financial Stability and Development Council
4. Reserve Bank of India
Answer: D
Q. With reference to the Indian economy, demand-pull in-
flation can be caused/increased by which of the following?
1. Expansionary policies
2. Fiscal stimulus
3. Inflation-indexing wages
4. Higher – purchasing power
5. Rising interest rates
Current Affairs 30
Select the correct answer using the codes given below. Research on Crops Enhanced crop productivity: Con-
1) 1, 2 and 4 Only ducted research on transferring
2) 3, 4 and 5 Only genes for fertilizer response from
3) 1, 2, 3 and 5 Only Japonica varieties to Indica varieties,
4) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 enhancing crop productivity.
Answer: A
Dwarf variety of Wheat: Collaborat-
ed with Norman Borlaug to develop
11. DR M S SWAMINATHAN: FATHER OF high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties
INDIA’S GREEN REVOLUTION suitable for Indian conditions.
Developing high-yielding Basmati
Context: rice varieties, innovative use of muta-
Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan (MS Swaminathan) tion technology for various crops
(1925 to 2023) who passed away recently, played a crucial Raised awareness about the impor-
role in heralding the Green Revolution that helped India tance of sustainable agriculture,
combat food insecurity genetics, and breeding in improving
crop varieties.
Timeline of Dr M S Swaminathan’s life: Launched programs like “lab to land”
Year Milestones Fair Minimum Sup- Served as the head of the National
1925 Born in Kumbakonam, Madras Presidency port for Farmers Commission on Farmers and recom-
1940s Pursued higher education in zoology and mended fair minimum support pric-
agriculture es for farmers’ crops.
1947-1949 Joined Indian Agricultural Research Insti- Focus on nutrition, biofortification,
tute (IARI) funding for agriculture, precision
1954 Collaborated with Dr Norman Borlaug on farming, and promoting women in
wheat agriculture
1979-1982 Appointed director-general of the Indian Leadership His leadership at the International
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Rice Research Institute (IRRI) led to
advancements in rice cultivation, in-
1982 Became Director General of the Interna-
cluding C4 carbon fixation capabilities
tional Rice Research Institute
and high-yielding Basmati rice
1987 Awarded the first World Food Prize
Swaminathan is hailed as a true vi-
1988 Established M S Swaminathan Research sionary and pioneer in agriculture
Foundation and sustainable development
2002 Elected President of Pugwash Conferences
2004 Chair of the National Commission on Farm- Contributions to Kuttanad and Kerala’s biodiversity:
ers • Kuttanad Package: The over ₹1,800-crore Kuttanad
2007-2013 Served in Rajya Sabha, introduced Women Package, recommended by the M.S. Swaminathan
Farmers’ Bill Research Foundation (MSSRF), recommended de-
claring the wetland system a ‘Special Agricultural
Zone,’ protecting water spread areas, modernizing
Key contributions of M S Swaminathan:
infrastructure, and encouraging short-duration pad-
Aspects Contributions dy varieties.
Led India out of Played a major role in introducing the • Biodiversity Conservation: The MSSRF’s 2008 report
‘Hunger Trap’ Green Revolution in India, significant- on the Idukki District (the Idukki Package) and the
ly increasing food production and en- establishment of the ‘Community Agrobiodiversity
suring food security. Centre’ in Wayanad reflected his commitment to
biodiversity conservation.
• He advocated public awareness, community partic-
ipation, and economic incentives for in situ and on-
farm conservation traditions.

Key scientific terms associated with Dr M S Swaminathan’s

research and the Green Revolution

www.insightsonindia.com 59

Term Description
Green Revolution A period of rapid, scientific agricul-
tural advancement in the mid-1960s
that involved growing high-yielding,
disease-resistant varieties of crops,
primarily in Punjab, India. Dr. Swami-
nathan played a key role in this move-
ment.
High-Yielding Va- These crops produce a higher yield per
rieties of Crops hectare compared to traditional vari-
(HYVs) ants. They are often disease-resistant
and have increased tolerance to con-
ditions like drought. Examples include
IR8 rice and Kalyan Sona wheat.
Yield Gap The difference between the poten-
tial maximum yield of a crop and the
actual realized yield for a given area.
Addressing this gap was a focus of the
Green Revolution to increase produc-
tivity.
Cytogenetics The study of chromosomes and their
relation to hereditary characteristics
and traits, including identifying traits
like disease resistance and drought tol-
erance in crops.
Hexaploid Wheat Scientifically known as Triticum aes-
tivum, it contains six sets of chromo-
somes and is widely cultivated. Dr.
Swaminathan conducted research on
the cytogenetics of hexaploid wheat.
Carbon Fixation The process by which crops capture
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
and convert it into organic compounds
through photosynthesis. It’s important
for plant growth and productivity.
C3 and C4 Pho- Two different pathways for carbon fix-
tosynthetic Path- ation. C3 (Calvin cycle) is slower and
ways occurs when leaf pores are open. C4
is more efficient and occurs in both
mesophyll and bundle sheath cells.
Research on C4 rice was conducted
during Dr Swaminathan’s tenure.
Conclusion:
His passing marks the end of an era of disruptive innovation
in agricultural research, education, and extension, and he is
regarded as a figure worthy of admiration and respect by all
citizens, particularly those who benefit from his contribu-
tions to food security and agriculture.
Insta Links:
Delhi To Introduce MSP based on Swaminathan Commission
Report
60 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Mains Links:
Q. How has India benefited from the contributions of Sir M
Visvesvaraya and Dr M S Swaminathan in the fields of wa-
ter engineering and agricultural science respectively? (UPSC
2019)
12. GREEN REVOLUTION: M S SWAMINA-
THAN
Context:
The Green Revolution, led by Norman Borlaug (Father of
Green Revolution in the World) and M S Swaminathan,
introduced high-yield variety seeds in the 1960s, boosting
food grain production, especially wheat and rice.
• Borlaug won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for this.
Need for Green Revolution in India:
The Bengal Famine of 1943 caused a massive food crisis, lead-
ing to 4 million deaths. Post-independence, India focused
on expanding farming, but population growth outpaced
food production. Despite the creditable growth of agricul-
tural output between 1949 and 1965, India has been facing
food shortages since the mid-1950s. India was dependent
on food imports from Western countries at a subsidised rate
Elements of Green Revolution in India:
Element Description
Expansion of The Green Revolution supported the
Farming Areas quantitative expansion of farmlands to
meet rising agricultural demands.
Double-cropping Introduced two crop seasons annually
System instead of one, with the help of irriga-
tion projects and dam construction.
Using seeds with Utilized high-yield variety seeds, main-
improved genet- ly for wheat and rice, developed by
ics the Indian Council for Agricultural Re-
search.
Important Crops Main crops included Wheat, Rice,
in the Revolution Jowar, Bajra, and Maize, with a focus
on food grains, particularly wheat.
Positive Impact of Green Revolution:
Positive Impact Description
Crop Yields Crop yields per acre grew at 2.5% per
year between 1967-68 and 1989-90
Current Affairs 30
Food Production Foodgrain production increased by
35% between 1967-68 and 1970-71
India achieved self-sufficiency in
food production and built buffer food
stocks.
Exported food to pay back loans and
provide assistance to food-deficit
countries.
Generated a rapid increase in the
marketable surplus of food grains.
It primarily boosted wheat produc-
tion, increasing it over threefold from
1967-68 to 2003-04, while overall ce-
real production doubled
Private Invest- Public investment, credit, and new
ment technology boosted profitability for
private farmers.
Total gross capital formation in agri-
culture increased, leading to more in-
vestments.
Growth in the gross irrigated area in-
creased significantly.
Agricultural Green Revolution contributed to In-
Growth Rate dia’s sustained high rate of agricultural
growth.
Shifted growth from increasing land
area to improving yields.
Crop Area Expan- Significant growth in the area under
sion high-yielding varieties of wheat and
rice
Rural Employ- Generated jobs for agricultural and in-
ment dustrial workers due to multiple crop-
ping and fertilizers
Negative Impacts of the Green Revolution:
Impact Description
Non-Food Grains Focus on wheat, rice, and limited
Neglected crops, neglecting coarse cereals, puls-
es, and oilseeds.
Regional Dispari- Uneven adoption, affecting only cer-
ties tain areas, worsening regional dispar-
ities in development.
Excessive Chemi- Widespread use of pesticides and fer-
cal Usage tilizers without proper education or
precautions.
Water Consump- Introduction of water-intensive crops
tion depleting groundwater, particularly
in regions like Punjab.
Soil and Crop Pro- Depletion of soil nutrients, increased
duction fertilizer usage, pH level changes, and
yield decline.
Unemployment Farm mechanization causes rural un-
employment, particularly affecting
poor labourers.
Health Hazards The use of toxic chemicals leads to
health issues, including cancer, birth
defects, and more.
Negative Impact of Green Revolution on the agrarian soci-
ety:
Impact Details
Rising Inequal- In Green Revolution areas, medium and
ity large farmers benefited the most while
Small and marginal farmers couldn’t af-
ford expensive inputs, exacerbating in-
equality.
Commercialization of agriculture fa-
voured farmers with resources
Increased Pov- Rich farmers benefited while landless
erty Conditions and marginal holders faced worsened
poverty.
Displacement of tenant cultivators as
landowners took back land for cultiva-
tion.
Rising Class Dif- The introduction of machinery led to the
ferences displacement of service caste groups,
thereby resulting in increasing differenc-
es in terms of class and caste
Social Violence The Green Revolution altered social in-
teractions, highlighting caste and class
inequalities.
Exploitative labour relations and dis-
parities contributed to social violence,
including inter-caste conflicts.
Government Initiatives for Green Revolution:
Green Revolution Krishonnati Yojana:
Introduced by the Indian government in 2005
Aims to develop agriculture and allied sectors scientifically
to increase farmer income.
www.insightsonindia.com 61
 Current Affairs 30

Com- Mission for Integrated Development of Horti- Context:

prises 11 culture (MIDH)
schemes
National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
and
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
missions
(NMSA)
under a
single um- Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)
brella: Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material
(SMSP)
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization
(SMAM)
Sub-Mission on Plant Protection and Plant
Quarantine (SMPPQ)
Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Census,
Economics, and Statistics (ISACES)
Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Coopera-
tion (ISAC)
Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Marketing
(ISAM)
National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture
(NeGP-A)
The Evergreen Revolution:
Proposed by Dr M S Swaminathan
A response to the adverse environmental effects of inten-
sive farming during the Green Revolution.
Aims to increase productivity in an environmentally safe,
economically viable, and socially sustainable way.
Involves integrating ecological principles into technology
development and dissemination.
Conclusion
In all, despite the gaps in the Green Revolution
(which are now being balanced with sustainable agricultural
patterns), it was a necessary step to meet the challenges
of the Indian economy, population, and agriculture in the
post-independence growth years.
Insta Links:
Delhi To Introduce MSP based on Swaminathan Commission
Report
Mains Links:
Q. How has India benefited from the contributions of Sir M
Visvesvaraya and Dr M S Swaminathan in the fields of wa-
ter engineering and agricultural science respectively? (UPSC
2019)
Topics: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in
industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
The 2023 World Trade Report, published by the WTO, ex-
plores the role of international trade in building a more se-
cure, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Key findings of the report:
Key Themes Major Highlights
Changing Nar- The report addresses the shift in the
rative narrative around globalization.
It emphasizes policy goals beyond trade
efficiency, including peace, security,
poverty reduction, and sustainability.
The report advocates for “re-globaliza-
tion,” expanding trade integration to
more economies, people, and issues.
G e o p o l i t i c a l Geopolitical tensions, the Ukraine con-
Shifts flict, and the rise of China have impact-
ed global trade dynamics.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the
importance of resilient supply chains.
Reorientation Trade is gradually aligning along geopo-
of Trade litical lines.
Trade flows within hypothetical geopo-
litical “blocs” are growing faster than
those between them, indicating a shift
towards friend-shoring.
Resilience in Despite challenges, bilateral trade be-
Trade tween China and the United States
reached record highs.
Supply Chain International supply chains played a vi-
tal role in responding to supply shortag-
es during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inclusiveness Trade integration has lifted millions out
of poverty.
Sustainability Trade can contribute to sustainability by
providing access to green technologies.
What is re-globalization?
Re-globalization is a concept that advocates expanding and
strengthening international trade and economic integra-
tion, focusing on making globalization more inclusive, se-
cure, and sustainable.
It emphasizes the need to address contemporary global
challenges, such as geopolitical tensions, economic inequal-
ity, and climate change, through greater cooperation and
trade integration among nations.
Re-globalization vs. de-globalisation:
Aspect Re-globalization De-globalization

13. 2023 WORLD TRADE REPORT:

RE-GLOBALIZATION

62 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Focus Expand and strength- Reduce internation- Trade Facilitation

Implementing agreements like the
en international trade al trade and eco- Trade Facilitation Agreement and
and economic integra- nomic interdepen- the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
tion. dence. Addressing Trade Focusing on reducing trade costs for
Goals Make globalization Prioritize domes- Cost Disparities middle- and low-income countries.
more inclusive, secure, tic industries and
and sustainable by ad- reduce reliance on Insta Links:
dressing global chal- foreign markets. • Restoring the WTO’s dispute settlement system
lenges through coop- • Reforming WTO
eration.
Key Princi- Maintain a strong mul- Advocate protec-
ples tilateral trading sys- tionist measures, Topics: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Rail-
tem, and extend trade trade barriers, and ways etc.
integration to more focus on national
economies, people, self-sufficiency. 14. CENTRE ASKS STATES TO FORMULATE
and issues.
A LOGISTICS POLICY
Example Promote trade as a Implement tariffs,
solution to challenges trade restrictions, Context:
like economic inequal- and reshoring of The central government has urged states to create logistics
ity and climate change. production to prior- policies to enhance ease of doing business and align with
itize domestic inter- the PM GatiShakti initiative, which aids in infrastructure
ests. project planning.

The benefits of re-globalization: Status:

• Economic Growth: Re-globalization, as seen in India
during 1994-2005, can stimulate economic growth,
leading to a decrease in the poverty rate.
• Poverty Alleviation: The decrease in the headcount
poverty rate by around 1.5 points indicates that
re-globalization can contribute to poverty allevia-
tion by expanding economic opportunities and in-
come distribution.
• Promoting Environmental Sustainability: Re-global-
ization fosters international coordination on envi-
ronmental policies.
• Emission Reduction: The reallocation of resources
from less efficient to more efficient firms, as ob-
served in India between 1990 and 2010, can lead to
a significant drop in emission intensity.
Role of WTO in Fostering Re-globalization:
Role of WTO Examples
Supporting Mul- Enforcing trade rules and agreements
tilateral Trading among member countries.
Rules
Addressing Global Facilitating discussions on trade’s role
Challenges in peace and security.
Promoting policies to reduce poverty
and inequality through trade.
Promoting Eco- Highlighting the importance of resil-
nomic Security ient supply chains during crises.
• India has ranked 38 out of 139 countries in World
Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023 (2018 rank
of India was 44)
• Gujarat has topped the Logistics Ease Across
Different States (LEADS) 2021 index
• The unorganized sector amounts to over 90% of the
logistics sector.
Need for Logistics policy in States:
• The logistics cost in India (about 13-14 %) is high as
compared to other developed economies (8%)
• India’s logistics sector is highly defragmented and
very complex esp. of states
• This sector provides employment to more than 22
million people and is expected to grow at the rate of
over 10% over the next 5 years
• Logistics is the backbone of India’s internation-
al trade and will help in the diversification of not
only India’s export basket but also of products and
countries.
Last year, India unveiled its National Logistics Policy
(NLP) with the aim of promoting the seamless movement
of goods and enhancing the competitiveness of the industry.
Aim of the New National Logistics Policy (NLP)
• Reducing costs for the logistics sector to 8% by 2030
• Develop skills among youth and create employment
opportunities.
• Promote the seamless movement of goods and
enhance the competitiveness of the industry across
the nation

www.insightsonindia.com 63
 Current Affairs 30
• Focus on some key areas like process re-engineer- and developing new technology.
ing, digitization and multi-modal transport
15. LIGO-INDIA: NEXT FRONTIER FOR IN-
Four Major Steps Under National Logistics Policy:
DIA AFTER CHANDRAYAAN AND ADITYA
Steps Description
Integration of Digital Integration of digital systems Context:
System (IDS) from seven different depart- LIGO-India, part of the Laser Interferometer Gravitation-
ments (e.g., road transport, rail- al-Wave Observatory, is set to become a prominent astro-
way, customs, aviation, foreign nomical observatory in the world, aiming to detect and
trade, and commerce ministries) study gravitational waves, offering a new way to observe the
Unified Logistics Inter- Improving cargo movement, re- universe.
face Platform (ULIP) al-time confidential information
exchange, leveraging NICDC’s What are Gravitational Waves?
Logistics Data Bank Project Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space and
Ease of Logistics (ELOG) Simplifying rules and streamlin- time that travel at the speed of light. They are created by
ing logistics business the motion of massive objects, such as black holes or neu-
tron stars, which generate gravitational waves when they
System Improvement Monitoring logistics-related
orbit or collide with each other.
Group (SIG) projects and addressing obsta-
cles
The science behind Gravitational waves:
According to Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity
Other steps taken by the government:
(1916), any object with mass warps the space-time around
• The logistics division in the Commerce department
it. When two massive objects orbit each other or collide,
has been created.
they produce ripples or waves in space-time that propagate
• Logistics Efficiency Enhancement Program and Ve-
outward at the speed of light.
hicle Fleet Modernization Program to improve logis-
tics efficiency
• So far, 22 states have already implemented logistics
policies
• Gati Shakti Scheme
• Bharatmala Program (building about 84,000 Km of
new highways)
• Sagarmala Project (unlock the potential of the coun-
try’s 7,5000 Km coastline and 14,500 Km of naviga-
ble waterways)
• Railways: Freight corridors
• Previously, the government plans to replace
the Multimodal Transportation of Goods Act, 1993
(MMTG) with a National Logistics Efficiency and Ad-
vancement Predictability and Safety Act (NLEAPS) Why use LIGO?
Gravitational waves are extremely weak and difficult to de-
About PM Gati-Shakti National Master Plan tect. They were first directly detected by the Laser Interfer-
PM Gati Shakti Master Plan (2021), is a Rs. 100 lakh-crore ometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in 2015, a
project for developing ‘holistic infrastructure’. It aims to century after they were predicted by Einstein’s theory.
ensure the speed (Gati) and Power (Shakti) of infrastruc-
ture projects in the next four years, with a focus on expe- What is LIGO-India?
diting works on the ground, saving costs creating jobs, and
bringing down the logistics cost.

Insta Links
Logistics Sector in India

Topics: Science and Technology- developments and their

applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of In-
dians in science & technology; indigenization of technology

64 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

E d u c a t i o n a l Inspires students and the public with

Outreach the excitement of gravitational wave
astronomy
Encourages STEM education and
awareness.
I n t e r n a t i o n a l Strengthens India’s role in international
Collaboration scientific collaborations. Deepens ties
with countries like the United States.
Economic and Promotes industrial partnerships for
Industrial Bene- the development of precision instru-
fits ments. Boosts India’s high-tech manu-
facturing capabilities.
Cultural Impact Enhances India’s global image as a hub
for scientific and technological innova-
tion. Encourages interest in science and
research.

Challenges for LIGO India:

• Funding: Securing adequate financial resources for
construction, maintenance, and research.
Working of LIGO? • Site Preparation: Dealing with environmental and
logistical issues at the chosen site.
• Technology Transfer: Acquiring and adapting cut-
ting-edge technology for Indian needs.
• International Collaboration: Coordinating with
global partners for seamless operations.
• Technical Challenges: Overcoming technical obsta-
cles in precise measurements and data analysis.

Insta Links: LIGO-India

16. THE DRAFT PATENTS (AMENDMENT)

RULES, 2023
Context:
The government has released Draft Patents (Amendment)
Rules, 2023 rule, under the Patents Act of 1970.

Significance of LIGO for India: What is Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)?

Significance Examples
Advancing Sci- Provides India’s scientific community
entific Research access to cutting-edge research
Enhances India’s standing in global as-
trophysical research.
Te c h n o l o g i c a l Promotes the development of ad-
Advancements vanced technology and instrumenta-
tion.
Fosters collaborations with internation-
What are Patents?
al experts.
Patents are government-issued exclusive rights that grant
Human Re- Offers training and research opportuni- inventors or assignees the sole authority to utilize, make,
source Develop- ties for Indian scientists and engineers. sell, or license their invention for a limited period, typically
ment Attracts talent in the field of astrophys- 20 years.
ics. • Patents are granted for new and useful inventions
and are intended to encourage innovation by pro-

www.insightsonindia.com 65
 Current Affairs 30
viding legal protection and exclusive rights to inven- P r e - G r a n t Fee: There The introduction of dy-
tors. Opposition will be a vari- namic fees for PGO filing
• Granted by: Controller General of Patents, Designs (PGO) filing able fee for may pose financial chal-
and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) under the DPIIT (Minis- Pre-Grant Op- lenges for smaller groups
try of Commerce & Industry) position (PGO) or individuals interested in
• Patents in India are governed by “The Patent Act filing (previ- opposing patents.
1970,” which was amended in 2005 to comply with ously free).
TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Proper-
ty Rights). PGO is a pre- PGO allows for opposition
grant opposi- before patent grants, help-
Criteria for issuing patents in India include: tion filed after ing prevent unjust patent
• Novelty: The invention must be new and not previ- patent publi- protection extensions and
ously published or publicly known or used in India. cation but be- promoting access to af-
• Non-Obviousness: It should involve an inventive fore its grant. fordable generic drugs.
step, representing a technical advancement com- PGO filing, Determining PGO filing by
pared to existing knowledge, and not obvious to a previously CGPDTM may bring more
person skilled in the relevant field. open to any- structure to the opposition
• Industrial Use: The invention should be capable of one, will now process.
industrial application. be deter-
mined by CG-
What Cannot Be Patented in India: PDTM.
Items Description Notice Time The time pe- Reducing the time period
Frivolous Inventions Inventions that harm public or- Period riod for appli- for applicants to reply to
der, morality, or the health of an- cants to reply PGO notices to 2 months
imals, plants, and humans. to notice on may affect the ability to
PGO has been prepare and submit re-
Methods of Agricul- Generally excluded from patent-
reduced to 2 sponses effectively
ture or Horticulture ability.
months.
Traditional Knowledge Inventions based solely on tradi-
Timeline for The timeline Reducing the timeline for
tional knowledge are not eligible
Filing Re- for filing Re- filing Requests for Exam-
for patents.
quests for quests for ination to 31 months may
Computer Programs Pure computer programs are typ- Examination Examination expedite patent exam-
ically not patentable. is reduced ination but put pressure
Inventions Related to Matters related to atomic energy from 48 to 31 on applicants to prepare
Atomic Energy are restricted from patenting. months. quickly.
Plants and Animals Typically, plants and animals in Working Working state- Requiring working state-
their natural state cannot be pat- Statements ments are to ments once every 3 years
ented. be submitted may reduce the frequency
Mere Discovery of Sci- Patent protection is not granted once every 3 of reporting on patent us-
entific Principles for mere discoveries of scientific years by pat- age.
principles. ent holders.
D i s c l o s u re Disclosure of Eliminating the need to
Key Provisions of the Draft Patent Amendment Rules: of Manufac- the patent- disclose manufacturing lo-
turing Lo- ed product’s cation and price may im-
Key Provi- Description Impact of the changes
cation and manufactur- pact transparency in the
sions
Price ing location pharmaceutical industry.
and price is
no longer re-
quired.

About The Patents Act, 1970

It was established in 1972, and replaced the Indian Patents
and Designs Act, 1911. In 2005, the Patents (Amendment)
Act expanded product patenting to all technology fields,
including food, drugs, chemicals, and microorganisms. It

66 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
repealed Exclusive Marketing Rights (EMRs) provisions, in-
troduced compulsory licensing, and included pre-grant and
post-grant opposition provisions
Insta Link: Patents
Mains Links:
Q. How is the Government of India protecting traditional
knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical
companies? (UPSC 2019)
Q. In a globalised world, intellectual property rights as-
sume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly dis-
tinguish between the terms – copyrights, patents and trade
secrets. (UPSC 2014)
Prelims Links:
Q. Consider the following statements:
1. Evergreening is the grant of permission by the govern-
ment to entities to use, manufacture, import or sell a
patented invention without the patent owner’s consent.
2. Compulsory licensing is a strategy for extending/elon-
gating the term of a granted patent in a jurisdiction that
is about to expire, in order to retain royalties from them,
by taking out new patents.
Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
17. GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE
What is Geospatial intelligence?
It is the collection and integration of data from various
technologies like satellites, sensors, and aerial images to
create real-time maps and simulations. It aids in identifying
and managing threats, supporting emergency response, en-
vironmental monitoring, logistics, and more.
Geospatial technology uses tools like GIS (Geographic Infor-
mation System), GPS (Global Positioning System), and Re-
mote Sensing for geographic mapping and analysis of Geo-
spatial data.
Status of geospatial data and technology in India
• India has a robust ecosystem in geospatial, with
the Survey of India (SoI), the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO), Remote Sensing Application
Centres (RSACs), and the National Informatics Cen-
tre (NIC) in particular, and all ministries and depart-
ments, in general, using geospatial technology.
• In 2021, the geospatial market was dominated by
defence and intelligence (14 %), urban development
(13 %), and utilities (11 %) segments, cumulatively
accounting for 38% of the total geospatial market.
Key applications of geospatial intelligence:
Application Description
Emergency Pre- Monitoring natural disasters such as
paredness Cyclones, and hurricanes to allocate re-
sources efficiently, issue timely storm
warnings, and order evacuations as
needed.
Disaster Re- Assisting in post-disaster efforts by
sponse identifying damaged areas, assessing
the extent of impact, locating access
points for first responders, facilitating
efficient search-and-rescue operations
and the distribution of aid.
Environmental Tracking climate-related variables like
Monitoring temperature, precipitation, and ice
to anticipate and prepare for environ-
mental disturbances, including heat-
waves, floods, and polar ice melt.
Military and Ci- Reporting on military movements,
vilian Applica- and troop deployments, and providing
tions valuable spatial data for civilian appli-
cations such as global supply chain op-
timization and logistics management.
www.insightsonindia.com 67

Transportation Utilizing GPS-generated spatial data to
and Logistics enhance transportation and logistics
operations
Autonomous Ve- Supporting the development of auton-
hicles omous vehicles by offering high-reso-
lution imagery for road analysis, and
traffic management.
Digital Twins Creating virtual replicas of real-world
systems, such as cities and buildings,
which can be updated in real-time to
simulate changes in various conditions,
aiding decision-making across differ-
ent sectors, including military and ur-
ban planning.
Measures for the Development of Geospatial Data and
Technology:
Measures Description
Guidelines Released by the Ministry of Science and
for Geo- Technology in 2021.
spatial Deregulated and liberalized the Geo-Spatial
Data, 2021 Sector in India, making it more competitive.
Eliminated the requirement of permissions
and scrutiny, even for security concerns for
Indian Companies.
Companies can now self-attest, conforming
to government guidelines without continu-
ous monitoring by a government agency.
Geospa- Developed in collaboration with NITI Aayog
tial Energy and ISRO
Map of In- Provides a comprehensive view of energy
dia production and distribution in the country.
Aids in planning and investment decisions
and supports disaster management using
available energy assets.
U n i o n Government support for the use of Kisan
Budget drones for land assessment, digitization of
2022-23 land records, and spraying insecticides and
nutrients.
National The 13-year guideline promotes the coun-
Geospa- try’s geospatial data industry and develops a
tial Policy, national framework to use such data for im-
2022 proving citizen services, and more
Yuktahara Serves as a repository of geotagged assets
portal created under various National Rural Devel-
opment Programs, including MGNREGA, Per
Drop More Crop Programs, Integrated Water-
shed Management Programme, and Rashtri-
ya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Limitations of using Geospatial technology:
• Hacking information – The primary reluctance to
68 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
share stems from the concern that terrorists or crim-
inals could use such information.
• Privacy issue – India doesn’t have a dedicated data
protection policy in that context use of Geospatial
data may cause privacy issues.
• Lack of data availability and sharing constraints –
The unavailability of foundation data, especially at
high resolution, is also a constraint. Further, the lack
of clarity on data sharing and collaboration prevents
co-creation and asset maximization.
Measures to be taken for improvement.
• Trained and dedicated team to use geospatial data
• Funding to enhance the application of geospatial
technology
• Privacy needs to be considered while using Geospa-
tial data.
Conclusion
Today the availability of using high-resolution satellite imag-
ery creates a positive environment on the significance of this
technology for monitoring integrated systems in different ar-
eas of national security purposes. Thus, geospatial technolo-
gy reduces the analysis time and improves the capability and
efficiency in decision-making for national security issues.
Insta Links: Geospatial data policy liberalized
Mains Link
Q. Democratizing geospatial data will enable the rise of new
technologies & platforms that will drive efficiencies in agri-
culture and allied sectors. Discuss (15M)
Q. What is Geo-Spatial data? Comment upon the present
Policy on Geospatial Data in the country while emphasizing
the liberalization aspect (10M)
Topics: Awareness in space.
18. ETHICS AND OUTER SPACE
Context:
After the success of Chandrayaan – 3 there have been dis-
cussions on the ethical frontiers of space exploration.
• Ethics in outer space exploration is a critical and
evolving consideration as humanity continues to
expand its presence beyond Earth’s boundaries.
Several key ethical principles and challenges are associated
with outer space activities:
• Peaceful Use of Outer Space: One of the founda-
tional principles of space ethics, as enshrined in the
Outer Space Treaty of 1967, is the commitment to
using outer space for peaceful purposes. This princi-
ple aims to prevent the weaponization of space and
Current Affairs 30
the potential for armed conflict in this new frontier.
• Common Heritage of Mankind: The Moon Agree-
ment, adopted in 1979, established the idea that
celestial bodies like the moon and their resources
should be considered the common heritage of all
humanity.
• Environmental Responsibility: As space activities
increase, so does the risk of space debris, which
poses a hazard to both operational satellites and
future missions.
• Planetary Protection: When exploring other celes-
tial bodies, especially those with the potential for
past or present extra-terrestrial life, planetary pro-
tection principles must be followed.
• Transparency and Information Sharing: Nations and
organizations engaged in space exploration should
share information about their missions, including
launch plans, trajectories, and orbital data, to en-
sure safety and avoid collisions.
• Resource Utilization: There’s a need to establish
guidelines for responsible resource utilization to
prevent over-exploitation and ensure that benefits
are shared fairly.
• Space Tourism and Access: As commercial space
tourism becomes a reality, ethical questions arise
concerning accessibility, affordability, and safety
for space tourists.
• Space Governance and Regulation: Establishing
governance mechanisms for space activities and en-
suring that international laws and agreements are
respected are ethical imperatives.
• Global Collaboration: Ethical space exploration re-
quires international collaboration to address com-
mon challenges and promote the responsible use
of space.
Ethical considerations in outer space exploration encompass
a broad range of principles, from preventing the militariza-
tion of space to ensuring equitable access and resource
utilization. As humanity’s activities in space continue to ex-
pand, these ethical principles will play a crucial role in shap-
ing the future of space exploration and ensuring that it ben-
efits all of humanity while minimizing harm to the cosmos.
Insta Links: Indian Space Policy 2023
Topics: Awareness in the fields of IT, Computers, robotics,
nano-technology, bio-technology, and issues relating to in-
tellectual property rights.
19. NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR ROBOTICS
(NSR)
Context:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Me-
itY) in India has released a draft “National Strategy for Ro-
botics” (NSR) aimed at strengthening the innovation cycle of
robotic technology and fostering India’s leadership in robot-
ics by 2030.
What is Robotics?
Robotics deals with the design, construction, operation, and
application of robots coupled with computer systems for
their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.
Status:
According to the World Robotics Report for the year 2022,
India ranks 10th globally in terms of annual industrial instal-
lations of robots.
Potential of Robotics in India:
• India’s Strengths in Future of Work: India’s strengths
in Future of Work (Tech Economy 4.0) include robot-
ics, AI, IoT, cloud computing, supply chain 4.0, 3D
printing, big data, digital payments, etc
• Applications in Agriculture: Robotics in agriculture:
Autonomous precision seeding, Micro-spraying ro-
bots, Weed removal robots, Drones, Robot-assisted
precision irrigation.
• Human-Automation Balance: Balancing human in-
terface and automation, e.g., collaborative robots
(Cobots) working alongside skilled workers.
o Upskilling of migrant workers for greater ef-
ficiency.
• Employment Scope: Leading sectors: manufactur-
ing, pharmaceuticals, packaging, FMCG, and inspec-
tion
Some key components of the draft NSR include:
Component Description
Policy Frame- A framework for implementing robotics
work in sectors like manufacturing, agriculture,
healthcare, and national security, aligning
with the Make in India 2.0 Framework
Nodal Agen- The Ministry of Electronics and Informa-
cy tion Technology (MeitY) will serve as the
nodal agency for robotics, overseeing the
NSR through the ‘National Robotics Mis-
sion’ (NRM).
Classification Industrial, Service and Medical Robots
Core Areas Manufacturing: Logistics and Warehous-
identified by ing automation, Process Optimization etc.
NSR Healthcare: Surgical Robots, telemedicine
area, etc.
Agriculture: Crop scouting, spot Spraying,
etc
National Security: Combat robots, Mine
Detection etc.
Interventions Fiscal and non-fiscal interventions by the
NRM to support innovation in robotics, in-
cluding funding mechanisms for start-ups
and export promotion.
www.insightsonindia.com 69

R e g u l a t o r y Establishment of a regulatory framework
Framework led by the Robotics Innovation Unit (RIU)
for proper governance and regulation of
robotics technology.
Ensuring Regulatory Sandboxes and de-
velopment of robotics industrial zones.
Centres of Ex- Creation of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in
cellence Robotics for foundational and applied re-
search, with private sector involvement in
application-based research.
A d v i s o r y Plans for providing advisory support to
Support start-ups, utilizing research potential in
higher education institutions, and devel-
oping robotics industrial zones.
Public Pro- A proposed policy where the central gov-
c u r e m e n t ernment acts as a demand aggregator for
Policy domestically manufactured robotic sys-
tems, incentivizing domestic production.
Challenges in Adoption of Robotics in India:
Challenges Description
Cost of Adoption High cost due to imported hard-
ware components and training
expenses.
Skilled Talent Acquiring and retaining quali-
ty talent in the multidisciplinary
field of robotics.
Procurement of Hard- Dependence on countries like
ware Components China, the USA, and Europe for
necessary components.
Academic Challenges Lack of multidisciplinary knowl-
edge in most students; Limited
teaching of robotics in engineer-
ing institutes; Shortage of faculty.
Investment in IPR and India’s investment in intellectual
R&D property rights (IPR) and research
and development (R&D) lags be-
hind developed countries.
Ethical considerations E.g., such as privacy, absence of
dedicated legislation for robotics,
etc
For the application of Robotics: Click Here
Way forward:
• Embrace 4th Industrial Revolution technologies.
• Invest in human capital for AI and robotics.
• Support the National Mission on Cyber-Physical Sys-
tems.
• Promote educational initiatives like Atal Tinkering
Labs.
• Encourage advanced technology companies for
“Make in India.”
70 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Insta links:
• Robotics
• Robots for SDGs
Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution
and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
20. WASTEWATER - TURNING PROBLEM
INTO SOLUTION
Context:
Recently, a report prepared by Global Wastewater Initiative
(GWWI), a global platform bringing together UN agencies,
NGOs, the private sector etc. to tackle wastewater pollution,
“Wastewater - Turning Problem to Solution” was released.
• This report follows up on the Sick Water report from
2011 and aims to address the urgent need for sus-
tainable water and wastewater management.
What is Wastewater?
Wastewater refers to water that has been used and contam-
inated through various human activities, such as domestic,
industrial, or agricultural processes.
Key Messages of the Report:
• Wastewater reuse could supply more than ten
times the current global desalination capacity.
• To unlock this potential, public perceptions and con-
cerns about wastewater resource recovery and re-
use must change.
• Elevating wastewater reuse in international policy is
crucial to addressing climate, nature, and pollution
crises.
• The huge potential of wastewater: It could serve as
an alternative energy source for up to half a billion
people, reduce global fertilizer use by over 10%, and
irrigate around 40 million hectares of land.
• Raw source for Industries: Wastewater can be a
source of raw materials for various industries, in-
cluding paper, polymers, pesticides, rubber, paint,
biodiesel, food additives, and more, contributing to
economic and environmental sustainability.
The Issues:
• Improper wastewater management is a global chal-
lenge, exacerbated by population growth, urbaniza-
tion, and climate change.
• By 2030, domestic and municipal wastewater pro-
duction is estimated to rise by 24-38%
• Only 11% of domestic and industrial wastewater is
currently being reused, indicating untapped poten-
tial.
• Untreated wastewater remains a significant issue,
with approximately 50% of it entering the environ-
ment.
Current Affairs 30
• Vulnerable groups, especially women and children, What is an Invasive Alien species?
are disproportionately affected by poor wastewater Invasive alien species are animals, plants, and microbes in-
management. troduced by humans to new regions, with negative impacts
• Sustainable wastewater management offers on nature and often on human quality of life.
co-benefits like improved environmental and human • Examples: IAS spread diseases like malaria, Zika, and
health, reduced dependence on synthetic fertiliz- West Nile Fever through invasive mosquito species.
ers, and energy diversification. • Water hyacinth in Lake Victoria has harmed fish
• Barriers to wastewater resource recovery include populations and livelihoods.
inadequate political support, governance issues,
data deficits, financing challenges, and cultural per- Key findings of the Report:
ceptions. • There are 37,000 alien species introduced to various
regions and biomes worldwide due to human activ-
The Solution: ities.
• Sustainable wastewater management involves o Among these, over 3,500 are invasive alien
three key action areas: species, responsible for 60% of global plant
o Reducing wastewater production and animal extinctions.
o Preventing contamination • Invasive alien species are one of the five major driv-
o Sustainably managing wastewater for re- ers of global biodiversity loss, Other drivers are:-
source recovery and reuse. o Land and sea use changes
• Addressing these areas requires building blocks like o Direct exploitation of organisms
effective governance, mobilizing investment, en- o Climate change
hancing capacity, fostering innovation, data collec- o Pollution.
tion, and increasing communication and awareness. • Alien species increasing: The number of alien spe-
• Realizing the economic value of wastewater is es- cies introduced by humans has been increasing,
sential, and a shared vision and collective action are driven by factors like increased travel, trade, and
needed from individuals, businesses, governments, global economic expansion.
and society to drive change at scale. • Economic Loss: The annual costs of invasive alien
• Detailed guidance on sewage treatment and reuse species have quadrupled every decade since 1970,
technologies. exceeding $423 billion globally in 2019.
• Effective financing mechanisms that permit suffi- Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
cient cost recovery. Framework aims to reduce the rate of invasive alien species
introduction by at least 50% by 2030. While many countries
To know different ways of treating wastewater: Click Here have targets related to managing invasive species, only 17%
have specific legislation addressing the issue.
Conclusion:
Wastewater needs to be viewed as a valuable resource with Impact of Invasive Alien Species:
the potential to address environmental and societal crises. Impact Impact Descrip- Examples
The transformation of wastewater from a pollution problem Category tion
to a valuable resource is essential for addressing water scar- Biodiversi- Displacement of European green crab
city, pollution, and climate change, and ensuring a sustain- ty Loss native species displacing native crabs
able future. in North America.
Competition with Zebra mussels outcom-
Insta Links: native species pete native mussels in
Wastewater surveillance freshwater ecosystems.
Alteration of eco- Kudzu vine altering for-
21. THREAT OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES systems and hab- est ecosystems in the
(IAS) itats southeastern United
States.
Context: H u m a n Spread of diseas- Aedes mosquitoes
The latest Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Health es spread diseases like ma-
Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report, “Assessment Report on laria and Zika.
Invasive Alien Species and their Control’’ has said that 37,000 Allergies and Ragweed causes aller-
alien species have been introduced by humans, including health risks gies in humans.
3,500 invasive species, are linked to 60% of extinctions of
global plant and animals

www.insightsonindia.com 71
 Current Affairs 30

E c o n o m i c Agricultural and The brown marmorated Globalization Ballast water from ships transporting in-
Impact crop damage stink bug damages fruit and Trade vasive species to new regions, like zebra
crops. mussels in the Great Lakes.
Damage to in- Termites cause damage I n a d e q u a t e Gaps in regulations allow the illegal
frastructure and to buildings. Legislation trade of invasive species as exotic pets.
property Climate Change Warming temperatures expand the
Food Sup- Impact on fisher- European shore crab im- range of invasive plant species into new
ply ies and aquacul- pacting shellfish beds. habitats.
ture Meeting the KMGBF target by 2030 is uncertain. While
Crop and live- Fall armyworms damag- progress has been made, measures are insufficient. Only
stock damage ing maize crops. 17% of countries have specific laws or regulations on IAS,
C u l t u r a l Disruption of cul- Invasive species affect- and 45% don’t invest in managing them
and Indig- tural practices ing traditional indige-
enous Im- and traditional nous practices. Recommendations:
pact knowledge • The report suggests an integrated approach involv-
ing various sectors like trade, health, and economic
development to prevent, detect, and respond to bi-
T o u r i s m Impact on tour- Invasive plants affecting
ological invasions.
and Recre- ism and recre- hiking and camping ar-
• The urgency to address IAS stems from their role in
ation ational activities eas.
driving plant and animal extinctions. Awareness and
Reduction in aes- Invasive species alter action are essential to mitigate their impact and pro-
thetic and scenic natural landscapes. tect biodiversity.
values • Site-based or ecosystem-based management, en-
E c o n o m y Trade restrictions Bans on wood products force border biosecurity and import controls etc.
and Trade and losses due to invasive pests.
Impact on global Trade restrictions on in- Efforts in this regard:
trade and com- vasive species-infested • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognizes
merce goods. that there is an urgent need to address the impact
of invasive species.
To know how Invasive species threaten the wildlife habitats • Aichi Biodiversity Target 9 and one clause of UN
of the Western Ghats: Click Here Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land
specifically address the issue.
• The IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group
The challenge in controlling Invasive Alien Species:
(ISSG) aim to reduce threats to ecosystems and their
Challenge Description native species by increasing awareness of ways to
Rapid Spread Invasive species often spread quickly, prevent, control or eradicate IAS.
and Establish- making it challenging to contain or erad- • IUCN has developed knowledge platforms:
ment icate them. • The Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) and
the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Spe-
Lantana Camara invasion threatens 40 cies (GRIIS).
per cent of India’s tiger habitat
About IPBES
Lack of Effec- Limited resources and knowledge hinder
tive Manage- the development and implementation of The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiver-
ment Strate- effective management strategies. sity and Ecosystem Services (founded 2012; founder: UNEP,
gies UNDP and FAO; secretariat: Bonn, Germany) is an intergov-
ernmental organization established to improve the interface
Environmental The use of pesticides to control invasive
between science and policy on issues of biodiversity and
Impacts species can harm non-target species and
ecosystem services. It was formed on the basis of the Busan
ecosystems.
outcome document. It has 143 member States including In-
Species Diver- The dilemma of controlling invasive dia.
sity predators like the mongoose in Hawaii,
which was introduced to control rats but
Insta Links:
also harm native birds.
Alien plants growing together threatening tiger habitats

72 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
22. SAND MINING: IRREVERSIBLE DAM-
AGE TO OCEAN BENTHIC LIFE
Context:
Approximately six billion tonnes of sand are extracted an-
nually from the world’s oceans, causing irreversible damage
to benthic life, according to a new global data platform called
Marine Sand Watch.
What is Benthic Life?
Benthic life refers to organisms that live on or near the bot-
tom of aquatic environments, such as oceans, seas, lakes,
and rivers. These organisms are adapted to life on the sea-
bed or riverbed and play crucial roles in the ecosystem, in-
cluding decomposing organic matter and providing food for
other aquatic species.
Impact of Sand Extraction on Benthic Life:
Impact Description
Disruption Sand extraction disturbs the seabed, de-
of Habitat stroying the habitat and shelter of benthic
organisms such as worms, crustaceans, and
small fish.
S e d i m e n t Dredging activities stir up sediment, in-
Resuspen- creasing water turbidity. This reduces light
sion penetration, affecting photosynthetic organ-
isms and altering the benthic environment.
Altered Nu- Changes in sediment composition and nu-
trient Dy- trient availability can disrupt the food web
namics and nutrient cycling, affecting benthic com-
munities’ survival and reproduction.
Noise Pollu- The machinery and vessels used in sand ex-
tion traction generate underwater noise, which
can disturb and stress benthic organisms,
impacting their behaviour and health.
Smothering Depositing dredged sand can smother ben-
of Organ- thic life and the creatures living within the
isms seabed, preventing them from accessing
food and oxygen.
M i g ra t i o n Benthic organisms may need to migrate
and Dis- or are forcibly displaced due to sand ex-
placement traction, disrupting their natural life cycles
and behaviours.
R e d u c e d Altered sediment composition can reduce
Food Avail- the availability of food sources for benthic
ability organisms, leading to reduced populations
and potential extinctions.
I n c r e a s e d Sand extraction can directly harm benthic
Mortality life through physical disturbance and sedi-
ment burial, leading to increased mortality
rates.
Examples of the impact of Coastal Sand Mining on Indian
Coasts:
Impacts Description
Periyasamy- Reduced fish catch - Dried palm trees -
puram, Tamil Brackish groundwater - Sea intrusion
Nadu into the village
Kerala (Kollam, Seawater intrusion - Coastal land inun-
Alappuzha, dation - Groundwater salinization due to
Pathanamthit- sand mining
ta, Kottayam,
Ernakulam)
Loss of Turtle Sand mining disrupts turtle nesting hab-
Nesting Sites itats, leading to the loss of nesting sites
for turtles like Olive Ridley sea turtles.
Karnataka Rampant sand mining causing coastal
erosion - Government expenditure on
erosion control measures
Coastal Ecosys- Serious repercussions on the coastal eco-
tem Impact system - Alarming environmental conse-
quences
Legal Actions The National Green Tribunal impos-
es a fine of Rs 100 crore on the Andhra
Pradesh government for failing to pre-
vent illegal sand mining in the state.
Preventive measures taken:
Some countries — including Indonesia, Thailand, Malay-
sia, Vietnam, and Cambodia — have banned marine sand
export in the last 20 years, while others lack any legislation
and /or effective monitoring programmes.
Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive ap-
proach, including:
• Reducing Sand Consumption: Promoting sand-effi-
cient construction practices.
• Taxation and Regulation: Implementing taxes and
regulations on sand extraction.
• Alternative Materials: Exploring alternatives to sand
in construction, such as recycling concrete or using
filler materials like construction waste.
www.insightsonindia.com 73

• Community Empowerment: Involving local commu-
nities in decision-making, particularly those down-
stream or reliant on sand resources.
• Integrated Regional Management: Coordinating
sand resource management between offshore reg-
ulators, coastal communities, and upstream river
basins.
Legal Mechanisms:
• Sand is categorized as a “minor mineral” under the
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regula-
tions) Act, 1957, and its control lies with the State
Governments. The primary sources of sand are riv-
ers and coastal areas, and its demand has surged
due to India’s construction and infrastructure de-
velopment activities.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate
Change has issued “Sustainable Sand Mining Man-
agement Guidelines 2016” to promote environmen-
tally friendly sand mining practices.
• The International Seabed Authority (ISA), governed
by a UN treaty, regulates mineral exploration and ex-
traction. India, as a party to the treaty, has exclusive
rights to explore polymetallic nodules in the Central
Indian Ocean Basin spanning over 75,000 sq. km.
About Marine Sand Watch
It is a global data platform developed by GRID-Geneva, part
of the UN Environment Programme. It monitors and tracks
sediment extraction activities in the world’s marine environ-
ments, including sand, clay, silt, gravel, and rock dredging.
It uses Automatic Identification System signals from vessels
and Artificial Intelligence to identify dredging operations.
23. FOREST RESTORATION
Context:
For over two centuries, India has been a laboratory for tree
planting experiments, offering valuable insights into the
consequences of various approaches to forest restoration.
What is Deforestation?
Deforestation is the process of clearing or removing a large
area of forests or trees, typically due to human activities
such as logging, agriculture, urban development, or infra-
structure expansion.
Drivers of Deforestation in Tropical Areas:
Drivers Examples
Economic Drivers Amazon rainforest in Brazil: Threat-
ened by logging, mining, and agricul-
ture due to economic incentives.
74 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Infrastructure De- Trans-Amazonian Highway, Brazil: Fa-
velopment cilitated access to remote areas, lead-
ing to deforestation.
Global Demand Palm Oil Predicament, Malaysia & In-
for Commodities donesia: High palm oil demand drives
extensive deforestation.
Climate Change Amazon’s Tipping Point: Increased cli-
Pressures mate stress risks forest dieback and
widespread deforestation.
Policy and Gover- Congo Basin Crisis: Weak governance
nance contributes to extensive deforesta-
tion in the Congo Basin.
Sociocultural Fac- Indonesia’s Indigenous Communi-
tors ties: Displacement for palm oil plan-
tations leads to deforestation.
The demise of the Adivasis, India:
Displacement and loss of traditional
forest management knowledge cause
deforestation.
What is Forest Restoration?
Forest restoration involves the deliberate and planned pro-
cess of restoring and regenerating forests that have been
degraded, damaged, or lost due to various human activi-
ties or natural causes. This process aims to return a forest
ecosystem to a healthier and more natural state, often in-
volving tree planting, habitat restoration, and sustainable
management practices to improve biodiversity, ecosystem
services, and overall forest health.
India’s Pledge:
India aims to restore 21 million hectares of forest by 2030
through the Bonn Challenge. In 2018, a report by the gov-
ernment and the IUCN indicated 10 million hectares were
under restoration. India’s national forest policy targets 33%
tree coverage.
Status of forest restoration:
• According to the International Union for Conserva-
tion of Nature (IUCN), deforestation and forest deg-
radation contribute to around 12% of global green-
house gas emissions.
• 30% of forestland is degraded in India. The total
area occupied by primary forests in India has de-
creased by 3.6%.
Current Approach to Restoration:
The current global focus on tree planting has often led to
the rapid establishment of fast-growing tree plantations
e.g., Miyawaki Method; fast-growing single species like eu-
calyptus or bamboo to quickly increase tree cover. This ap-
proach can yield quick results but also poses risks, including
invasive species and land dispossession.
Current Affairs 30
India’s Tree Planting Experiments:
India has conducted tree planting experiments for over 200
years, offering valuable lessons about different approaches
to forest restoration and their consequences on local com-
munities and the environment.
Lessons from India:
Lessons Examples from India’s Experience
The Importance Positive Case: The Forest Rights Act
of Diverse Resto- of 2006 empowered village assem-
ration Approaches blies (Gram Sabhas) in central India’s
Gadchiroli district to restore degrad-
ed forests, sustainably utilizing ten-
du leaves for bidi (Indian tobacco).
In western India’s Kachchh grass-
lands, communities successfully re-
stored the ecosystem by removing
the invasive “gando bawal” tree,
introduced by British foresters in the
late 19th century.
Balancing Tree Negative Case: The introduction of
Planting with Eco- non-native species like wattle, pine,
system Impact and acacia disrupted ecosystems,
leading to resource loss and commu-
nity hardships.
Considering the Negative Case: British colonial re-
Impact on Local strictions on local forest use led
Communities to conflicts, including communities
burning down forests in retaliation.
Measuring Success Positive Case: Measuring success by
Beyond Tree Quan- the well-being of people and ecosys-
tity tems, rather than just tree quantity,
ensures a more comprehensive view
of restoration outcomes.
Sustainable Man- Positive Case: Communities manag-
agement for Long- ing forests sustainably, like in Gad-
Term Benefits chiroli and Kachchh, demonstrate
the long-term benefits of responsi-
ble forest restoration.
Further Actions Needed:
• Forest Landscape Restoration: Implement Forest
landscape restoration to restore ecological function-
ality and enhance human welfare in deforested or
degraded forest landscapes, involving communities,
governments, and vulnerable forest-dependent indi-
viduals.
• Diverse Tree Species: Prioritize planting diverse na-
tive tree species in reforestation efforts. Natural for-
ests with varied species are more effective at carbon
sequestration than monoculture plantations.
o For instance, in Punjab, native species like
Jhand, Desi Kikar, and Pharwan have high
survival rates.
• Promote Agroforestry: Encourage sustainable forest
crops through agroforestry, which enhances food
security, empowers women, and boosts household
income, reducing rural-to-urban migration.
• Holistic Well-being: Recognize that tree planting
contributes to the holistic well-being of individuals,
communities, and the planet.
Key Government Initiatives:
International Initiatives:
• UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030):
Focuses on restoring degraded terrestrial ecosys-
tems, including forests.
• Bonn Challenge: Aims to restore 350 million hect-
ares of landscapes by 2030. India pledged to restore
26 million hectares and create a carbon sink of 2.5-3
billion tonnes by 2030.
Indian Programs:
• Compensatory Afforestation
• National Afforestation Programme
• National Mission for a Green India (Green India Mis-
sion)
• Nagar Van Scheme
• Hariyali Mahotsav and Van Mahotsav
• Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme
• Green Skill Development Programme for youth in
the environment and forest sectors.
• State Initiatives (Telangana): ‘Telanganaku Haritha
Haram’ large-scale tree planting program, utilizing
drones for efficient implementation.
Conclusion:
Successful forest restoration must consider its impact on for-
est rights, local livelihoods, biodiversity, and carbon storage.
The choice of plantation species should prevent invasive-
ness, and a broader view of success is needed beyond tree
cover alone.
Insta Links
The baton of forest restoration in the net-zero race
24. AMENDED FOREST (CONSERVATION)
ACT IMPERILS THE NORTHEAST
Context:
This article discusses the Forest (Conservation) Amendment
Act, 2023, which allows forest land diversion for certain
projects near India’s borders.
More about the article:
• The article highlights opposition from states in In-
dia’s Northeast due to concerns about its impact on
tribal and customary laws.
• Recently, the Mizoram Assembly has passed a res-
www.insightsonindia.com 75

olution opposing the 2023 Forest (Conservation)
Amendment Act, citing ongoing forest conservation
and tribal rights challenges in Northeast India.
• Tripura have passed similar resolutions opposing
the amendment
• Nagaland faces similar demands
• Sikkim also opposes the 100 km exemption clause.
Key provisions of Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act,
2023:
Aspect Details
About Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill,
2023 allows for the diversion of for-
est land for various projects, including
roads, railways, and strategic national
security projects, within 100 km of In-
dia’s international borders. It amends
the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Objective To clarify and enhance the Forest (Con-
servation) Act, 1980
Scope Applicability to land designated as for-
est since 1980
Exemptions • Land within 100 km of borders
for national security
• Forest land along a rail line or
a public road maintained by the
government
• Land up to 10 hectares, pro-
posed to be used for construct-
ing security-related infrastruc-
ture, etc.
Assignment of Prior approval is required from the cen-
Forest Land tral government for all entities
Permitted Activ- Expanded to include check posts, fenc-
ities ing, bridges, zoos and safaris under
the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972;
eco-tourism facilities; and silvicultural
operations (enhancing forest growth),
etc.
Concerns raised by Northeast states against the amend-
ment:
Concerns Amendment’s Impact on Northeast
Raised India
Forest land di- The amendment allows forest land di-
version near version within 100 km of India’s bor-
borders ders without forest clearance, affecting
the environment and tribal rights in
Northeast India.
76 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Forests not offi- Areas not officially classified as forests
cially classified in government records, even if they are
standing forests, won’t be protected
from commercial exploitation or diver-
sion.
Significant un- A substantial portion of North-eastern
classed forest forests is privately owned, including
areas unclassed forests, which may not be
covered by the Act unless included in
government records.
Central Government’s argument:
The predominant idea of the proposed changes:
• To build forest carbon stock by raising plantations.
• To make land available for developers to meet their
legal obligation towards compensatory afforesta-
tion in lieu of forest land diverted for development
projects.
• Freeing up land that is currently locked up as unre-
corded forests.
Mechanisms for Forest Protection in North East India:
Mechanisms Details
Scheduled Tribes • Recognizes various types of for-
and Other Tradi- est land, including unclassified
tional Forest Dwell- forests, providing protection to
ers (Recognition of tribal communities
Forest Rights) Act • Aligned with the 1996 Supreme
(FRA) 2006 Court redefinition of “forest
land.”
Article 371A and • Special Constitutional protec-
371G tions in Article 371A (Nagaland)
and 371G (Mizoram) safeguard
tribal customary law, land own-
ership, and transfer rights.
• Mizoram, being a State, falls un-
der FCA’s purview, affecting over
84% of its forest areas.
Forest Rights Act • Recognizes traditional forest
(FRA) 2006 rights, including unclassed for-
ests, offering additional protec-
tion to tribal communities
• However, most North-eastern
states, except Assam and Tripu-
ra, have not implemented FRA
due to land ownership patterns
and a lack of forest-dependent
communities.
Conclusion:
Forests are a lot more than a sum of trees. Unlike man-made
plantations, natural forests perform a range of ecosystem
services that are key to the survival and well-being of mil-
lions of species.
Current Affairs 30
Insta Links:
Forest Conservation Rules

25. CASE STUDY: GENDER IMPACTS OF

CLIMATE CHANGE IN JHARKHAND
Context:
Climate change in Jharkhand has gender-specific impacts, as
women and girls in both rural villages and urban slums face
unique challenges
Impact on Challenges Consequences
Women and
Girls
A g r i c u l t u r e Male migration for Women taking on
and Liveli- work due to poor extra chores tradi-
hood productivity in agri- tionally carried out
culture by men e.g., roof To address these challenges, solutions include rainwater
repair harvesting systems, reviving traditional eating habits, and
promoting the cultivation of millets and local nutritious
Health Vul- Inability to seek Increased health
foods. Awareness and preparedness for climate change im-
nerabilities emergency medical risks due to limited
pacts are also emphasized.
services at night in access to health-
male absence care
Best Practices for Women’s Involvement in Climate Change
I n c r e a s e d Scarcity of resources Burden on girls
Plans:
Workload like water and fire- with more respon-
wood sibilities leading to Best Practices Description
school dropouts Clean Cook Burners Charlot Magayi assists Kenyan
and early marriages in Kenya women in switching from dirty cook
Unsafe Migra- Limited awareness Safety concerns burners to clean ones, improving
tion of migration safe- and harassment community health and reducing
guards during migration greenhouse gas emissions.
Lack of knowledge Solar Sister Program Women-led program, Solar Sister,
about safeguards (Africa) helps communities establish small-
against abuse scale solar systems for energy in-
Poor Working Women working Health hazards, dependence, reducing greenhouse
Conditions in factories endure skin reactions, and gas emissions and air pollution.
poor conditions, long hours Female Scientists in Female scientists contribute local
lower wages and Africa knowledge to bridge gender gaps
health hazards in climate research and agriculture
Extreme heat Water and firewood scarcity increases the across Africa.
and water time spent collecting them by women, and Gender and Climate A program in South Asia aims to
scarcity cattle must graze in distant areas due to Change Develop- empower women in policymaking,
a lack of available grass (creating issues ment Programme providing them with a stronger
about the safety of girls) (South Asia) voice in climate policy decisions.
D i s r u p t e d When women migrate for work and leave SEWA in India The Self-Employed Women’s As-
Caregiving their children in the care of their father sociation (SEWA) in India educates
or grandparents, caregiving gets disrupt- women farmers on adapting to
ed in their absence, and many times, the changing climate patterns for im-
men use the money they send back for proved financial stability.
alcohol, which makes the children more Insta Links: Still a nightmare for domestic violence survivors
vulnerable.
Mains Links:
Q. Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality. poverty and
malnutrition to be broken through microfinancing of women

www.insightsonindia.com 77
 Current Affairs 30
SHGs? Explain with examples. (UPSC 2021) Tsunamis Underwater explo- Tsunamis caused by
sions, coastal engi- underwater nucle-
Topics: Disaster and management. neering ar tests or improp-
er coastal engineer-
26. ARE NATURAL DISASTERS MAN- ing.
MADE? V o l c a n i c Human activity near Volcanic eruptions
Eruptions active volcanoes are exacerbated by
Context: settlements near
The article discusses the impact of human actions on natural active volcanic
disasters, particularly in the context of increasing incidents zones.
during the monsoon season in India.
Urbanization, increased population density, and unsustain-
What are natural disasters? able development practices pose significant challenges for
A natural disaster is a catastrophic event that is caused by disaster management in the country:
the forces of nature. Examples of natural disasters include • Infrastructure Strain: Rapid urbanization often leads
earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. to inadequate infrastructure such as roads, water
E.g, The 2020 Haiti earthquake, a recent landslide in Him- supply, and sewage systems, causing congestion and
achal Pradesh. public health issues.
• Environmental Degradation: Unsustainable devel-
Although natural disasters are natural, many natural disas- opment harms ecosystems, leading to deforestation,
ters are exacerbated by poor planning and human activi- pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
ties: • Natural Disaster Vulnerability: Rapid urban growth
in hazard-prone areas can increase vulnerability to
Natural Human Influence/ Examples
natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.
Disaster Contribution
Flooding Deforestation, urban- Flooding in urban Solutions to mitigate the impact of natural disasters:
ization, areas due to
Natural Solution Examples that India
improper land use, inadequate drain- Disaster can learn from
drainage issues age systems (e.g.,
Flooding Improved drainage The Netherlands’ ex-
Mumbai floods).
systems, flood- tensive network of
Wildfires Forest mismanage- California wildfires plain zoning, early dikes and levees to pre-
ment, arson, climate are caused by hu- warning systems, vent river flooding.
change man activity and flood-resistant, in-
dry conditions. frastructure, flood
Landslides Deforestation, con- Landslides in hilly insurance
struction on slopes, regions due to de- Wildfires Controlled burns, Australia’s “Prepare,
heavy rainfall forestation and im- firebreaks, for- Act, Survive” strategy
proper land use. est management, to educate and prepare
Drought Over-extraction of Prolonged droughts public awareness communities for bush-
water resources, cli- in regions with ex- campaigns, and fires.
mate change cessive water use firefighting infra-
(e.g., California). structure.
Hurricanes/ Climate change, More intense hurri- Landslides Slope stabiliza- Japan’s extensive ef-
Cyclones sea-level rise, inade- canes due to global tion, reforestation, forts in slope stabiliza-
quate infrastructure warming and poor landslide monitor- tion and warning sys-
coastal planning. ing systems, land- tems.
Earthquakes Induced seismicity Earthquakes trig- use planning.
from activities like gered by hydraulic
hydraulic fracturing fracturing (fracking)
(fracking) operations.

78 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Drought Efficient water Israel’s advanced drip public and private sectors, is needed to address the conflict
management, rain- irrigation systems to between development goals and environmental preserva-
water harvesting, maximize water effi- tion.
drought-resistant ciency.
crops, water con- Insta Links:
servation, drought • Lightening: Natural Disaster
monitoring and • New ESCAP Study on Natural Disasters
early warning.
H u r r i - Advanced storm The United States Na-
ca n e s / C y- tracking, early tional Hurricane Cen- Topics: Various Security forces and agencies and their man-
clones warning systems, ter’s forecasts and date.
coastal defences, evacuation plans for
building codes, hurricane-prone re- GENERAL STUDIES – 4
and evacuation gions.
plans.
1. G20/OECD PRINCIPLES OF CORPORATE
E a r t h - Seismic building Japan’s stringent
quakes codes, retrofitting earthquake building
GOVERNANCE 2023
existing structures, codes and disaster pre-
Context:
early warning sys- paredness.
On September 11th (2023), the OECD launched the revised
tems, community
G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance, a set of in-
Tsunamis Tsunami warning The Indian Ocean Tsu- ternational standards aimed at promoting corporate sustain-
systems, coastal nami Warning System ability, market confidence, and financial stability.
land-use planning, (IOTWS) for early warn-
public education ings.
What is Corporate Governance?
on tsunami safety.
Corporate governance essentially involves balancing the in-
Volcanic Monitoring volca- Iceland’s comprehen- terests of a company’s many stakeholders, such as share-
Eruptions nic activity, evacu- sive monitoring and holders, senior management executives, customers, suppli-
ation plans, hazard response system for ers, financiers, the government, and the community.
mapping, and re- volcanic eruptions.   
silient infrastruc- Ethical Issues with Corporate Governance in India:
ture. • Conflict of Interest: The challenge of managers
potentially enriching themselves at the cost of
Some best practices of nature-based solutions against di- shareholders
sasters: • Weak Board: Lack of diversity of experience and
background represents a major area of weakness
for these boards.
• Separation of ownership and management: In
the case of family-run companies, the separation
of ownership and management remains a key
challenge
• Independent directors

About G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance

The G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance are the
international standard for corporate governance. It was first
issued in 1999 and the revised Principles were endorsed by
G20 Leaders in 2023.

Key points of G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Gover-

nance 2023
Conclusion: Principle Key Points
While knowledge exists of disaster management, awareness
and risk assessment are often lacking. Underestimating risks
and inadequate data contribute to the problem. The need
for transformative thinking, involving experts from both

www.insightsonindia.com 79

Objective The principles aim to evaluate and en-
hance the legal, regulatory, and insti-
tutional framework for corporate gov-
ernance to support economic efficiency,
sustainable growth, and financial stability.
Scope of Cor- Corporate governance encompasses re-
porate Gover- lationships among a company’s manage-
nance ment, board, shareholders, and stakehold-
ers, providing the structure for achieving
objectives and monitoring performance.
Non-Binding The principles are non-binding and don’t
Nature replace national law
Applicability The principles primarily focus on publicly
traded companies but can benefit smaller
and unlisted companies, taking into ac-
count their diversity.
Monitoring The principles are used as benchmarks
globally and monitored through various
mechanisms, such as the OECD Corporate
Governance Factbook.
Structure of The principles are organized into six chap-
the Principles ters.
Chapter I Ensuring the basis for an effective corpo-
rate governance framework:
• Legal and regulatory requirements
should be consistent with the rule
of law.
• Due attention to the associated
risks of Digital technologies
Chapter II The rights and equitable treatment of
shareholders and key ownership func-
tions: Address conflicts of interest inher-
ent in related transactions.
Chapter III Institutional investors, stock markets,
and other intermediaries: Prohibition of
insider trading and market manipulation
Chapter IV Disclosure and transparency: Include Cap-
ital structures, group structures, voting
rights, etc. Annual external audit by an
independent agency
Chapter V The responsibilities of the board: Treat all
shareholders fairly, and ensure a formal
and transparent board nomination and
election process, etc.
Chapter VI Sustainability and resilience: Corporate
governance policies addressing sustain-
ability contribute to a company’s long-
term success; Sustainability-related dis-
closure frameworks should be consistent
with internationally recognized standards.
80 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Suggestions to improve Corporate Governance in India:
Recommendations of Uday Kotak Panel:
• Diverse board members: Minimum 6 directors to be
on the board of listed entities; every listed entity to
have at least 1 independent woman director
• Transparency: More transparency on the appoint-
ment of independent directors
• The audit Committee must review the use of loans.
• Robust risk management policies
• Effective governance infrastructure
• Evaluation of the Board’s performance
• Communication: Facilitating shareholder communi-
cation with the board is key.
Good Examples by corporates in India: TATA Groups
Tata companies continually aspire to better ethics, just as
they are committed to better business practices. Philan-
thropic trusts control over 66% of Tata holdings. While the
Tata family has a very small shareholding.
Insta Link:
Corporate Governance
2. EXAMPLES OF ETHICS
Example 1:
Context: The reports on the death of Indian student Jaahna-
vi Kandula in Seattle, who was struck by a speeding police
patrol car and then her death was laughed at by the officers
as having “limited Value”
The incident highlights several ethical issues:
Ethical Issues Description
Insensitive Be- Officer Daniel Auderer’s lack of empathy
haviour and dismissive attitude toward a tragic
incident reflects a lack of compassion.
Accountability Delay in addressing the incident and
ensuring accountability raises concerns
about transparency, fairness, and justice.
C o m m u n i t y The incident threatens to erode trust be-
Trust tween the community and law enforce-
ment, raising ethical concerns.
Diversity and Comments about the value of an individ-
Respect ual’s life based on background and her
age, raise ethical concerns about bias and
discrimination.
Example 2:
Context: Resignation of Luis Rubiales, the chief of Spain’s
football federation in the wake of a scandal involving alle-
gations of sexual assault for kissing a female player, Jenni
Current Affairs 30
Hermoso, during the Women’s World Cup medals ceremony.
Ethical Issue Description
Sexual Assault Rubiales faced allegations of sexual
assault for kissing a female player,
Jenni Hermoso, without her con-
sent during a public event.
Abuse of Power Accusations were made that Rubia-
les abused his position as the chief
of Spain’s football federation to en-
gage in inappropriate conduct with
a player.
Lack of Consent The incident raised ethical concerns
regarding consent, as Hermoso
stated that she was kissed against
her will
Gender Equality Rubiales’ actions sparked discus-
sions about gender equality and
respect for women in football,
highlighting issues of gender dis-
crimination and machismo.
Similar accusations have been made against the former
chief of the Wrestling federation in India. These incidents
highlight the issues of lack of ethics in sports.
Example 3: China Xi’s Purges
Context: Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu has report-
edly been detained as part of ongoing corruption investi-
gations. This follows the disappearance of Foreign Minister
Qin Gang earlier, with no explanation provided for his re-
moval from office.
• These developments raise questions about Xi’s con-
trol over the military and ongoing political purges
in China.
Ethical Issues with the Purges:
Ethical Issues Description
Lack of Transparency The sudden disappearance of of-
ficials without clear explanations
raises concerns about transparen-
cy
Political Purges Removal of high-ranking officials
may indicate an attempt to consol-
idate power and eliminate rivals.
Rule of Law Detaining officials in corruption in-
vestigations should adhere to the
rule of law.
Lack of Due Process Detentions without clear legal pro-
cesses raise concerns about due
process and human rights.
Secrecy Providing vague explanations like
“health reasons” contributes to a
lack of trust.
“Chilling Effect” on This may create fear in the minds
Bureaucracy of government officials while mak-
ing a decision and lead to policy
paralysis
Example 4: “Corporate Greed is the Problem”
Context: Over 13,000 workers from major US automakers
(General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis) going on strike due to
issues with contract negotiations. The United Auto Workers
(UAW) union is seeking higher wages, better benefits, and
the reversal of concessions made during the companies’ fi-
nancial difficulties.
Ethical Issue Example
Income Inequality CEOs earn millions while workers
struggle for fair wages.
Worker Exploita- For automakers, worker’s compensa-
tion tion makes up just 4 to 5% of their to-
tal cost. Despite this, companies un-
derpay workers, provide poor working
conditions, or foster job insecurity to
cut labour costs.
Unfair Labor Prac- Despite the three companies mak-
tices ing over USD 164 billion in profit last
year, they are resisting fair wage in-
creases and better benefits.
E n v i r o n m e n t a l Companies prioritise profits over sus-
Impact tainability.
Social Responsi- Companies neglect their role in soci-
bility ety and their impact on workers.
Example 5: Ayushman Bhav Campaign
It is a health campaign (part of Ayushman Bharat scheme),
aimed at improving healthcare services and promoting
well-being across the country.
Ethical Value Description
Inclusivity The campaign’s primary goal is to pro-
vide inclusive healthcare services to
all individuals, irrespective of their
geographic location or financial situ-
ation.
Comprehensive Ayushman Bhav represents a shift
Care towards a more comprehensive
and demand-driven healthcare ap-
proach. This reflects the ethical value
of holistic care.
Accountability The campaign promotes social ac-
countability within the healthcare
system through initiatives like Ayush-
man Sabhas.
www.insightsonindia.com 81

Community En- Ayushman Melas and the transfor-
gagement mation of villages and urban wards
into Ayushman Gram Panchayats or
Ayushman Urban Wards encourage
community engagement. This reflects
the ethical value of involving commu-
nities in decision-making and health-
care initiatives, following the princi-
ple of “Jan Bhandari se Jan Kalyan.”
Equity and Access It strives to bridge gaps and ensure
that healthcare services are available
to all, regardless of their circumstanc-
es.
Example 6: Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2023 campaign
The government has launched the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)
2023 campaign. This pan-India campaign, celebrated from
September 15 to October 2, is organized by the Department
of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the Ministry of Jal Shakti,
and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Ethical Values Description
Voluntarism The campaign encourages voluntary
participation in cleanliness drives, re-
flecting community engagement and
solidarity.
Welfare Emphasis on the welfare of SafaiMitras
(sanitation workers) demonstrates care
for vulnerable individuals in society.
Ownership Mobilizing youth to take sustained own-
ership of cleanliness reflects a sense of
responsibility towards public spaces and
the environment.
Solidarity The campaign promotes unity and col-
lective action for a common goal, fos-
tering a sense of solidarity among par-
ticipants.
Empowerment Organizing welfare camps for sanitation
workers (SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir)
aims to empower them by improving
their well-being and quality of life.
Convergence Coordinating with various ministries to
extend entitlements of welfare benefits
demonstrates collaboration and inclu-
sivity.
Environmental The theme “Garbage Free India” under-
Ethics scores a commitment to environmental
ethics and sustainable practices.
Example 7: Biohacking: Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup, Neu-
ralink, has received approval to begin the first human trial of
its brain implant designed for paralysis patients.
82 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
About the Trial:
The trial will focus on individuals with paralysis due to cervi-
cal spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neu-
ralink aims to implant a brain-computer interface (BCI) to
allow participants to control a computer cursor or keyboard
using their thoughts.
What is Biohacking?
Biohacking is the practice of modifying and enhancing hu-
man biology and physiology, often using technological and
genetic interventions, to improve various aspects of health,
cognition, and physical capabilities.
While it offers opportunities for improved health and cog-
nitive enhancement, it raises significant ethical, social, and
regulatory concerns.
Ethical Issues concerned:
Ethical Issue Description
Genetic Modification Altering one’s DNA or genes raises
concerns about unintended con-
sequences, long-term effects, and
ethical boundaries.
Informed Consent Ensuring individuals fully under-
stand and consent to biohacking
procedures, especially when they
involve risks.
Access Inequality Biohacking may be more acces-
sible to individuals with financial
resources, creating disparities in
enhancement opportunities.
Safety and Health The potential for unsafe proce-
Risks dures, misuse of substances, or
long-term health risks associated
with biohacking.
Privacy and Data The collection and sharing of bio-
logical and genetic data may raise
privacy concerns and data security
issues.
DIY Approaches The DIY nature of biohacking can
lead to unregulated and risky ex-
periments, posing dangers to par-
ticipants and society.
Ethical Boundaries Defining ethical limits in biohack-
ing, such as what enhancements
are permissible and where to draw
the line.
Public Health The introduction of unproven
treatments into the market and
inadequate safety measures may
harm public health.
Current Affairs 30
Environmental Im- Poorly handled genetic materials
pact and reagents can lead to environ-
mental contamination, raising eco-
logical concerns.
Example 8: Iran Protests: One year after the death of Mahsa
Amini in police custody sparked protests in Iran, the coun-
try has witnessed a clampdown on dissent by its rulers. The
protests initially began after Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish-Irani-
an woman, died following her arrest for alleged dress code
violations.
Ethical issues concerned here are:
Ethical Issues Description
Gender-based The enforcement of strict dress codes
Oppression for women limited their freedom and
caused defiance and protests.
Injustice and Violation of human rights, including the
Human Rights right to protest and freedom of expres-
sion, through the crackdown on pro-
tests.
Excessive Use of The use of excessive force by security
Force forces, led to the deaths and injuries of
protesters.
Censorship and Restricting access to messaging apps,
Surveillance surveillance through cameras, and cen-
sorship of dissenting voices.
Ethnic Discrimi- Discrimination against ethnic minori-
nation ties, particularly Kurds and Baluchis,
who faced intense protests and repres-
sion.
I n t i m i d a t i o n Intimidation, threats, and arrests tar-
and Fear geting activists, journalists, and those
connected to protests.
Example 9: Offensive Remark by Parliamentarian
On September 21, 2023, in the Lok Sabha, BJP member
Ramesh Bidhuri used offensive and communal language
against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) member Kunwar Danish
Ali, sparking a major political controversy. Speaker Om Bir-
la warned Bidhuri and expunged his words from the record,
but Opposition MPs called for Bidhuri’s suspension and  re-
ferred the matter to the Privileges Committee
Ethical Issue Description
Use of crude Ramesh Bidhuri’s use of offensive lan-
and communal guage is ethically unacceptable and
slurs promotes hatred and discrimination.
Normalization Such incidents are no longer surprising
of offensive and highlight a potential ethical issue –
language in pol- the normalization of offensive language
itics in political discourse.
Failure to main- The use of offensive language in the Lok
tain parliamen- Sabha undermines the ethical principles
tary decorum of maintaining decorum and respect in
parliamentary proceedings.
Constitutional Provisions regarding the use of offensive
words in Parliament:
Constitutional Description
Provision
Article 105(2) MPs are immune from legal proceedings
of the Consti- for anything they say or any vote they
tution cast in Parliament or its committees.
Limitations on Despite the legal immunity granted by
Freedom of Article 105(2), MPs are not entirely free
Speech to say anything within the House. Their
speech is bound by the rules and disci-
pline of Parliament, which restricts the
use of defamatory, indecent, unparlia-
mentary, or undignified language.
Rule 380 - Han- Rule 380 of the Rules of Procedure and
dling Offensive Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha em-
Language powers the Speaker to act when defam-
atory, indecent, unparliamentary, or un-
dignified words are used in debate.
Rule 381 - Rule 381 outlines the process for han-
Marking Ex- dling expunged content. When words
punged Con- are removed from the proceedings, they
tent are replaced with asterisks, and an ex-
planatory footnote is added to indicate
that the Chair ordered the removal.
Example 10: Anil Kapoor Personality Rights Case
The Delhi High Court has granted Anil Kapoor protection for
his personality rights, which include his name, images, and
distinct features, from misuse by third parties.
What are Personality rights?
It refers to aspects of a celebrity’s identity that are easily
recognized by the public. These rights are not explicitly de-
fined in Indian law but are linked to the right to privacy and
property
Amitabh Bachchan had a similar case in 2022 where the Del-
hi High Court protected his personality rights from unautho-
rized use.
Ethical Values highlighted in the case are:
Ethical Values Description
Right to Privacy Protecting a celebrity’s right to pri-
vacy and control over their name,
images, and distinct features from
unauthorized commercial use.
www.insightsonindia.com 83

Fair Use vs. Commer- Distinguishing between fair use,
cial Use such as news reporting or satire,
and unauthorized commercial use,
emphasizing that the latter is ethi-
cally problematic.
Honesty and Integ- Upholding honesty and integrity
rity in business and entertainment by
preventing deception and unau-
thorized exploitation of a celebri-
ty’s identity.
Prevention of Ex- Ethical responsibility to prevent the
ploitation exploitation of a celebrity’s identi-
ty, which can result in financial loss
and harm to their reputation.
Example 11: Boycott of Journalists
India’s Opposition parties have decided to boycott 14 promi-
nent news anchors accused of “partisanship and hate-mon-
gering.”
Ethical issues concerned with such a boycott:
Ethical Issue Description
Targeting IndividualsNaming and boycotting specific
news anchors can be seen as a
form of personal targeting rather
than addressing broader systemic
issues in journalism (such as qual-
ity and credibility of journalism)
Lack of Due Process Boycotting anchors without a
transparent and fair due process
raises questions about fairness,
justice, and the right to defend
oneself against allegations.
Freedom of Expres- Limiting access to news anchors
sion may be perceived as a restriction
on freedom of expression, both
for the anchors themselves and
for those who wish to hear their
perspectives.
Impact on Media Over-personalization of journal-
Landscape ism and targeting specific anchors
Transparency and Ac- The process of determining which
countability anchors to boycott, and the cri-
teria used, should be transparent
and accountable to avoid favourit-
ism or bias.
Suggestion: Instead of targeting specific anchors, the focus
should be on addressing hate and bias in journalism through
public and political debate.
Example 12: Rupert Murdoch and trust deficit in media
84 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Context: Rupert Murdoch, creator of Fox News, steps down
as head of News Corp. and Fox Corp
Rupert Murdoch led to a trust deficit in media primarily re-
volving around his media empire’s practices and their im-
pact on journalism and public perception.
Key issues are:
• Phone-Hacking Scandal: Journalists at Murdoch’s
News of the World tabloid had illegally hacked into
the phones of various individuals, including celebri-
ties and crime victims, to gather stories.
o This unethical and invasive practice not
only violated privacy but also undermined
trust in the media as a whole.
• Ethical Breaches: Murdoch’s media outlets faced al-
legations of ethical breaches, such as biased report-
ing and sensationalism.
o Ethical issues of prioritizing profit and sen-
sationalism over responsible journalism,
erode the public’s trust in the credibility of
news reporting.
• Influence on Editorial Independence: There were
allegations that editors and journalists working for
Murdoch’s companies were pressured to align their
reporting with his political and business interests.
• Monopoly Concerns: Murdoch’s media holdings
included a vast array of newspapers, television net-
works, and other media platforms. Some argued
that this media monopoly allowed him to control a
significant portion of the news landscape, limiting
diversity of perspectives and potentially skewing
public discourse.
Mains Links:
Q. Today we find that in spite of various measures like pre-
scribing codes of conduct, setting up vigilance cells/com-
missions, RTI, active media, and strengthening legal mech-
anisms, corrupt practices are not coming under control.
(UPSC 2015)
(a) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures with justi-
fications.
(b) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this menace.
Example13: Anti-Smoking Warnings on OTT platforms
Should films and TV series on OTT platforms like Hotstar, Am-
azon and Netflix have long-duration smoking warnings?
The central government had issued new rules on the mat-
ter in May (2023), but streaming websites had raised some
objections
Legal perspective: The Cinematograph Act of 1952 prohib-
ited the “glamorization” of tobacco in movies, and the Ca-
Current Affairs 30
ble Television Networks Amendment Act of 2000 banned Passing Off: It involves situations where the nature, charac-
tobacco advertising on cable TV. ter, or performance of rival goods or services are similar,
causing deception, misrepresentation, or harm to the good-
Ethical Perspectives: will of the original creator. To claim passing off, there must
be an attempt to obtain an economic benefit from another’s
Ethical Dilemma Description reputation.
Freedom of Expres- Balancing filmmakers’ freedom
sion vs. Public Health of expression with the need for
anti-smoking warnings to protect
public health. 3. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF M S SWAM-
Health Awareness vs. Balancing raising awareness of INATHAN
Artistic Integrity smoking’s health risks with pre-
serving the artistic integrity of Life lessons and ethical values that can be gleaned from the
content life of M S Swaminathan:
Corporate Interests Considering tobacco industry
vs. Public Health interests versus broader public Lessons Explanation
health goals. 1. Dedication to a Cause Swaminathan’s unwavering
Cultural Sensitivity Applying Indian regulations to in- dedication to improving Indian
vs. Regulation ternational content raises ques- agriculture and ensuring food
tions about cultural sensitivity security
and ethics 2. Commitment to Re- Swaminathan’s commitment
search to scientific research and inno-
Example 14: “Humans of Bombay vs. People of India” vation underscores the value
The case involves a copyright infringement suit filed by Hu- of persistent effort and contin-
mans of Bombay (HOB) against People of India (POI), an In- uous learning.
stagram account that tells stories of common people similar 3. Philanthropy His generous donations of
to HOB. award money and land for the
betterment of society (e.g.,
The Delhi High Court issued a summons to POI, acknowledg- Kuttanda Package) demon-
ing substantial imitation of HOB’s storytelling and identical strate the importance of giving
or imitative use of images on both platforms. back and supporting charitable
Ethical Issues concerned: causes.
4. Gender Equality Swaminathan’s focus on the
Ethical Issue Description
role of women in agriculture
Copyright Viola- Ethical concerns about the unautho- highlights the need for gender
tion rized use of HOB’s creative content by equality and the recognition of
POI, potentially infringing on intellec- women’s contributions in all
tual property rights. fields.
Goodwill and The use of a similar format to capitalize 5. Environmental Stew- His early work on climate
Reputation on the goodwill and reputation built by ardship change and agriculture re-
HOB potentially harms fair competi- minds us of the ethical re-
tion and integrity sponsibility to protect the
Social Media Eth- Considerations about ethical be- environment and address cli-
ics haviour on social media platforms, in- mate-related challenges.
cluding respecting the creative efforts 6. Collaboration Swaminathan’s collaboration
of others. with experts and policymakers
Economic Impli- Ethical discussions on how the use of emphasizes the value of work-
cations of Repu- HOB’s content by POI could have eco- ing together to achieve signifi-
tation nomic implications and affect HOB’s cant goals.
sustainability. 7. Practical Application His practical approach to scien-
Terms Used: tific knowledge encourages us
Copyright Infringement: Copyright refers to the rights given to apply what we learn for the
to creators of various works. benefit of society and the envi-
ronment.

www.insightsonindia.com 85
 Current Affairs 30

8. Persistence in the Face Swaminathan’s dedication to D e c l i n i n g Over time, parlia- Role Modelling:
of Challenges his mission, even in the face Standards mentary behaviour Senior MPs should
of obstacles, teaches us the has declined, and set an example by
importance of persistence and lawmakers often upholding high eth-
resilience. breach the code of ical standards in
9. Integrity and Ethics His ethical conduct and integ- conduct. debates and discus-
rity in scientific research and sions.
public life serve as a model for Impunity Lawmakers who Ensure consistent
ethical behaviour and profes- breach rules often enforcement of
sionalism. face few conse- penalties for mis-
10. Selflessness Swaminathan’s selfless dedica- quences, leading to conduct, regardless
tion to the well-being of others a culture of impu- of party affiliation.
highlights the value of prioritiz- nity.
ing the greater good over per- Credibility Disruptive conduct Rebuild public trust
sonal gain. Concerns may have discred- through transpar-
Visionary contributions ited Parliament ency, accountability,
and forward-thinking ap- in the eyes of the and adherence to
proach public, impacting its parliamentary rules.
These life lessons and ethical values from M.S. Swamina- credibility.
than’s life can inspire individuals to make positive contribu- I n a d e q u ate Opposition MPs Institute regular
tions to society and uphold ethical principles in their own Opposition struggle to influ- Prime Minister’s
endeavours. Influence ence parliamenta- Question Time
ry outcomes due (PMQs) for account-
to party-line voting ability and dialogue.
4. PARLIAMENTARY CONDUCT
and the anti-defec-
tion law.
Context:
The article (by Shashi Tharoor) discusses the need for im- While disruptions Opposition Day:
proving parliamentary conduct in India’s Parliament and are tolerated to Allowing the Oppo-
suggests emulating certain practices from the Houses of allow Opposition sition a designated
Westminster to address the issue of frequent disruptions. space, standards day a week to set
of behaviour have the agenda for de-
been compromised. bate.
There has been a problem of frequent disruptions in India’s
Parliament, where members often resort to disrupting pro- S p e a ke r ’s The Speaker’s re- Ensure impartiality
ceedings rather than engaging in constructive debates. Role jection of adjourn- in the Speaker’s de-
ment motions, cisions and allow for
amendments, and robust debates.
Evolution of Indian Parliament: division votes hin-
Initially, India’s parliamentary system was modelled after ders Opposition
Britain’s Westminster model, and Indian MPs followed Brit- representation.
ish parliamentary traditions with pride and authenticity.
Potential Frequent disrup- Prioritize democrat-
Damage to tions and declining ic values and norms
Further Reading: Democracy standards could to restore public
• Parliament’s 75-year journey damage the credi- confidence in the
• Is India a parliamentary democracy? bility of India’s de- Parliament.
mocracy.
Issues in the Indian Parliament (from GS4 ethics perspec-
tive): Insta Links:
Issue Description Solution PUBLIC SERVICE ETHICS/ADMINISTRATIVE ETHICS
Frequent Dis- MPs resort to dis- Create a culture of
ruptions ruptive behaviour constructive de- Mains Links: Q. Has the Cadre-based Civil Services Organi-
rather than engag- bates through train- zation been the cause of slow in India? Critically examine.
ing in constructive ing and workshops. (UPSC 2014)
debates.

86 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
5. PERSUASION: GREEN NUDGE
Context:
A study in China found that changing the default option for
no single-use cutlery in online food orders, along with re-
warding customers with “green points,” led to a 648% in-
crease in no-cutlery orders.
What is Green Nudge?
A Green Nudge is a subtle intervention or persuasion tech-
nique designed to influence individuals to make environ-
mentally friendly choices without limiting their options.
These nudges encourage eco-conscious behaviour and have
been effective in addressing environmental issues by guid-
ing people toward sustainable decisions.
Country Green Nudge Example
India Zomato’s “no-cutlery” option; Govern-
ment’s LiFE movement, promoting environ-
mentally conscious living
UK “The Big Switch Off” campaign to save
energy by encouraging people to turn off
lights and appliances when not in use.
Netherlands “Pay as you throw” policy for garbage col-
lection, where residents pay based on the
amount of waste they produce, incentiviz-
ing reduced waste generation.
USA San Francisco’s ban on plastic bags dis-
courages their use and promotes reusable
alternatives.
About Nudge Theory:
Nudge theory, developed by economist Richard Thaler, un-
derlies this concept. It involves placing small stimuli to en-
courage decisions that benefit individuals in the long term.
E.g., In governance, nudge policies are used in programmes
such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, GiveItUp campaign, and
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), etc.
What is Persuasion?
Persuasion is the act of influencing someone’s beliefs, atti-
tudes, or behaviours through communication and reason-
ing. It involves presenting information in a compelling man-
ner to convince or motivate individuals to adopt a particular
viewpoint.
It often relies on effective communication, empathy, cred-
ibility, and the use of persuasive techniques to achieve its
objectives.
Green Nudges use persuasion techniques such as public
awareness campaigns, social norms marketing, and commu-
nity-based initiatives to encourage environmentally friendly
choices.
Insta Links:, Insights into Editorial- India’s nudge unit
Mains Links:
Q.  How could social influence and persuasion contribute to
the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? (UPSC 2016)
6. COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT BY OPENAI
Context:
Prominent authors, including John Grisham and George R.R.
Martin (of Games of Thrones fame), are suing OpenAI in a
proposed class-action lawsuit, accusing the company of
training its AI chatbot ChatGPT on their work without per-
mission.
The Authors Guild, representing U.S. authors, filed the law-
suit, asserting that authors should control how their works
are used by generative AI to preserve literature.
Ethical issues highlighted in this case are:
Ethical Issues Description
Copyright Infringe- Authors accuse OpenAI of using
ment their work without permission,
raising concerns about intellectual
property rights.
Fair Use Debate OpenAI and other AI defendants ar-
gue that their data usage falls under
fair use, sparking a debate about
the boundaries of copyright law in
the AI era.
Consent The use of unauthorized data, pos-
sibly from illegal sources, raises
questions about respecting authors’
privacy and consent in AI training
datasets.
Transparency The transparency of AI training
data sources and the responsibility
of AI providers in ensuring ethical
data usage are questioned.
Impersonation AI-generating content resembling
authors’ work could potentially mis-
lead readers
www.insightsonindia.com 87
 Current Affairs 30

CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT About Ramon Magsaysay Award

1. EXAMPLE OF INITIATIVE: E RAJALAKSH-
MI
Context:
E. Rajalakshmi, a 52-year-old math teacher at Thangalikup-
pam Panchayat Union Middle School in Kurunjipadi, Cud-
dalore district (TN), used her own savings to set up a smart
lab for students in grades 6 to 8.
The lab is equipped with a projector and computers to fa-
cilitate interactive learning. Rajalakshmi raised ₹4 lakh from
her own savings to equip the lab. The school has about 143
students. Later on, the local Rotary Club and Village Pancha-
yat also donated.
Features of her teaching:
• Interactive Learning: A teaching approach that en-
gages students through hands-on activities and tech-
nology to enhance their understanding of subjects.
• Syllabus-based Module: A curriculum designed by
a non-governmental organization to align with the
school syllabus and facilitate effective learning.
• Experiential Learning: A teaching method that fo-
cuses on learning through direct experience and
hands-on activities rather than traditional classroom
instruction.
It was established in 1957 and is Asia’s prestigious honor
named after Ramon Magsaysay, the Philippines’ third pres-
ident.
• It celebrates individuals and organizations in Asia who
excel in their fields and contribute generously to others
without seeking public recognition.
• Initially, awards were given in five categories, but since
2009, the foundation has selected awardees for Emer-
gent Leadership. Recipients receive a certificate, a me-
dallion featuring Ramon Magsaysay, and a cash prize.
• This award is often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize
counterpart, recognizing outstanding contributions
across diverse domains.
3. SIR ARTHUR THOMAS COTTON
Context:
The article highlights the enduring legacy of British Gener-
al and Irrigation Engineer Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton in the
Godavari Delta region of India. In the 1840s, facing severe
drought and famine, Sir Cotton convinced the British gov-
ernment to build the Dowleswaram anicut on the River Go-
davari.
Over the years, the Dowleswaram anicut and subsequent
developments transformed the Godavari Delta, turning it
into a thriving agricultural region known for rice, banana,
and coconut production.

Usage: The example can be used in Governance Questions/

Ethics Questions (to show the values of Initiative, Selfless- Usage: You can use the example to show the values of Dedi-
ness, Innovation, Collaboration, and Education Equity for cation, Vision, Humanitarianism, and Service
children in rural areas)
4. BREAKING STEREOTYPES: WORKING
MOTHERS IN SPORTS
2. R RAVI KANNAN (RAMON MAGSAYSAY
AWARD FOR 2023)

Dr R Ravi Kannan, a surgical oncologist from Assam, has

been honoured with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2023.

He received this prestigious award for his remarkable con-

tributions to transforming cancer treatment in Assam, par-
ticularly through programs that prioritize the welfare of the
people and those with limited means.

Kannan left his practice in Chennai and moved to Assam with

his family in 2007 to provide basic healthcare facilities to the
people of Barak Valley through Cachar Cancer Hospital and
Research Centre in Silchar.

Usage: This highlights how values of Dedication, compas-

sion, and Duty towards public service can take a long way in
the betterment of society.

88 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Usage: The examples can be used in Essays/Ethics/ Indian
Society/ Sociology papers
5. PERSONALISED ADAPTIVE LEARNING
(PAL)
The National eGovernance Division (NeGD) plans to inte-
grate Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) into the Digital
Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform
(Ministry of Education), aiming to offer individualized learn-
ing experiences for students.
What is PAL?
Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) is an educational ap-
proach that uses technology, particularly artificial intelli-
gence (AI), to customize the learning experience for indi-
vidual students based on their unique needs, abilities, and
progress.
Examples:
• Tailored Content Delivery: If a student is excelling
in math but struggling in science, PAL can provide
more challenging math problems while offering ad-
ditional resources and explanations for science top-
ics.
• Personalized Study Plans: For example, it may sug-
gest additional readings, practice exercises, or video
tutorials based on a student’s weaknesses or areas
that need improvement.
• Flexibility in Learning: A fast learner can progress
quickly through topics, while a student who needs
more time can review and practice until they are
confident.
• Support for Special Needs: It can provide audio de-
scriptions for visually impaired students or offer
additional support and resources for students with
learning disabilities.
Usage: The example can be used in questions on the theme
of Education/ use of technology in education
6. ENHANCING AI AND CREATIVITY SKILLS
AMONG STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
Context:
Recently, the Union Ministry of Education and Adobe signed
an agreement to help children develop creative expression
in classrooms using the application Adobe Express.
What is Adobe Express?
Adobe Express is a user-friendly content creation applica-
tion with generative AI capabilities. It allows users to create
stunning graphics, videos, collages, flyers, logos, and more
using a variety of templates, fonts, filters, stickers, and icons.
Training and certification in creativity and digital literacy
will be provided to about 20 million students and 5,00,000
teachers by 2027 using an Adobe Express-based curriculum.
Usage: The example can be used in Governance/Questions
on Education/ social partnership with private companies
7. BAMBOO-BASED REUSABLE STRAW
The Botanical Survey of India has obtained a patent for a
bamboo-based reusable straw, developed from the bam-
boo species Schizostachyum andamanicum found in the An-
daman and Nicobar Islands.
The bamboo’s morpho-anatomical structure resembled
modern synthetic drinking straws, inspiring this eco-friend-
ly invention.
Usage: The example highlights the economic potential of
bamboo to replace plastic straws with an organic alternative.
About Botanical Survey of India
The Botanical Survey of India (est. 1890; under MoEFCC;
HQ: Kolkata) is a premier organization in India responsible
for undertaking scientific research and documentation of
the country’s plant diversity.
8. INDIA’S POND MAN
Ramveer Tanwar, known as ‘India’s Pond Man,’ is dedicat-
ed to restoring and revitalizing lakes, ponds, and wetlands
across India
Through his NGO, Say Earth, Tanwar employs sustainable
methods and community-driven approaches to clean and
restore these water reservoirs.
Born in an agricultural family in Greater Noida, Tanwar wit-
nessed the decline of the ponds and lakes he had cherished
during his childhood. His passion for water conservation led
him to start awareness initiatives like ‘Jal Chaupals’ during
college. In 2015, he and volunteers cleaned their first pond,
initiating his journey.
After working for an MNC for two years, Tanwar decided to
pursue water conservation full-time and founded Say Earth
in 2020.
They clear garbage, install filtration systems, and promote
native aquatic plants, resulting in the restoration of 80 water
bodies across India.
Usage: The example can be used in Essay/ Ethics (to show
www.insightsonindia.com 89

values of Environmental Stewardship, Sustainability, Ded-
ication, Empowerment, Collaboration, etc.)/ Environment/
Agriculture/ Geography Questions.
9. TRIBES INDIA PAVILION (G20)
Context:
TRIFED, under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is displaying
traditional tribal art, artefacts, and paintings at the ‘Tribes
India’ pavilion as part of the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New
Delhi’s Crafts Bazaar.
The Tribes India pavilion at the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in
New Delhi showcases a diverse range of tribal arts and crafts,
including:
10. INITIATIVES FOR PROMOTING DIS-
ABILITY RIGHTS AND PROMOTING INCLU-
SIVITY
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabili-
ties (DEPwD) in India has introduced five transformative ini-
tiatives aimed at reshaping the disability rights landscape
and promoting inclusivity.
Initiatives:
Initiative Description
MOU with the For inclusion of universal accessibil-
Council of Archi- ity courses in Bachelor of Architec-
tecture ture programs and develop certified
courses for accessibility audits.
90 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Releasing of Anon- Release of anonymous data via the
ymous Data of UDID portal for research, enabling
UDID data-driven decision-making in the
disability sector.
PM Daksh Portal Introduction of the PM Daksh Portal,
a digital platform offering registra-
tion, skill training options, job list-
ings, and streamlined administrative
processes for persons with disabili-
ties.
Courts on Disabili- Compilation of significant disability
ty Rights rights judgments from India’s Su-
preme Court and High Courts into a
booklet for reference.
Online Case Mon- Adoption of a paperless and efficient
itoring Portal by online case monitoring portal by the
CCPD Chief Commissioner for Persons with
Disabilities for handling grievances.
Usage: These examples can be used in Questions related to
disability, inclusivity, disability rights, and leveraging technol-
ogy to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities in India.
11. “STUDENT CELL”: FOR SUICIDE PRE-
VENTION
The Kota Police in India has established a “Student Cell” to
address stress and suicides among coaching students. This
initiative comes in response to a rising number of student
suicides in Kota, a city where about 3lakh students annually
prepare for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
The “Student Cell” comprises police personnel who interact
with students, provide counselling, and detect signs of stress
or depression. Their efforts include visiting hostels, sharing a
dedicated helpline, and offering support.
This move aims to address the challenges faced by students
in this highly competitive environment, where academic
pressure and parental expectations often lead to stress and
mental health issues.
The year 2023 has witnessed a spike in student suicides in
Kota, emphasizing the need for such interventions.
Usage: The initiative can be used as an example in Gover-
nance/ Social Justice/ Indian Society Questions on Mental
health
Current Affairs 30

12. MUTHULAKSHMI REDDY’S EFFORTS intention is to improve the livelihood of women, enhance
their standard of living, and promote self-respect in society.
TO ABOLISH THE DEVADASI SYSTEM

The Devadasi system was a traditional practice in India
where young girls were dedicated or married to deities or
temples. However, over time, it degenerated into a system
where some Devadasis were forced into a life of prostitu-
tion.
Muthulakshmi Reddy was a prominent figure in the Madras
presidency and had achieved several milestones in her ca-
reer, including being the first Indian woman medical grad-
uate in Madras in 1912 and holding various legislative po-
sitions.
The Trigger for Her Campaign: Her campaign against the
Devadasi system began in 1927 after she received a poignant
letter from a 13-year-old girl, Shanpakvalli. Shanpakvalli
came from a family of Devadasis and wanted to avoid her
fate as Devadasi.
Influential Women and Movements: Muthulakshmi was
influenced by her mother, who was also from the Devadasi
community and had revolted against the system.
Beneficiary families should meet the following economic
criteria:
• Annual income below ₹2.5 lakh.
• Ownership of less than five acres of wetland or less
than ten acres of dryland.
• Consumption of less than 3,600 units of electricity
per year for domestic use.
A similar scheme has been launched by the Karnataka Gov-
ernment:
Karnataka Gruha Lakshmi Scheme supports women heads
of families by providing eligible women will receive financial
assistance of ₹2000 per month.
Usage: The examples can be used in Indian Society/ Social
Justice/Women-related Questions in UPSC Mains Paper.
14. TAMIL NADU: WOMEN TEMPLE
PRIEST

Empowering Women: Muthulakshmi advocated for educa-

tion as a means to liberate women from the system and pro-
posed granting lands to those women entitled to economic
benefits from the temples.

Despite opposition, including within the Congress party,

Muthulakshmi persisted. The Devadasi system was eventu-
ally abolished in 1947 by the Madras Legislative Assembly.

Her Legacy: Muthulakshmi Reddy’s campaign against the

Devadasi system remains an enduring and inspiring example
of social reform.

Usage: The example can be used as a story in an Essay/ Eth-

ics (to show values of Social Justice, Empowerment, Per-
sistence, Leadership etc.)/ Indian History/ Indian Society

13. KALAIGNAR MAGALIR URIMAI THIT-

TAM

Context: Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam is a women’s

rights grant scheme just rolled out in Tamil Nadu aimed at
providing financial support to eligible women recognized as Usage: The example can be used in Ethics (to show values
heads of families. of inclusivity)/ Indian Society/ Social Justice/Women-related
Questions in UPSC Mains Paper.
Under this scheme, eligible women are entitled to receive
a monthly rights grant or basic income of ₹1,000 each. This
amounts to an annual grant of ₹12,000 per beneficiary. The

www.insightsonindia.com 91

15. AGRA: DECENTRALIZED GARBAGE
PROCESSING SYSTEM
Agra has initiated decentralized garbage processing plants to
manage organic waste from bulk waste generators (BWGs),
effectively utilizing waste from vegetable markets and tem-
ples. Three units, including one on a public-private partner-
ship (PPP) model, process organic waste into compost.
The compost produced is used in city parks and sold on
e-commerce platforms. These plants represent best practic-
es in Agra and can be expanded city-wide to manage bio-
degradable waste efficiently, reducing transportation costs.
Usage: The example can be used in Questions related to
Waste Management/ Governance of urban areas.
16. BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUS-
TAINABILITY REPORTING (BRSR)
Context:
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and UNICEF
jointly organized a workshop on Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) in collaboration with the Na-
tional Stock Exchange (NSE).
What is BRSR?
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting is a
framework introduced by SEBI (Securities and Exchange
Board of India) in 2021. It mandates the top 1000 listed
companies in India to report their performance on various
environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. This
framework is based on the nine principles of the National
Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC).
What is ESG?
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals are stan-
dards for ethical, sustainable business practices. They cov-
er environmental stewardship, social responsibility towards
employees and communities, and effective corporate gover-
nance, including leadership and shareholder rights.
Usage: The framework can be used in corporate governance
Questions/ Environment/ Society Questions to highlight the
responsibility of businesses towards society and the environ-
ment.
17. COCO GAUFF
Coco Gauff, a rising tennis star, fulfilled her potential by
winning the recent US Open title. At just 19 years old, she
became the fourth American teenager to achieve this feat.
92 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Throughout her short career, Coco Gauff has demonstrated
several ethical values through her actions and words:
• Honesty: Gauff openly talked about her emotions,
including her father’s tears of joy, and addressed the
doubts people had about her.
• Inclusivity: She highlighted the significance of pio-
neers like Billie Jean King and the Williams sisters
in advocating for gender equality in tennis, demon-
strating her commitment to inclusivity and equality.
• Self-belief: Despite criticism and setbacks, Gauff
maintained belief in herself and her abilities.
• Advocacy: She used her platform to speak out
against racial injustice and gun violence in the Unit-
ed States.
18. PROJECT TO REVIVE ANCIENT MARI-
TIME TRADE ROUTE
Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Indian Navy
and Hodi Innovations based in Goa, is embarking on a proj-
ect to reconstruct an ancient stitched ship reminiscent of
vessels that sailed India’s ancient maritime trade routes over
2,000 years ago.
The Voyage:
Once the ship is ready, it will undertake a voyage to Bali,
Indonesia, in November 2025, carrying a crew of 13 Indi-
an Navy members from Cuttack, Odisha. The voyage aims to
honour India’s old maritime trade routes and is part of a
broader effort to revive and celebrate India’s maritime her-
itage.
The project aims to revive India’s maritime heritage and cul-
tural connections with other countries.
Usage: The example can be used in ancient history/Arts and
culture Questions
About Project Mausam:
Project ‘Mausam’ is a cultural initiative led by the Ministry
of Culture and implemented by the Indira Gandhi National
Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi. It aims to showcase a
Current Affairs 30
Transnational Mixed Route (Natural and Cultural Heritage) Usage: The example can be used in Environment Conserva-
on the World Heritage List. The project explores monsoon tion/ Environmental Ethics (to show Environmental Stew-
patterns, cultural routes, and maritime landscapes in the ardship) Questions.
Indian Ocean region.
• Its goals include understanding the historical impact of About California:
monsoon winds on interactions, shared knowledge sys-
California, a western U.S. state, stretches from the Mexi-
tems, and cultural exchanges among coastal centres.
can border along the Pacific for nearly 900 miles. Its ter-
• The project fosters cross-cultural linkages with 39 Indi-
rain includes cliff-lined beaches, redwood forest, the Sierra
an Ocean countries and focuses on cultural routes and
Nevada Mountains, Central Valley farmland and the Mojave
maritime landscapes connecting different parts of the
Desert.
Indian Ocean littoral.

19. AMRIT BRIKSHYA ANDOLAN

The Assam Government organized a campaign called “Am-

rit Brikshya Andolan” aimed at increasing the state’s green
cover by planting saplings, primarily of commercial trees.

The campaign set out to achieve nine world records during

this massive tree-planting drive.

The primary objective of the campaign was to plant one

crore saplings across Assam, involving thousands of people
from various regions of the state. Assam government in-
tends to plant eight crore saplings in 2024 and an additional
10 crore saplings in 2025.

Usage: The campaign can be quoted in the Environment

Conservation question

20. CALIFORNIA SUING MAJOR OIL COM-

PANIES 21. WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS IN
Context: California is suing five major oil and gas compa- RWANDA
nies, including Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips,
and BP, for allegedly deceiving and concealing information Context:
about the dangers of fossil fuels and their contribution to Rwanda has a high representation of women in its Parlia-
climate change. ment, with around 61 per cent of Lower House seats occu-
pied by women.

The lawsuit claims that these actions have caused harm to

California, including extreme weather events, health prob-
lems, wildfires, and more.
This lawsuit marks a significant legal action against the fossil
fuel industry for its role in climate change, with California
being the first major oil-producing state to take such action.
Why does Rwanda have so many women parliamentarians?
This is due to historical factors, including the aftermath of
the Rwandan genocide in 1994, which left a majority of the
population composed of women. To address this, Rwanda
implemented gender equality initiatives, including a 30 per
cent quota for women in decision-making organs, such as
Parliament.

Previously, California passed SB-253 Climate Corporate
Data Accountability Act on September 12, 2023, requiring
companies with annual revenues over $1 billion to disclose
their carbon footprint. This includes disclosing direct green-
house gas emissions and emissions from activities like em-
ployee business travel.
While this has led to progress in political representation and
laws on issues like education and gender-based violence,
challenges remain, including access to education and tradi-
tional gender roles.

www.insightsonindia.com 93
 Current Affairs 30
Additional Information:
Percentage of women in the Lower house of major democ- Activities within these clubs include standards writing com-
racies: petitions, quizzes, debates, exposure visits to labs and in-
Country Percentage dustries, and more.
India 78 elected women MPs out of a total of
543 seats, representing 14.36% of the BIS supports educational institutions by offering financial as-
total number of MPs. sistance for activities
USA About 28%
United Kingdom About 34% Usage: The example can be used in Science/ Governance
Questions as an initiative to encourage students in schools
towards science.
South Africa About 46%
South Korea About 19%
About BIS:
Japan About 10%
The Bureau of Indian Standards is the National Standards
Germany About 35% Body of India under the Department of Consumer Affairs,
France About 37% Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
Canada About 30% It was established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act,
Brazil About 17% 2016 which came into effect on 12 October 2017.
Australia About 38%

Usage: The example can be used in Questions related to 23. FREE BUS TRAVEL INITIATIVE: IM-
women/Sociology/ Polity PROVING SCHOOL ENROLMENT

About Rwanda: In Punjab, a government school near the Pakistan border

Rwanda is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley of
Central Africa, where the African Great Lakes region and
Southeast Africa converge. Located a few degrees south of
the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Bu-
rundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
has boosted enrollment and education quality through free
bus travel: Chanan Wala School in Fazilka, Punjab, launched
free transportation for students.
Chanan Wala saw a 38% enrollment increase, with 89%
more students using the free bus service. The school’s excel-
lent facilities attracted students, even from the city.

Benefits: It ensures remote village children access quality

education, improving enrollment and opportunities. The
government covers transportation costs, making it an ap-
pealing choice.

Usage: This initiative showcases how small changes can en-

hance education, especially in areas with limited transport.
The example can be used in Questions related to Governance
(policies)/ Education.

24. CARRYING CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

Carrying Capacity Assessment is a tool for protecting hilly

areas through sustainable tourism. It highlights the growth
22. STANDARD CLUBS IN SCHOOLS AND of tourism globally and its impacts, both positive and nega-
COLLEGES tive, on hilly regions.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established 6,467 What is Carrying capacity?
Standard Clubs in schools and colleges across India to pro- It refers to the maximum number of people a tourist desti-
mote awareness about the importance of standards and nation can accommodate without harming the environment
quality. or the quality of visitor satisfaction.

94 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Five components of carrying capacity: ly conscious approach. The use of mud and thatched roofs
Component Definition Example provides natural insulation against extreme weather condi-
tions.
Physical Car- The maximum num- The national park
rying Capaci- ber of people a desti- can handle 1,000
ty (PCC) nation can physically visitors per day Additionally, the incorporation of tall trees as natural buf-
accommodate with- based on avail- fers enhances the comfort of outdoor classrooms.
out causing harm or able parking and
degradation. trails. The campus reflects an aesthetic Pan-Asianism that adds to
Social Carry- The perceptual and Quiet beach town its unique character: Santiniketan’s architectural ensemble
ing Capacity psychological capacity maintains a tran- combines various global and local influences, notably, Far
(SCC) of a place, considering quil atmosphere East Asian styles, including Japanese and Chinese influences.
visitor experience and with a limited
impact on local resi- number of visi- Afforestation and preservation of sacred groves have been
dents. tors. integral to the conservation of the environment around the
I n f r a s t r u c - The capacity of man- Ski resorts can ashram.
ture Carrying made facilities (ho- handle a certain
Capacity (ICC) tels, parking, etc.) to number of skiers Usage: The example of Santiniketan’s architecture and land-
support tourism activ- based on available scape can be used in Essay/ Ethics (value of environmental
ities. lifts and lodges. sustainability)/ Environment/ Arts and Architecture (the idea
Environmen- Number of tourists a The fragile coral of learning from and coexisting with nature) Questions.
tal Carry- site can sustain with- reef has a low ECC
ing Capacity out harming the natu- to protect it from
26. IMMUNIZATION WHEEL
(ECC) ral environment. damage by snor-
kelers or divers.
Context:
E c o n o m i c The balance between The small tour- In Uttar Pradesh, the introduction of an immunization wheel
Carrying Ca- tourism’s economic ist-dependent has significantly improved the efficiency of accredited social
pacity (ECC) impact and the local town has an ECC health activist (ASHA) workers, contributing to a high rate of
economy benefits to ensure eco- vaccine coverage for newborns.
businesses without nomic benefits
overwhelming them. while maintain- What is the Immunization Wheel?
ing community The Immunization Wheel is a simple tool consisting of two
well-being. discs, one with vaccine details and the other with a calen-
dar. Health workers use it to calculate vaccination dates for
Use: The term can be used in Sustainable Tourism/Environ- newborns, making the process more efficient and accurate.
ment related questions.
Funded by the Clinton Foundation, the Immunization Wheel
25. ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE OF simplifies vaccination date calculations. ASHA workers use it
SANTINIKETAN to link a child’s birthdate to vaccines, automatically provid-
ing dates for the remaining dates for the first year of life.
Context:
The architecture and landscape of Santiniketan emphasize a Success: This tool has boosted vaccine coverage to 95% in
deep connection with nature, embodying principles of con- the first year and improved parent communication, enhanc-
servation and sustainability. ing immunization success in Uttar Pradesh.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, San-
tiniketan, located in West Bengal, was founded by Rabin-
dranath Tagore based on the idea of learning from and
living in harmony with nature. Classes were conducted out-
doors, under trees, reinforcing the belief in nature’s role as
an educator.
The architecture and design of Santiniketan’s buildings, in-
spired by local tribal structures, reflect an environmental-
Usage: The example can used as a way forward in health-re-
lated questions.
27. ABDUL AHAD KHAN
He is residing in Kashmir’s Nagri village and has dedicated
the past decade to saving the majestic chinar trees. He
starts his day early, tending to chinar saplings in the Band
Wader forest area. Khan has nurtured around 1,500 chinar

www.insightsonindia.com 95
 Current Affairs 30
saplings into tall, healthy trees. 29. ODHUVARS

Chinar trees are significant in Kashmir for their beauty,
shade, habitat provision, and environmental benefits. Khan’s
mission began in 2010 when he noticed deforestation in an
elevated area. He decided to protect nature by planting chi-
nar trees.
Usage: The example can be used to show the values of En-
vironmental Stewardship; Selflessness (He selflessly invests
his time, effort, and personal resources); Education and
Awareness (Khan’s actions raise awareness about the impor-
tance of chinar trees and environmental conservation)
About Chinar Tree:
Chinar trees are large deciduous trees known for their lon-
gevity and vibrant foliage. In autumn, its green leaves trans-
form into shades of red, amber, and yellow.
The Government of Tamil Nadu appointed 15 ‘odhuvars’ to
government-controlled Hindu temples, including five wom-
en odhuvars, a “milestone in the journey for equality.”
Who are Odhuvars?
Odhuvars sing devotional hymns in Tamil Nadu’s Hindu
temples but are not priests. They are in the service of Lord
Shiva by singing his praise from Thirumurai in Saivite tem-
ples. They sing devotional hymns but do not enter the sanc-
tum sanctorum.
Another progressive decision by the Tamil Nadu Govern-
ment: The recent appointment of three women priests in
the state’s temples.
Usage: The example can be used in Qn related to Indian So-
ciety/ Women/ Reforms in Religion etc.

The chinar holds cultural significance in Kashmir. Muslim About Thirumurai:

Kashmiris believe it was brought by Islamic preachers from Tirumurai is a twelve-volume compendium of songs or
Iran, while Hindu Kashmiris associate it with Hindu goddess hymns in praise of Shiva in the Tamil language from the 6th
Bhavani. It is the State tree of the Union territory of Jammu to the 11th century CE by various poets (Nayanars) in Tamil
and Kashmir Nadu.

The twelve books are:

28. BAL GANGADHAR TILAK AND GA-
Tiru- Hymns Period Author(s)
NESH CHATURTHI murai
1, 2, 3 Tirukadaikkap- 7th century CE Sambandar
Bal Gangadhar Tilak played a pivotal role in transforming the
pu
Ganesh Chaturthi festival into a grand community event in
India. 4, 5, 6 Tevaram 7th century CE Appar
7 Tirupattu 8th century CE Sundarar
Before 1893, Ganesh Chaturthi was a one-day private ob- 8 Tiruvasakam 9th century CE Manikkava-
servance. However, Tilak, a prominent nationalist and lead- and Tirukkovai- cakar
er, saw an opportunity to unite and mobilize society against yar
British colonial rule by harnessing Indian cultural practices. 9 Tiruvicaippa 9th century CE Various Au-
He initiated the tradition of public Ganpati worship, empha- and Tirupallan- thors
sizing patriotism, and promoting nationalist ideas during tu
the festival. 10 Tirumandiram 8th century CE Tirumular
11 Prabandham Various Au-
Negative impact: While Tilak’s efforts were praised for fos- thors
tering unity, he also faced criticism for potentially adding
12 Periya Puranam 12th century Sekkizhar
a communal aspect to the freedom struggle and holding
CE
conservative views on women’s emancipation and caste re-
forms.
30. APPLYING THE “SPONGE CITY” CON-
Usage: The example can be used to show how culture can CEPT IN BENGALURU
be used to unite people. But overemphasis on the culture
of one community can be decisive as well. The example also Bengaluru faces recurrent flash floods due to erratic rains
shows the value of Unity, Inclusivity, Nationalism, Respect driven by climate change. Experts suggest applying the
for Cultural Heritage etc. “Spong City” Concept by building massive underground
tanks in low-lying areas to capture floodwater, a concept
successfully implemented in cities like Munich, Beijing, To-

96 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
kyo, and Pittsburgh.
What is the “Sponge City” concept?
It focuses on retaining and managing water at its source
to mitigate flooding and groundwater depletion. It involves
strategies like permeable pavements, rooftop gardens, un-
derground tanks and ponds to absorb and store rainwater.
These measures help slow down water flow, naturally filter
it, and recharge groundwater. The aim is to make urban ar-
eas act like sponges, soaking up rainwater and reducing the
risk of floods while replenishing local water resources.
For Issues with the “Sponge City”?: Click Here
Usage: The example can be used in Governance/ Disaster
Management Questions.
31. YOUNG ACTIVISTS SUE 32 GOVERN-
MENTS AT EUROPEAN COURT
Six young Portuguese individuals, aged 11 to 24, are taking
32 governments, including EU member states, to the Eu-
ropean Court of Human Rights (ECHR). They accuse these
governments of insufficient action on climate change and
failing to meet the Paris Agreement target to limit global
warming to 1.5C.
They argue that their fundamental human rights, such as the
right to life, privacy, family life, and freedom from discrim-
ination, are being violated due to government inaction on
climate change.
The case, if successful, could have legally binding conse-
quences for the accused governments and is the first of its
kind at the ECHR.
Usage: The example shows the values of Environmental Re-
sponsibility, Human Rights, Youth Empowerment and Ac-
countability for Climate Action
32. IYAL VAAGAI FARMER’S MARKET IN
COIMBATORE
Iyal Vaagai farmer’s market in Coimbatore is an initiative
promoting sustainability and organic farming. It provides a
platform for farmers to sell their produce directly to consum-
ers (farm-to-table market), avoiding middlemen, and offers
a wide range of organic products.
Founded by Alageswari S as a 10-year-old environmental
movement, the market encourages organic farming and
sustainable living. It offers a wide range of organic products
such as cold-pressed oil, country chicken, millets, fruits, veg-
etables, and greens, all sourced directly from farmers, mak-
ing prices affordable.
The market encourages eco-friendly practices, reduces plas-
tic usage, and educates the public, especially children, about
sustainable living through various activities and workshops.
It also fosters entrepreneurship in the organic food sector
and serves as a hub for community engagement and cultural
activities.
Usage: The example can be used in Agriculture/ Environ-
ment Mains Questions
33. USING GOATS TO PREVENT WILDFIRE
Grazing goats are being used as a wildfire prevention strate-
gy in California, particularly in areas prone to wildfires. Goat
herders lease goats to city agencies and private clients to
clear brush and dry vegetation that can fuel fires.
Goats are well-suited for this task because of their ability
to eat woody shrubs, their dexterous tongues and lips, and
their capacity to detoxify compounds, allowing them to con-
sume poisonous plants.
This environmentally friendly approach is gaining popularity
as a sustainable and cost-effective method for reducing fire
risk in regions vulnerable to wildfires. It has been particularly
effective in creating buffer zones between homes and open
spaces to slow down or prevent fires from spreading to res-
idential areas.
Usage: The example can be used in Disaster Management/
Environment Mains Questions.
34. CRIIIO 4 GOOD
Context:
Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched ‘CRIIIO 4
GOOD,’ a set of online life skills learning modules, aimed at
promoting gender equality among girls and boys.
What is ‘CRIIIO 4 GOOD’?
It is an online initiative launched to promote gender equal-
ity among girls and boys through a series of eight crick-
et-based animation films. These films teach young boys and
girls essential life skills while encouraging their participation
in sports.
This initiative, in collaboration with the International Crick-
et Council, UNICEF, and the Board of Control for Cricket
in India, was introduced at the Narendra Modi Stadium in
www.insightsonindia.com 97
 Current Affairs 30
Ahmedabad. governing over 1 lakh Tibetan refugees worldwide
through the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
The themes of the program include: Tibetan democratic system:
• Leadership The Tibetan democratic system evolved with the first elect-
• Problem-solving ed representatives taking their oaths in Bodh Gaya in 1960,
• Confidence and the Tibetan constitution, based on democratic ideals
• Decision-making and universal values, was enacted by the Dalai Lama in 1963.
• Negotiation In 1975, the CTA declared September 2nd as the founding
• Empathy day of Tibetan democracy. The system comprises three pil-
• Teamwork lars of democracy, including the executive head known as
• Goal setting the Sikyong, who took over from the Dalai Lama in 2011.
, making learning fun and relatable for young audiences. The India maintains a policy of not recognizing a separate gov-
program aligns with NEP 2020’s focus on gender parity and ernment of Tibet in India but regards the Dalai Lama as a
equal opportunities. revered religious leader. Tibetans in exile recognize the CTA
as their legitimate government.
Usage: The example can be used in Indian society/ Social
Justice/ Education questions as an initiative for empowering 3. ONAM (KERALA)
youths using sports as a medium.

FACTS FOR PRELIMS

GS-1
1. KOKBOROK LANGUAGE
Context:
Over 260 individuals were detained in Tripura during a 12-
hour state-wide strike aimed to
advocate for the adoption of the Roman script for Kok-
borok, the indigenous language of the state.
• The central issue revolves around the script used for
Kokborok, which has been a decades-old debate
in Tripura. While Bengali and Roman scripts have
been used for Kokborok, the demand for Roman
script has gained momentum in recent years.
About Kokborok language:
Kokborok is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by about 1 mil-
lion people in the state of Tripura in northeast India. Story behind Onam celebration:
Kokborok is one of the official languages of Tripura, along King Mahabali, a wise ruler of Kerala, was renowned for his
with Bengali. prosperous and egalitarian rule. Lord Vishnu, concerned
Kokborok is a relatively homogenous language with several about Mahabali’s growing popularity, tested his humility in
dialects spoken in Tripura. It is the lingua franca of most of the form of a dwarf Brahmin, Vamana. Despite his immense
the 19 tribal communities of Tripura. generosity, Vamana grew to cover the earth and heavens,
leading to Mahabali’s selfless offer of his head. Impressed
by Mahabali’s devotion, Lord Vishnu granted him an annual
2. TIBETAN DEMOCRACY DAY visit to his kingdom, celebrated as Onam.
Context:
Tibetan Democracy Day, celebrated on September 2nd, 4. SANATAN DHARMA
marks the establishment of the Tibetan democratic system
in exile. Context: The term “Sanatan Dharma” is a Sanskrit phrase
• It commemorates the inauguration of the Tibetan that can be translated as “eternal religion” or “eternal law.”
government-in-exile in Dharamshala over six de- It is commonly associated with Hinduism but is also used by
cades ago. The day is known as Mangsto Duchen Jains and Buddhists who believe in rebirth.
and signifies the beginning of Tibetan democracy,

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Current Affairs 30
• The term gained popularity in the late 19th century
when it was used to signify Hindu orthodoxy in re-
sponse to reform movements led by missionaries
and groups like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj.
• In the 19th century, “Sanatan Dharma” was used to
promote Hindu orthodoxy as a reaction to reform
movements. This term was adopted by various or-
ganizations and sabhas to defend traditional Hindu
practices against reformers.
• It was seen as a way to preserve the caste system
and idol worship as essential aspects of the Sana-
tan Dharma tradition.
While the term “Sanatan Dharma” has been used to signi-
fy Hinduism, it does not represent a universally recognized
philosophy within Hinduism, as there is no agreement on a
static or universal doctrine. Instead, it has been employed
to evoke a sense of homogeneity within Hinduism without
specifying the exact nature of that homogeneity.
5. ADOPT A HERITAGE 2.0
Context:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched a re-
vamped version of the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ program, along
with an Indian Heritage app and an e-permission portal.
• This updated program encourages corporate stake-
holders to utilize their Corporate Social Responsi-
bility (CSR) funds to enhance facilities at historically
important monuments.
• It also provides a comprehensive guide through the
Indian Heritage app, offering information on ASI’s
monuments, including historical structures, pic-
tures, public facilities, and geo-tagged locations.
The ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ program includes various chang-
es, such as a streamlined management structure for partner
agencies, clear guidelines for semi-commercial activities,
and a detailed scope of work and amenities required for
monuments.
The updated program offers more flexibility, allowing com-
panies to adopt entire monuments and develop their tour-
ism infrastructure or provide specific amenities like drink-
ing water facilities or cleaning services for one or more sites.
6. SAHARA SPACE ROCK
Context:
In May 2020, scientists discovered unusual rocks contain-
ing distinctive greenish crystals in the Sahara Desert, which
were identified as remnants from the early Solar System.
• These rocks are pieces of the meteorite known as
Erg Chech 002, making it the oldest volcanic rock
ever found, dating back approximately 4.56556 bil-
lion years.
Erg Chech 002 is categorized as an “ungrouped achondrite,”
formed from melted planetesimals, and its parent body re-
mains unidentified.
The study revealed that Erg Chech 002 contained a high
abundance of lead-206 and lead-207, along with undecayed
uranium-238 and uranium-235. Comparisons with other
achondrites, particularly volcanic angrites, indicated that
aluminum-26 was distributed unevenly in the early Solar
System.
Key Findings:
• The study focused on aluminium isotopes, partic-
ularly aluminum-26, a radioactive isotope that de-
cays over time and is crucial for understanding the
formation of the Solar System.
• Aluminum-26’s decay played a significant role in
heating small rocks in the early Solar System, lead-
ing to the formation of planets.
• To determine the distribution of aluminum-26 and
its absolute ages, the researchers combined alumi-
num-26 data with uranium and lead data.
This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the
early developmental stages of the Solar System and the
geological history of emerging planets.
7. HEAT INDEX
Context:
Recently, Iran recorded a scorching heat index of 70 degrees
Celsius (°C) in the coastal part of the country.
• The heat index, also known as apparent tempera-
ture, is a crucial indicator that measures how the
temperature feels to humans based on a combina-
tion of air temperature and relative humidity.
• It provides a more accurate representation of how
hot the weather actually feels compared to just the
air temperature.
About Heat Index:
The heat index is calculated using a complex formula that
considers factors such as air temperature, relative humid-
ity, and dew point. The dew point, the temperature at
which air becomes saturated with moisture and forms dew,
is a critical component in this calculation.
Various countries have their own heat index measurement
systems. For instance, Canada uses the Humidex, and the
U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has its own heat in-
dex chart.
Why measure the Heat Index?
• The importance of measuring the heat index lies in
its ability to assess the impact of heat on human
health and well-being. High humidity during heat-
waves can make the apparent temperature signifi-
cantly higher than the actual air temperature, mak-
ing it feel much hotter to people.
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 Current Affairs 30
• High heat index values can lead to heat stress, dating from 200 BCE to 400 CE, are currently showcased at
heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke, posing se- the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art in an exhibition
rious health risks. Monitoring the heat index is vital called “The Tree and Serpent.”
for public safety, especially during extreme heat • Phanigiri, often referred to as the “hillock of snake
events. hood,” is a small village approximately 150 km from
• It helps authorities issue heat wave alerts, imple- Hyderabad, with significant historical and spiritual
ment necessary precautions, and adapt to extreme significance in Buddhism.
heat conditions by adjusting work schedules and
providing cooling solutions to protect public health Findings at Phanigiri:
and safety. • Remarkable findings at Phanigiri are a set of thora-
nas, which are stone gateways, and one of these
8. SHIVA’S NATARAJA FORM thoranas displays both Mahayana and Hinayana
schools of Buddhist thought, suggesting coexis-
Context: tence despite philosophical differences.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit will feature a towering 27-foot- • Phanigiri provides evidence of the deification of
tall ‘Nataraja’ statue of Lord Shiva’s dancing form. Buddha and a transition towards canonization and
• This magnificent statue made of ‘Ashtadhatu’ ritual in Buddhist practices.
(eight-metal alloy) was crafted by sculptors from • The artefacts from this site, including a limestone
Swamimalai in Tamil Nadu, India, and is inspired by carving of Buddha wearing what appears to be a
three revered Nataraja idols from Chola temples. Roman toga, are considered highly important and
About Nataraja form of Shiva: are now part of the exhibition in New York.
• The Nataraja form of Shiva, as a cosmic dancer, be-
came iconic under the Cholas and is renowned for
its intricate bronze sculptures.
• In this form, Lord Shiva is depicted as the ‘Lord of
Dance’ or Nataraja, embodying both creative and
destructive forces.
• The Nataraja image is encircled by a flaming halo
and has four arms. He holds a drum and fire in his
upper hands, symbolizing creation and destruction.
Under his foot, there’s a dwarf-like figure represent-
ing illusion, which he crushes, guiding humanity
away from delusion.
• Nataraja’s raised feet and gestures also symbolize
protection and reassurance, all while he wears a
smiling expression.

Lost Wax Technique:

• The sculpture was crafted using the traditional ‘lost-
wax’ casting method, a technique that dates back
thousands of years and was perfected by the Cholas.
• In this method, a detailed wax model is covered
with alluvial soil, which, when heated, melts the
wax away, leaving a hollow mould for casting mol-
ten metal.
The Cholas, who ruled much of peninsular India from the 9th
to the 11th centuries AD, were great patrons of art and cul-
ture. They were devout Shaivites, known for constructing
elaborate Shiva temples across their territories.
9. PHANIGIRI ARTEFACTS
Context:
The Phanigiri Buddhist artefacts, discovered in 1942 and
10. BANGLAR MATI, BANGLAR JOL
Context:
The West Bengal Assembly has declared Poila Baishakh
(April 15), the first day of the Bengali calendar, as the state-
hood day and designated Rabindranath Tagore’s “Banglar
mati, Banglar jol” as the state anthem.
Significance of the song:
• The song was written by Tagore in 1905 in response
to Lord Curzon’s partition of Bengal, which was a
divisive colonial strategy to weaken the nationalist
movement.
• Curzon’s decision to partition Bengal in 1905 aimed
to create division and strife among the diverse Ben-

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Current Affairs 30
gali-speaking population. However, it had the oppo- support from NABARD for marketing and exporting.
site effect, as it united Bengalis against British rule
and ignited the Swadeshi Movement, which marked
the beginning of the Indian struggle for indepen-
dence.
• Tagore was a vocal critic of the partition and ex-
pressed his support for the Swadeshi Movement
through his songs and poems. “Banglar mati, Ban-
glar jol” called for unity among Bengalis by cele-
brating the beauty of Bengal, its natural surround-
ings, language, people, and soul.
• This song became an anthem for the movement
against the partition and was sung during passion- 12. MOKSHAGUNDAM VISVESVARAYA
ate processions and demonstrations that empha-
sized Bengali unity.
• Tagore even tied rakhis to Muslims as a symbol of
brotherhood and unity. Ultimately, Bengal was re-
united in 1911 but would later be partitioned again
in 1947.

The declaration of “Banglar mati, Banglar jol” as the state

anthem is a testament to its enduring significance in invok-
ing feelings of brotherhood and patriotism among Bengalis.

11. SALEM SAGO

Context:
The Geographical Indication (GI) tag has been granted to Sa-
lem Sago (Javvarisi), which is expected to facilitate its entry
into the international market.
13. SANTINIKETAN
About Salem Sago: Context:
• Sago (also called Sabu dana) is a pearl-white prod- Santiniketan, the renowned university town in West Bengal
uct made from raw tapiocas, appearing as small established by Rabindranath Tagore, has been added to UN-
hard globules or pearls. ESCO’s World Heritage List.
• Tapioca cultivation is significant in Tamil Nadu. • The decision was made during the 45th World Heri-
• Sago production originated in Salem district, which tage Committee Meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Ara-
serves as the primary hub for sago production in In- bia.
dia, initially on a cottage-scale basis.
• It is produced from wet starch powder obtained
from crushed tapioca roots. The wet starch powder
is used to manufacture sago, while the dry powder
is utilized as a raw material in various industrial ap-
plications.
• Salem Sago has historical significance as it was used
as a food source during severe droughts in the Tra-
vancore Kingdom.

Benefits of getting GI Tag:

• The GI tag is a form of legal protection for the intel-
lectual property associated with Salem Sago.
• Additionally, products with GI tags receive special
attention from the Indian government, such as free
exhibition space at events organized by the Rail-
ways and Airport Authority, allowances for partic-
ipation in international exhibitions, and financial

www.insightsonindia.com 101

About Santiniketan:
• Santiniketan was originally an ashram established
by Rabindranath Tagore’s father, Debendranath
Tagore, where people of all castes and creeds could
meditate on the one Supreme God.
• It has historical and architectural significance, in-
cluding structures like Santiniketan Griha and the
Mandir (temple) with stained glass, which are as-
sociated with the founding of Santiniketan and the
promotion of universal spiritual values.
• Visva-Bharati University, located in Santiniketan,
was founded by Rabindranath Tagore, and offers a
wide range of degree courses.
• It has been declared a central university and an in-
stitution of national importance by an Act of Parlia-
ment in 1951, with the Prime Minister serving as its
chancellor.
14. THREE HOYSALA TEMPLES DECLARED
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Significance:
The temples’ inclusion as World Heritage Sites signifies glob-
al recognition for their cultural and architectural significance
and is likely to promote tourism in the region.
Hoysala architecture, developed between the 11th and 14th
centuries in southern Karnataka under the Hoysala Empire,
is characterized by:
• A unique style blending elements of Dravida and Nagara
architectures.
• Influences from Bhumija, Nagara, and Karnataka Dravi-
da architectural traditions.
• Distinctive ‘Hoysala Temple’ form with multiple shrines
around a central pillared hall in a star-shaped layout.
• The use of soapstone, allowed intricate carving of sculp-
tures, especially in the jewelry adorning temple walls.
102 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
What is a World Heritage site?
A World Heritage Site is an area or object listed on the UN-
ESCO World Heritage List, recognized for its “outstanding
universal value” under the Convention Concerning the Pro-
tection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage 1972.
These sites, categorized into three types - Cultural, Natural,
and Mixed, are internationally acknowledged for their cul-
tural, natural, or combined significance.
As of 2023, there are 42 World Heritage Sites located in In-
dia. Out of these, 34 are cultural, 7 are natural, and one, the
Khangchendzonga National Park, is of mixed type. India has
the sixth-largest number of sites in the world.
15. OLD PARLIAMENT BUILDING
Context: Parliament proceedings will soon shift to the new
Parliament Building
The Sansad Bhavan is India’s parliamentary seat, home to
the Lok Sabha (lower house) and Rajya Sabha (upper house).
Historical aspects:
• Foundation: The foundation stone was laid on Feb-
ruary 12, 1921, by the Duke of Connaught
• Architect: The architects, Sir Edwin Lutyens and
Sir Herbert Baker, incorporated Indian motifs and
styles into the building’s design.
• Inauguration: The building was inaugurated on Jan-
uary 18, 1927, by Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India at
the time. It initially housed the Imperial Legislative
Council.
• The Constituent Assembly of India took control after
independence, and it became the Parliament of In-
dia in 1950.
• Former Home of the Supreme Court: The Chamber
of Princes in the Parliament Building was also used
by the Federal Court of India before independence.
Afterwards, it served as the Supreme Court’s loca-
tion for over ten years before the court moved to its
own building.
Current Affairs 30
Architectural Aspects:
• Blend: The building is renowned for its architectural
blend of Western and Indian styles. While it incor-
porates classical Western elements, it also features
Indian architectural motifs, such as the use of col-
umns and domes.
• It was inspired by the Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple
(Chausath Yogini Temple) in Madhya Pradesh
• The perimeter of the building is circular, with 144
columns on the outside.
• The building is surrounded by large gardens and the
perimeter is fenced off by sandstone railings (jali).
16. SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI AMRIT
AWARDS
Context:
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards ceremony hon-
oured individuals above 75 years of age for their exception-
al contributions to music, dance, and theatre.
• The Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards are a
national honour recognizing performing artists,
teachers, and scholars in the field of performing
arts.
• The honour includes a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000/-
(Rupees one lakh), a Tamrapatra, and an Angavas-
tram.
About Sangeet Natak Akademi:
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, also known as the National
Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama, is an autonomous
organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of
India. It was established in 1953 with the aim of promoting
and preserving India’s traditional performing arts, includ-
ing music, dance, and theatre.
17. LONDON’S INDIA CLUB
Context:
London’s India Club, a historic establishment that served as
a meeting place for Indians in the United Kingdom during
the independence movement got permanently closed.
• The club, located in the Strand Continental Hotel,
offered Indian cuisine and served as a hub for indi-
viduals associated with India in the UK. It had a rich
history, with interiors that remained largely un-
changed over the years.
About London’s India Club:
• Founded in 1951 by the India League, an organi-
zation initially advocating for Indian independence
and later promoting Indo-British friendship post-in-
dependence, the India Club played a crucial role
in the lives of the Asian diaspora communities in
Britain.
• It hosted various groups and activities, including the
Indian Journalist Association, Indian Workers Asso-
ciation, and Indian Socialist Group of Britain.
• Throughout its existence, the India Club attracted
prominent visitors, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad,
the first President of independent India, Lord
Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, Jawaharlal
Nehru, Dadabhai Naoroji, Bertrand Russell, and MF
Hussain, among others. VK Krishna Menon, a diplo-
mat and former Indian Defence Minister, was one of
the secretaries of the India Club.
18. PARYUSHAN 2023
Context:
Paryushan Parv is a significant festival in Jainism, observed
by both Digambara and Shwetambar communities.
• It is a time for deep reflection, repentance, and re-
demption for Jains.
Significance:
• Spiritual Significance: Paryushan Parv inspires in-
dividuals to cultivate virtuous qualities. It involves
fasting, penance, meditation, and self-reflection,
aiming for soul purification and vowing to avoid
future transgressions. It’s a time for seeking righ-
teousness and spiritual purity, ultimately aiming for
salvation.
• Five Duties of Paryushan: These include Samvatsa-
ri (forgiveness and reconciliation), Keshlochan
(introspection and self-improvement), Pratikra-
man (seeking forgiveness for past wrongdoings),
Penance (commitment to spiritual growth), and
self-criticism and apology for past mistakes.
19. ADI SHANKARACHARYA
Context:
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister recently unveiled a 108-foot-
tall ‘Statue of Oneness’ dedicated to the Hindu saint Adi
Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh.
• This statue represents Adi Shankaracharya at the
age of 12 when he is believed to have visited Om-
kareshwar.
About Omkareshwar:
Omkareshwar, located on the Mandhata island along the
Narmada River, is home to two of the 12 Jyotirlingas, sacred
to Lord Shiva. It is also near the Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga
in Ujjain. The island hosts Shaivite, Vaisnavite, and Jain tem-
ples dating back to the 14th and 18th centuries.
About Adi Shankaracharya:
Adi Shankaracharya, who lived between 788 and 820 AD,
was born in Kerala’s Kaladi and became a sanyasin at a
young age. He travelled extensively, visiting important spiri-
tual centres and authoring many works, including commen-
taries on the Upanishads, the Brahmasutra, and the Gita
while advocating Advaita Vedanta.
www.insightsonindia.com 103
 Current Affairs 30
Comparison between Adi Shankaracharya and Sri Ramanu- their crystal lattices to twist and bend. The critical event
jacharya: that turned once-colourless diamonds into pink was a mon-
umental collision between Western Australia and Northern
Australia.

21. EXCAVATION IN KEELADI

20. FORMATION OF PINK DIAMOND
Context:
Western Australian scientists have connected pink diamond
formation to the Earth’s first supercontinent (Vaalbara or
Nuna) and events 1.3 billion years ago.
What are pink diamonds?
Pink diamonds are a rare and highly coveted type of dia-
mond known for their stunning pink or reddish-pink colour.
Pink diamonds are exceptionally rare, and their rarity, com-
bined with their captivating beauty, makes them extremely
valuable.
Context:
Excavations in Keeladi have uncovered two carnelian beads,
reaffirming the historical trade connections between Tamil
Nadu and the western regions of India, specifically Maha-
rashtra and Gujarat.
• These carnelian beads, normally found in Gujarat
and Maharashtra, were discovered within an urn at
a burial site in Konthagai during the excavation.
• Last year, 74 carnelian beads were also unearthed
in the same area, further highlighting the trade links
between Tamil Nadu and western India.
Carnelian beads are small decorative objects made from
carnelian gemstones. Carnelian is a reddish-brown to or-
ange variety of chalcedony, a type of microcrystalline
quartz. These beads are prized for their vibrant colours and
have been used for jewellery and ornamental purposes for
centuries.

How it is unique?
22. MEWAR SCHOOL OF PAINTING
Pink diamonds get their distinct colour from unique structur-
al irregularities in the crystal lattice of the diamond, rather
than impurities like nitrogen or boron, which give other co-
loured diamonds their hues (such as in the case of Yellow
and blue diamonds)

Where is it found?
The Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia was one of
the primary sources of pink diamonds (over 90% of produc-
tion), although it ceased production in 2020. Pink diamonds
from the Argyle mine were particularly famous for their
quality and colour intensity.

What does the study indicate?

Pink diamonds were formed as a result of the breakup of
Earth’s first supercontinent, Vaalbara, through intense geo-
logical forces from colliding tectonic plates that caused

104 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
23. INDIA’S FIRST LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL
Context:
India’s First Lighthouse Festival is set to begin in Goa.
• The festival will take place with the aim of trans-
forming historic lighthouses into tourist destina-
tions.
• This festival is a part of the ‘Lighthouse Heritage
Tourism’ campaign, which aims to revamp 75 his-
toric lighthouses across India and promote them as
tourist spots.
• The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s vision to transform these lighthouses into
captivating tourism sites, showcasing their cultural
significance and economic potential.
24. 53RD DADASAHEB PHALKE LIFETIME
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Waheeda Rehman will receive the 53rd Dadasaheb Phalke
Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021. The award will be
presented at the 69th National Film Awards ceremony.
About Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award:
It is India’s highest cinema honour and is presented annually
at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate
of Film Festivals. It was established in 1969 and was first
awarded to actress Devika Rani. This award commemorates
Dadasaheb Phalke, the director of India’s inaugural full-
length feature film, “Raja Harishchandra,” in 1913. The prize
includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl,
and a cash prize of 10 lakh.
About Waheeda Rehman:
Waheeda Rehman is an Indian actress regarded as one of
Hindi cinema’s most accomplished actresses. Her accolades
include a National Film Award, Padma Shri and Padma Bhu-
shan honours and three Filmfare Awards. She is renowned
for her roles in iconic Hindi films like “Pyaasa,” “Kaagaz ke
Phool,” and “Guide.”
25. SARNA RELIGIOUS CODE
Context:
The Jharkhand Chief Minister has written to the Prime Min-
ister, urging the recognition of the ‘Sarna’ religious code for
tribal communities in the state.
• The request for the Sarna code as a separate religious
code in the next Census has been a long-standing
demand of tribal groups, and the Jharkhand Assem-
bly passed a resolution for the ‘Sarna’ code on No-
vember 11, 2021.
• Protecting the traditional religious practices of tri-
bals is crucial, and the demand for a ‘Tribal/Sarna
Religious Code’ is being raised to ensure the confi-
dence and identity of the nature-worshipping tribal
community
About Sarna Religion:
The Sarna religion is a nature-worshipping faith that is
also known as “Sarna Dharma” or “Religion of the Holy
Woods”. Followers of the Sarna religion pray to trees and
hills and believe in protecting forest areas. Their holy grail
is “Jal (water), Jungle (forest), Zameen (land)”.
The Sarna religion is practised by a majority of the tribal
community in Jharkhand. The tribal community celebrates
the Sarhul festival, which is the New Year festival, as part of
the Sarna religion.
26. TOTO LANGUAGE
Context:
A dictionary titled “Toto Shabda Sangraha” is set to be re-
leased with the aim of preserving the Toto language, which
is spoken by a mere 1,600 people in parts of West Bengal
bordering Bhutan.
About Toto Language:
• The Toto language, a Sino-Tibetan language, is pri-
marily spoken orally and is currently written in the
Bengali script.
• While a script for Toto was developed in 2015 by
Dhaniram Toto, a prominent community member,
most Toto speakers still use the Bengali script or
write in Bengali.
The trilingual dictionary will translate Toto words into Ben-
gali and English, making it accessible to a wider audience, as
the Toto script is still in its early stages of development, and
the tribe is more familiar with the Bengali script.
27. MATANGINI HAZRA
Context:
Matangini Hazra, affectionately known as ‘Gandhi Buri,’ was
a dedicated Gandhian and a prominent figure in the Indian
freedom struggle.
• She met a tragic end during the Quit India Move-
ment in Tamluk, Bengal, when she led a protest
march against British rule. Her death turned her
into a martyr and marked one of the early casual-
ties of the Quit India movement.
About Matangini Hazra:
• Matangini Hazra was deeply influenced by Mahat-
ma Gandhi’s message and charisma, leading her to
join the freedom struggle with great enthusiasm.
• One noteworthy incident from her life involved a
daring protest march in 1933 when she confronted
British authorities in front of the Governor’s palace,
holding the freedom movement’s flag high and de-
manding, “Go back, lat sahib.”
• Hazra’s involvement in the freedom struggle inten-
sified during the Quit India Movement of 1942. At
www.insightsonindia.com 105

the age of 73, she led a procession of around 6,000
protesters, primarily women.
• She was shot three times by British police while
holding the Indian flag high.
GS-2
1. AGRICULTURAL CESS
Context:
The government has removed the 15 per cent agriculture
cess (also called Agriculture infrastructure and development
cess (AIDC)) on imports of LPG, liquified propane, and liqui-
fied butane starting from September 1.
• This exemption reverses the previous imposition of
the agriculture cess on these goods in July
• It is also imposed on Crude Palm Oil
What is Cess?
Cess is a kind of special-purpose tax which is levied over and
above basic tax rates.
What is AIDC?
The AIDC was introduced in the Budget 2021. The purpose of
the AIDC is to raise funds to finance spending on developing
agriculture infrastructure.
2. INDIAN RAILWAY BOARD CHAIRMAN:
JAYA VERMA SINHA
Context:
Jaya Verma Sinha has become the first woman to lead the
Railway Board (in the Railway Board’s 118-year history), the
top decision-making body for India’s Ministry of Railways.
About Indian Railways:
The Ministry of Railways (founded 1905; HQ: Rail Bhawan,
New Delhi) functions as the statutory authority for the Indi-
an Railways, a monopoly in rail transport. The Chairman and
CEO of the Railway Board leads this organization.
106 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
About Indian Railway Board:
In 1901, on the recommendations of the Sir Thomas Rob-
ertson Committee regarding the administration and working
of the railways, an early version of the railway board was
constituted. It initially had three members.
In 1921, the Railway Board was reorganized, and a Chief
Commissioner of Railways was appointed to make technical
decisions and advise the Government on policy matters.
In December 2019, the Union Cabinet decided to reduce
the size of the board from eight to five. It also decided to
merge its different cadres into a single Railway Manage-
ment Service. The restructured Railway Board will comprise
a Chairman acting as CEO and four members overseeing in-
frastructure, operations, rolling stock, and finance
3. “SPECIAL SESSION” OF PARLIAMENT
Context:
The government has announced a “special session” of Par-
liament from September 18 to 22, and this has raised ques-
tions about the legislative agenda for the session.
About the Special session:
The term “special session” is not defined in the Constitu-
tion but is often used for sessions convened for specific oc-
casions or commemorating milestones.
Key points about the parliamentary special session:
Key Points Description
Special Ses- The term “special session” may refer to
sions sessions convened for specific occasions
or purposes, often with limitations on
parliamentary procedures. Presiding offi-
cers chair these sessions.
E m e r g e n c y Article 352 of the Constitution mentions
Provisions a “special sitting of the House” in the
context of a Proclamation of Emergency.
If Parliament is not in session, one-tenth
of Lok Sabha MPs can request a special
meeting to disapprove the Emergency.
D ete r m i n i n g The government, through the Cabinet
Parliamentary Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, de-
Sessions cides when Parliament meets, including
session dates and durations.
The President is informed of the Com-
mittee’s decisions, and MPs are sum-
moned for the session.
Current Affairs 30
Constitutional The Constitution mandates that there
Requirement should not be more than a six-month
(Article 85) gap between two parliamentary ses-
sions. This provision was adapted from
the Government of India Act of 1935
Parliamentary India does not have a fixed parliamen-
Calendar tary calendar. Traditionally, Parliament
meets for three sessions in a year:
• Budget Session (February-May)
• Monsoon Session (July-August)
• Winter Session (November-De-
cember)
Dr. B.R. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar believed in regular
A m b e d k a r ’s parliamentary sessions and rejected pro-
Perspective posals for year-round or longer sessions
to prevent fatigue among legislators.
Frequency of Session frequency has varied over the
Sessions years. Pre-independence, the central as-
sembly met for about 60 days annually,
increasing to 120 days in the first two
decades after independence.
Efforts to In- Various recommendations have suggest-
crease Sitting ed increasing the number of sitting days
Days for Parliament, exceeding 100 days an-
nually. Some private member Bills pro-
posed specific session durations.
4. NCERT AS DEEMED-TO-BE-UNIVERSITY
Context:
Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entre-
preneurship, announced that the National Council of Educa-
tional Research and Training (NCERT) has been granted the
status of a Deemed-to-be-University.
• This new status as a research university will allow
NCERT to engage in global collaborations and make
contributions to the global education landscape.
Further necessities highlighted:
• The importance of developing content in the moth-
er tongue and proposed the establishment of Aug-
mented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intel-
ligence labs in all seven regional canters of NCERT.
• Equipping these centres with the latest technolo-
gies from around the world to make India a global
hub of research and innovation.
• Standardize the teacher training curriculum and
prepare children for the challenges of Industrial
Revolution 4.0.
5. ARTEFACTS TO GRACE G-20 CORRIDOR
Context:
The G-20 summit will feature a special Culture Corridor
exhibition that showcases objects of cultural significance
from various countries.
• Some of the physical items on display include a copy
of the Magna Carta from the UK, a bronze statue
of Belvedere Apollo from Italy, and an 18th-century
Fahua-lidded jar from China. India’s contribution is
Panini’s Ashtadhyayi, an ancient text.
• Notable digital contributions include France’s Mona
Lisa, Germany’s Gutenberg’s Bible, and Mexico’s
statue of the deity ‘Coatlicue’. This exhibition aims
to celebrate the shared heritage of the G-20 na-
tions and invitees, representing a “museum in the
making.”
The Culture Corridor-G-20 Digital Museum will be unveiled
at the G-20 Leaders’ Summit venue, ‘Bharat Mandapam,’.
6. KARNATAKA HIGH COURT NULLIFIES
HASSAN LOK SABHA ELECTIONS
Context:
The Karnataka High Court has declared the election of a
Member of Lok Sabha from the Hassan constituency in the
2019 general elections as null and void.
• The court made this ruling based on findings of cor-
rupt practices during the election process.
The court found that the member had engaged in numerous
election corrupt practices, including providing false infor-
mation about the value of his assets, concealing his actual
bank balance, failing to disclose a loan, and not submitting
income-tax returns for relevant periods.
Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 enables the
High Court to declare an election void on certain grounds
(Conviction of certain offences, Corrupt practices, Failing
to declare election expenses, Interests in government con-
tracts or works). The aggrieved person can appeal to the Su-
preme Court against the order of the High Court.
7. OFFSPRING OF VOID/VOIDABLE MAR-
RIAGES ENTITLED TO ANCESTRAL PROPER-
TY
Context: The Supreme Court has ruled that children born
from void or voidable marriages have the right to claim a
share of their parents’ ancestral property.
• However, this right is limited to their parents’ share
within the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) governed
by Mitakshara Law and does not extend to the en-
tire HUF’s property.
• It emphasized that these children would be consid-
ered legitimate and related by legitimate kinship
under the Hindu Succession Act (HSA), 1956.
• Section 16(3) of the HMA, 1955 explicitly states that
the conferment of legitimacy does not grant any
rights to the property of anyone other than the par-
ents.
www.insightsonindia.com 107

About Mitakshara Law:
The Mitakshara school of Hindu law is a well-known school
of thought that specifies procedures for succession and in-
heritance. The Mitakshara school of thought states that a
son, grandson, and great-grandson have a right to family
property through birth.
The Mitakshara School of Law is followed in every state in
India, except for West Bengal and Assam. The Hindu Suc-
cession Act of 1956 governs Hindu family law.
Before the 2005 amendment of the Hindu Succession Act, a
female could not be a coparcener and was not entitled to
partition.
8. GRAMODYOG VIKAS YOJANA
Context:
The Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commis-
sion (KVIC), recently, distributed toolkits and machinery to
artisans in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, as part of the Gramo-
dyog Vikas Yojana.
Electric Wheels were given to 100 potters, Footwear Tool-
kits to 75 Leather Artisans, and Paper Massey Machines to
60 artisans.
About the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana:
9. PM-DAKSH
Context:
The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna
Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme
launched in 2020-21 with the goal of enhancing the compe-
tency levels of specific target groups to make them employ-
able, whether for self-employment or wage-employment,
108 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
thereby contributing to their socio-economic development.
• The scheme is primarily aimed at Scheduled Castes
(SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economi-
cally Backward Classes (EBCs), De-notified Tribes
(DNTs), Safai Karamcharis (including waste pickers),
and others.
The eligibility criteria for the scheme are as follows:
• Age: Between 18 to 45 years.
• Income: No income limit for SCs, Safai Karamcharis
(including waste pickers), and DNTs. For OBCs and
EBCs, the annual family income should be below
Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 1 lakh, respectively.
The scheme offers various types of training programs with
different durations and costs per candidate:
• Up-skilling/Reskilling
• Short Term Training
• Entrepreneurship Development Programme
• Long Term Training
10. FRENCH LAÏCITÉ
Context:
The French government announced that the practice of
wearing abaya would be banned in state-run schools as it
violated the principle of Laïcité.
• Laïcité, the French principle of secularism, involves
the complete separation of religious values from the
public sphere, emphasizing the promotion of secu-
lar values like liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• Its aim is to encourage tolerance and assimilation,
with religion reserved for the private sphere. The
state plays a crucial role in enforcing Laïcité prin-
ciples.
History of Laïcité:
• Laïcité emerged following the French Revolution
in 1789 but became more concrete with the Law of
1905 during the Third Republic, establishing state-
run secular schools.
• Laïcité was not a major issue for much of the 20th
century when France was relatively homogenous.
However, demographic changes in the 1950s and
1960s due to decolonization led to tensions as im-
migrants from predominantly Muslim countries ar-
rived.
11. GUJARAT DECLARATION
Context: The “Gujarat Declaration,” released as the out-
come of the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit
2023, emphasizes the global commitment to harnessing
the potential of traditional medicine for the betterment of
health and well-being worldwide.
Current Affairs 30
Key Outcomes Description
Reaffirmation of Commitment to indigenous knowl-
Global Commit- edge, biodiversity, and traditional
ments medicine.
Emphasis on rigorous scientific meth-
ods for holistic health approaches.
India’s Role India’s importance as host of the
WHO Global Traditional Medicine
Centre.
India’s role in enhancing WHO’s sup-
port for member states and stake-
holders.
Promotion of Tra- Scaling up evidence-based Tradition-
ditional Medicine al Complementary Integrative Medi-
cine (TCIM) interventions.
Collaboration among regions, disci-
plines, and stakeholders for global
health benefits.
Integration into Integration of TCIM into national
National Health health policies and systems based
Systems on research.
Regulation and formal utilization of
scientifically proven TCIM products
and practices.
Standardization Policies to standardize TCIM docu-
and Data Collec- mentation using WHO’s ICD-11 for
tion evidence integration.
Establishment of a global network
of TCIM reference clinical centres for
data collection.
Digital Health and Advancement of digital health tech-
Biodiversity nologies, including AI, for TCIM re-
sources.
Protection of biodiversity, Indige-
nous knowledge, and Indigenous
Peoples’ rights.
WHO Traditional Organized by WHO and co-hosted by
Medicine Global the Ministry of Ayush.
Summit 2023 De-
tails
12. G20 TOURISM AND SDG DASHBOARD
Context:
The Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the United Na-
tions World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has introduced
the G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard.
• Developed under India’s G20 Presidency and with
the expertise of UNWTO, the dashboard emphasiz-
es India’s dedication to sustainable tourism.
• The G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard is a compre-
hensive platform that consolidates insights, case
studies, and best practices from G20 countries
to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). It serves as a knowledge hub for sustain-
able tourism practices, fostering collaboration and
growth within the global tourism industry.
13. MALAVIYA MISSION - TEACHERS
TRAINING PROGRAMME
Context:
The Union Ministry for Education and Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship launched the Malaviya Mission - Teachers
Training Programme (under the University Grants Commis-
sion (UGC))
• It is proposed by restructuring of existing schemes
of capacity building of teachers under the Depart-
ment of Higher Education.
Objectives of the Mission:
• This initiative aims to provide tailored training pro-
grams for teachers and enhance the quality of edu-
cation at higher educational institutions (HEIs).
• The program will capacitate 15 lakh teachers across
India through 111 Malaviya Mission centres, for-
merly known as Human Resource Development
Centers (HRDCs).
• It seeks to make educators future-ready, improve
training quality, build leadership skills, and align
with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP).
Themes: The program’s themes include multidisciplinary
education, Indian knowledge systems, academic leadership,
and more, fostering holistic development. Lifelong learning
is emphasized.
14. ASEAN SUMMIT
Context:
Prime Minister, in his address at the 20th ASEAN-India sum-
mit in Jakarta, Indonesia, emphasized that ASEAN (Asso-
ciation of Southeast Asian Nations) plays a central role in
India’s Act East Policy.
ASEAN, established on August 8, 1967, initially consisted of
five member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Singapore, and Thailand. Over the years, it expanded to
include Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar,
and Vietnam. ASEAN’s core principles include regional coop-
eration in various fields, promotion of regional peace and
stability, and adherence to the principles of the United Na-
tions Charter.
India is part of the ASEAN Plus Six grouping, which includes
China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia.
www.insightsonindia.com 109

India and ASEAN signed a Free Trade Agreement in 2010 and
have seen trade growth, except during the pandemic years
of 2020 and 2021.
15. DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR PREVEN-
TION AND REGULATION OF DARK PAT-
TERNS
Context:
The Union government has released draft guidelines aimed
at curbing “dark patterns” employed by online platforms.
• These dark patterns are deceptive strategies used
to mislead users into taking actions they did not in-
tend, such as making unwanted purchases or sub-
scriptions.
• The guidelines define dark patterns as deceptive
design patterns in user interface/experience (UI/
UX) interactions that impair consumer autonomy
and violate consumer rights.
Types of Dark Patterns:
• The draft guidelines identify ten types of dark pat-
terns, including false urgency, basket sneaking
(adding extra items without user consent during
checkout), confirm shaming (using fear or shame to
nudge user actions), forced action (compelling ad-
ditional purchases), and subscription traps (making
cancellation difficult).
The guidelines will apply to all platforms systematically of-
fering goods or services in India, including advertisers and
sellers.
16. VIDYA SAMIKSHA KENDRAS
Context:
The Ministry of Education is urging states to establish Vidya
Samiksha Kendras (VSKs), which are data repositories un-
der the National Digital Education Architecture.
• These centres will collect data from various educa-
tional schemes run by the Ministry of Education,
including mid-day meal programs, teacher training,
textbook content, school attendance, students’
learning outcomes, and performance grading.
Currently, a central VSK centre is managed by Ernst and
Young, and it operates on open-source C-Qube software.
Data is manually input and accessible in downloadable Excel
format, but the plan is to shift to automatic data integration
using Application Programming Interface (API) integration.
This aligns with the National Education Policy of 2020, aim-
ing to make data open source.
Significance:
• The goal is to analyse data from various sources for
correlations and insights. For example, attendance
patterns can be correlated with student drop-out
110 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
rates or linked to the effectiveness of mid-day meal
programs.
• VSKs are also intended to map school locations and
population data to assess the Gross Access Ratio,
aiding in the planning of new schools, industry clus-
ters, skilling requirements, and higher education
institutions based on demand and future scenarios.
This initiative aims to improve educational data analytics
and enhance decision-making in the education sector.
17. CBI DOES NOT REQUIRE PERMISSION
TO PROBE PRE-2014 CASES TOO: SC
Context:
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that a 2014 judgment
declaring a legal provision requiring prior permission for the
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate corrup-
tion cases against senior government officials is retrospec-
tive.
• This means that the provision, Section 6A of the
Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, has
been considered void from the day of its insertion
on September 11, 2003.
o CBI powers are derived from the DSPE Act
• The Court stated that Section 6A violated funda-
mental rights and that once a law is declared uncon-
stitutional, it is void from its inception.
Consequently, senior government officials involved in cor-
ruption cases before the 2014 judgment can no longer seek
protection through prior approval for investigations.
Note: Article 20(1) has no bearing in the context of the dec-
laration of Section 6A as unconstitutional as Article 20 (1)
doesn’t bar retrospective application of procedural chang-
es in criminal trial.
18. CRIMINALISATION OF POLITICS
Context:
A study conducted by the Association for Democratic Re-
forms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) reveals
that approximately 40% of sitting Members of Parliament
(MPs) in India have criminal cases registered against them,
with 25% facing serious criminal charges such as murder,
attempt to murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women.
• The analysis is based on self-sworn affidavits of
763 sitting MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya
Sabha.
• The study also highlights variations in the preva-
lence of criminal cases and average assets among
different states and political parties, with Telangana
having the highest average assets per MP and Lak-
shadweep having the lowest.
Current Affairs 30

19. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL Key Points Details

Agreement on G20 countries have agreed to use
Context: Global Skill Gap In- 12 basic and 14 extended indica-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia’s Crown dicators tors proposed by the ILO and OECD
Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) recently chaired the to monitor and measure the global
first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership skills gap.
Council (SPC).
Implementation ILO and OECD will be responsible
for implementing the intervention
About Strategic Partnership Council:
to monitor
• This council, established in 2019, aims to enhance
the relationship between the two countries and Migration Path- G20 leaders have pledged to es-
has two main pillars: the Committee on Political, ways tablish well-managed, regular, and
Security, Social, and Cultural Cooperation and the skills-based migration pathways
Committee on Economy and Investments. that benefit both origin and destina-
• These committees have four levels of engagement, tion countries.
including summit-level meetings, ministerial-lev- Global Skills Taxon- Develop a global skills taxonomy
el discussions, senior officials’ meetings, and joint omy broad enough to be applied across
working groups. different countries.
International Refer- Plans to create an International Ref-
During their recent meeting, India and Saudi Arabia agreed ence Classification erence Classification of occupations
to expedite the $50-billion West Coast refinery project and based on skill and qualification re-
identified areas such as energy, defence, semiconductor, quirements for better cross-country
and space for intensified cooperation. comparability and mutual recogni-
tion of qualifications.
West Coast Refinery Project aims to set up Asia’s largest Educational Priori- Emphasis on investing in human
refinery in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. It is a trilateral project ties capital development to transform
between ARAMCO (Saudi), ADNOC (UAE) and Indian com- education systems, enhance enroll-
panies. ments and student retention, and
ensure all learners acquire founda-
tional skills by 2030.
20. ILO AND OECD TO MEASURE AND
Global Collabora- Exploring university-level collabora-
MONITOR THE GLOBAL SKILLS GAP tions tions with countries like Australia,
UAE, Taiwan, UK, and others in crit-
Context:
ical areas, with active research col-
Under India’s Union Education and Skills Development Min-
laborations with several countries.
ister’s leadership, the G20 nations have adopted indicators
from the ILO and OECD to track the global skills gap. For ILO Monitor on “world of work”: Click here

What is a Skills Gap? 21. EASTERN MARITIME CORRIDOR

A skills gap refers to the mismatch between the skills and
qualifications that job seekers possess and those that em-
ployers require for available positions. It means that there
are often unfilled job openings because potential employ-
ees lack the necessary skills and knowledge for these roles.
• Types of skill mismatches include skill shortages,
qualification mismatch, skill gaps, skill obsolescence,
and over/under skilling.
India’s Skill Gap:
• Only 49% of Indian youth is employable, points out
the India Skills Report
• According to the National Employability Report for
Engineering, 80% of Indian engineers don’t possess
the required skills.
Key points of ILO and OECD indicators:
(EMC)
Context:
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has extended an invita-
tion for an Indo-Russian Workshop on the Eastern Maritime
Corridor (EMC) in Vladivostok, Russia.
What is the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC)?
The Eastern Maritime Corridor is a proposed sea route
between Chennai, India, and Vladivostok, Russia, passing
through the Sea of Japan, the South China Sea, and the Ma-
lacca Strait.
Benefits for India include:
• Significant time reduction: It shortens the transpor-
tation time by up to 16 days, making it more effi-
cient.

www.insightsonindia.com 111

• Presence in Southeast Asia: Chennai Port’s strategic
location opens trade opportunities with Southeast
Asian nations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
• Access to Russia’s Far East: Vladivostok Port pro-
vides access to resource-rich regions, offering op-
portunities in sectors like energy, mining, and tech-
nology for Indian businesses.
This initiative follows a Memorandum of Intent on the
development of maritime communications exchanged be-
tween Vladivostok and Chennai in 2019.
22. VVPAT
Context:
A petition by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)
has called for the 100% counting of Voter Verifiable Paper
Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips during elections as the current sys-
tem fails to guarantee that votes are counted as cast.
• Currently, the Election Commission of India (ECI)
mandates counting VVPAT slips in five randomly se-
lected polling stations per Assembly constituency or
segment.
• The ECI responded by stating that counting all
VVPAT slips in every election would revert to man-
ual polling methods via indirect means.
• Initially, one polling station’s VVPAT slips per As-
sembly constituency were counted, later increased
to five stations after a Supreme Court judgment in
2019.
About VVPATs:
VVPATs are devices attached to Electronic Voting Machines
(EVMs) that print a paper slip with the voter’s choice, allow-
ing voters to verify their vote.
The VVPAT concept emerged in 2010, and it was gradual-
ly introduced in elections, with 100% coverage starting in
June 2017.
112 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
23. IGOT KARMAYOGI PLATFORM
Context:
The iGOT Karmayogi Bharat platform, in partnership with
NITI Aayog, has introduced a new collection dedicated to the
Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
• This initiative aims to enhance the competencies of
5,000 Block-level officials in 500 identified Blocks,
helping them perform their duties effectively in un-
der-served areas.
• The curated module includes ten courses covering
topics such as time management, communication,
leadership, sustainable development goals, prob-
lem-solving, stress management, and team build-
ing.
About iGOT Karmayogi Platform:
iGOT Karmayogi (https://igotkarmayogi.gov.in/) is a compre-
hensive online portal to guide government officials in their
capacity-building journey. The portal combines 6 functional
hubs for online learning, competency management, career
management, discussions, events and networking.
24. AYUSHMAN BHAV CAMPAIGN
Context:
The President of India, virtually launched the Ayushman
Bhav Campaign, emphasizing its goal of ultimately achiev-
ing Universal Health Coverage.
Features:
• Successful gram panchayats will be declared as
Ayushman Gram Panchayats.
• The campaign aims to facilitate access to Ayush-
man cards, generate ABHA IDs, and raise awareness
about health schemes and diseases, with a focus
on non-communicable diseases, tuberculosis, and
sickle cell disease.
• It comprises three components: Ayushman - Apke
Dwar 3.0, Ayushman Melas at Health and Wellness
Centres, and Ayushman Sabhas in every village and
panchayat.
25. PRADHAN MANTRI UJJWALA YOJANA
(PMUY)
Context:
The government has extended the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwa-
la Yojana (PMUY), a scheme providing LPG connections to
households, to an additional 75 lakh consumers over three
years from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
• The scheme’s total beneficiaries will now reach
10.35 crore.
Current Affairs 30
India will be digitally registered on the Centre’s portal.
• This initiative is through the Registration of Births
and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, which intro-
duces digital birth certificates.
Features:
• These digital certificates will serve as a single doc-
ument for various purposes, including admission
to educational institutions, applying for a driver’s
license, government job applications, obtaining
passports or Aadhaar cards, enrolling as a voter,
registering marriages, and more.
• States will be mandated to register births and
deaths on the Centre’s Civil Registration System
(CRS) portal and share this data with the Regis-
trar-General of India (RGI), which operates under
the Union Home Ministry.

28. SKILL INDIA DIGITAL

26. ACHIEVEMENTS OF PRADHAN MAN-
TRI MATSYA SAMPADA YOJANA (PMMSY)
Context:
The PMMSY has been instrumental in addressing critical
gaps in the fisheries value chain in India.
About PMMSY:
Context:
The Union Minister for Education and Skill Development
and Entrepreneurship, has launched Skill India Digital (SID),
a comprehensive digital platform designed to transform the
skills, education, employment, and entrepreneurship land-
scape in India.
• This platform aims to offer industry-relevant skill
courses, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship
support to enable access to quality skill develop-
ment and better opportunities for every Indian cit-
izen.

About Skill India Digital:

• Skill India Digital, functioning as the Digital Public
Infrastructure (DPI) for skilling, education, employ-
ment, and entrepreneurship in India, focuses on le-
veraging digital technology and Industry 4.0 skills.
• It is designed to accelerate the hiring of skilled tal-
ent, facilitate lifelong learning, and promote career
advancement.
• The platform aligns with the G20 framework for
building DPI and the digital economy, emphasizing
digital skills and literacy.

Key highlights of Skill India Digital include:

• Use of Aadhaar/AI-based facial authentication.
• Introduction of Digital Verifiable Credentials (DVC).
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ma-
chine Learning (ML) recommendations.
• Aadhaar-based eKYC for secure access.
• Mobile-first approach for accessibility.
• Emphasis on security measures and interoperabil-
27. ALL REPORTED BIRTHS, AND DEATHS ity.
TO BE DIGITALLY REGISTERED • Integration of a WhatsApp chatbot.
• Efforts to enhance the ease of doing business.
Context:
Starting from October 1, all reported births and deaths in A significant innovation is the introduction of Digitally Veri-

www.insightsonindia.com 113

fied Credentials, which empowers users to confidently pres-
ent their qualifications in a secure, tamper-proof, and veri-
fiable digital format.
Skill India Digital also integrates government training pro-
grams, creating a centralized hub for skill development
initiatives initiated by Central and State governments and
various departments.
29. NATIONAL JUDICIAL DATA GRID
Context:
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud has announced that
the Supreme Court of India has now joined the National Ju-
dicial Data Grid (NJDG) portal, which serves as a national re-
pository of case-related data from courts across the country.
About National Judicial Data Grid:
• The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) is an online
platform created under the eCourts Project in India.
• It serves as a comprehensive database that contains
information about orders, judgments, and case de-
tails from District and subordinate Courts and High
Courts across the country.
• The NJDG is managed as part of the e-Courts proj-
ect, which is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. It has
been developed by the National Informatics Centre
(NIC) in collaboration with the in-house software de-
velopment team of the Computer Cell, Registry of
the Supreme Court.
Significance:
• Easy access to case-related information, statistics,
and year-wise breakdowns of Supreme Court cases.
• Enhancing transparency, accountability, efficiency,
coordination, informed decision-making, and opti-
mal resource deployment.
30. OIML (INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZA-
TION OF LEGAL METROLOGY)
Context:
India has achieved the distinction of becoming the 13th
country in the world authorized to issue Internationally Ac-
cepted OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrolo-
gy) Certificates.
• This accomplishment allows domestic manufactur-
ers in India to have their weighing and measuring
instruments tested within the country and then sell
them in the international market.
About OIML:
• The OIML is an intergovernmental organization es-
tablished in 1955, with India becoming a member in
1956. It has 63 Member States and 64 Correspond-
ing Members.
114 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Significance:
• Benefits indigenous manufacturers as they can ex-
port their weighing and measuring instruments
worldwide without incurring additional testing fees,
resulting in cost savings.
• India can support foreign manufacturers by issuing
OIML pattern approval certificates through its cer-
tified RRSLs, generating foreign exchange through
fees and services.
• Influence OIML policies and provide input to the
OIML Strategy.
India now joins an exclusive group of nations, including
Australia, Switzerland, China, Czech Republic, Germany,
Denmark, France, United Kingdom, Japan, Netherlands,
Sweden, and Slovakia, as the 13th country worldwide au-
thorized to issue OIML approval certificates.
31. SHREYAS SCHEME
Context:
The “SHREYAS” scheme, consisting of four central sector
sub-schemes, has played a significant role in empowering
students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward
Classes (OBC) in India since 2014-15.
The sub-schemes are as follows:
• Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs
• Top Class Education for SCs
• National Overseas Scheme for SCs
• National Fellowship for SC Students
These sub-schemes under the SHREYAS umbrella have sig-
nificantly contributed to the education and empowerment
of SC and OBC students, enabling them to pursue higher ed-
ucation and excel in their chosen fields.
32. KISAN RIN PORTAL
Context:
The Indian government has launched the “Kisan Rin Portal”
as part of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme to revolution-
ize the agriculture sector.
• Additionally, the government launched the Weather
Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) portal
and initiated a door-to-door KCC campaign.
About Kisan Rin Portal:
• The Kisan Rin digital platform will offer a compre-
hensive view of farmer data, scheme utilization
progress, loan disbursement specifics, and inter-
est subvention claims, enhancing integration with
banks for more efficient agriculture credit.
About Weather Information Network Data Systems
(WINDS) portal:
• WINDS leverages advanced weather data analytics
to provide stakeholders with actionable insights for
informed weather-related decisions in agriculture.
Current Affairs 30
The portal includes a comprehensive manual for
stakeholders to understand its functionalities, data
interpretations, and effective utilization.
33. UNCITRAL SOUTH ASIA CONFERENCE
Context:
India hosted the inaugural United Nations Commission on
International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) South Asia Conference
recently.
• The conference aimed to strengthen India’s engage-
ment with UNCITRAL and encourage interaction
between UNCITRAL, the judiciary, bureaucracy, ac-
ademia, and the legal fraternity.
• It was organized jointly by the Ministry of External
Affairs, UNCITRAL, and the organization’s national
coordination committee for India.
The conference covered various topics, including the digital
economy, MSMEs and access to credit, insolvency, inves-
tor-state dispute settlement reform, international commer-
cial arbitration, and mediation. The event also highlighted
India’s potential as a hub for international arbitration.
About UNCITRAL:
UNCITRAL stands for the United Nations Commission on In-
ternational Trade Law. It is the principal legal entity within
the United Nations system dedicated to international trade
law.
UNCITRAL is a legal body with universal membership that
specializes in commercial law reform worldwide. It has
been working for over 50 years to modernize and harmonize
rules on international business. UNCITRAL’s primary goal is
to facilitate international trade by creating legal frameworks
and instruments that promote fairness, transparency, and
efficiency in cross-border commercial transactions.
34. NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION
QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK (NHEQF)
Context:
India has recently introduced a National Higher Education
Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) after a prolonged delay.
• The NHEQF is meant to streamline higher education
qualifications, but it has several shortcomings.
Issues with National Higher Education Qualifications
Framework (NHEQF):
• NHEQF coexists with other frameworks, such as the
National Credit Framework and the Academic Bank
of Credits, creating confusion and defeating the
purpose of a unified framework.
• Certain disciplines like agriculture, law, medicine,
and pharmacy are not included, despite their im-
portance.
• The NHEQF draws heavily from the European Bolo-
gna process, which may not fully suit India’s diverse
and complex higher education system.
35. CAUVERY WATER MANAGEMENT
AUTHORITY
Context:
The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) needs
to take action in formulating a distress-sharing formula for
the Cauvery River, as recent submissions by Karnataka and
Tamil Nadu have highlighted the urgency of the matter.
• Both states, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka acknowledge
the concept of distress sharing, but the disagree-
ment lies in the specifics of the formula.
Tamil Nadu considers factors such as deficit in inflows to Kar-
nataka’s reservoirs and rainfall patterns in the Cauvery catch-
ment, while Karnataka believes that the distress situation
cannot be determined until the end of January, taking both
southwest and northeast monsoons into account.
The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) is a
regulatory body established by the Indian government to
oversee the equitable distribution and management of the
Cauvery River’s waters among the riparian states of Karna-
taka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
36. ‘BIMA SUGAM’ ONLINE PLATFORM
Context:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of
India (IRDAI) is creating the ‘Bima Sugam’ online platform,
which is described as a ‘game-changer’ and a ‘UPI moment’
for the insurance sector.
Benefits of the portal:
• It will serve as a one-stop destination for insur-
ance-related needs, including policies, portability,
agent changes, and claims.
• Buyers can directly purchase life, motor, or health
policies through web aggregators, brokers, banks,
and insurance agents. Insurance companies will be
major shareholders in the platform, which will offer
services via an ‘e-insurance account’ (E-IA).
• The platform aims to centralize data, facilitate pol-
icy porting, offer a wide range of policy choices,
reduce intermediary commissions, and enable the
acceptance of new products.
• The launch date for Bima Sugam is set for June 2024,
following delays from the original deadlines.
Ownership:
Life insurance and general insurance companies will own a
47.5 per cent stake each, while brokers and agent bodies will
own 2.5 per cent each.
IRDAI (Bima Trinity of the policy):
• 1st element is Bima Sugam
• 2nd element is Bima Vistar: It will be a bundled risk
cover product, which offers defined benefits for each
www.insightsonindia.com 115

risk and aims to provide faster claim payouts with-
out the need for surveyors.
• 3rd element is Bima Vaahaks: The third component
of the plan involves deploying a women-centric
workforce called Bima Vaahaks (carriers) in each
Gram Sabha (village council) to promote the bene-
fits of insurance products.
Other plans:
• State-level insurance committees: To achieve the
goal of providing insurance coverage for all citizens
by 2047, the IRDA plans to establish State-level in-
surance committees and involve State governments
in formulating district-level insurance plans.
• Amendment to insurance laws (Insurance Act,
1938) to allow differentiated capital require-
ments for niche insurers, attract more investments,
and enable the addition of value-added services to
insurance policies.
About IRDAI
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of In-
dia (founded 1999; HQ: Hyderabad) is a statutory body (un-
der the IRDA Act 1999) and is under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Finance and is tasked with regulating and licens-
ing the insurance and re-insurance industries in India.
37. IMMUNITY OF LEGISLATORS FROM
BRIBERY CHARGES
Context:
The Supreme Court of India has decided to revisit its 1998
Constitution Bench judgment in the P V Narasimha Rao
case, which granted legislators immunity from criminal pros-
ecution on bribery charges for their speeches or votes in
Parliament.
• A 5-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief
Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, has referred the
matter to a larger 7-judge Bench. This decision aims
to reconsider the interpretation of Articles 105(2)
and 194(2) of the Constitution, which extend this
privilege to members of Parliament and State Leg-
islatures, respectively.
Background of the case:
• The P V Narasimha Rao case originated from the
1993 JMM bribery case, where some members of
the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party were ac-
cused of accepting bribes to vote against a no-con-
fidence motion against the government led by P V
Narasimha Rao. The Supreme Court had granted
them immunity under Article 105(2) in that case.
Recent Issue:
• The recent revisit decision came up in a case involv-
ing bribery charges against JMM MLA Sita Soren,
who was accused of accepting a bribe to vote for
an independent candidate in the 2012 Rajya Sabha
116 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
elections. The High Court of Jharkhand had reject-
ed her plea to quash the charges based on Article
194(2). The matter reached the Supreme Court,
where it was referred to a larger Bench due to its
substantial public importance.
The 5-judge Bench, in its decision to refer the case, noted
that the issue concerns the essence of parliamentary de-
mocracy and the freedom of legislators to speak and vote
without fear of criminal consequences. The Court empha-
sized that the purpose of Articles 105(2) and 194(2) is to
enable legislators to carry out their duties without fear,
rather than granting them higher privileges and immunity
from general criminal laws.
38. ALL-WOMEN PANEL OF 13
VICE-CHAIRPERSONS IN THE UPPER HOUSE
Context:
In a historic move, the Rajya Sabha Chairman has formed
an all-women panel of 13 Vice-Chairpersons in the Rajya
Sabha in connection with the Women’s Reservation Bill,
known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023.
• Under the Rules of Rajya Sabha, the Chairman nom-
inates from among the members a panel of VCs and
any one of them can preside over the House in the
absence of the Chairman/ Deputy Chairman.
Some of the notable members of this panel include P. T.
Usha, Jaya Bachchan, Saroj Pandey, Dola Sen, Sulata Deo,
and Dr. Fauzia Khan.
39. FIVE EYES ALLIANCE
Context:
The recent India-Canada standoff regarding allegations of
Indian government involvement in the killing of a separat-
ist leader in Canada has brought attention to the role of the
Five Eyes Alliance.
About Five Eyes Alliance:
• Five Eyes Alliance: The Five Eyes Alliance refers to
an intelligence-sharing partnership among five
countries: the United States, the United Kingdom,
Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
• These nations collaborate closely on intelligence
matters, sharing information to protect their
shared national interests.
• Origins of the Alliance: The alliance traces its ori-
gins back to World War II when the UK and the
US decided to share intelligence after successfully
breaking German and Japanese codes.
o It began as the Britain-USA (BRUSA) agree-
ment, later evolving into the UK-USA (UKU-
SA) agreement, with Canada joining in 1949
and New Zealand and Australia in 1956.
Current Affairs 30
40. 75% OF VILLAGES ARE NOW ODF
PLUS
Context:
India has achieved a significant sanitation milestone under
the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II, with 75% of
villages in the country now declaring themselves ODF Plus.
• As of now, over 4.43 lakh villages have achieved
ODF Plus status, a significant step toward the SBM-G
Phase II goals for 2024-25.
• Several states and union territories have achieved
100% ODF Plus villages, including Andaman & Nico-
bar Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli & Daman Diu, Jam-
mu & Kashmir, and Sikkim, which also have 100%
ODF Plus Model villages.
• The Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II
aims to make all villages ODF Plus by 2025.
The achievement of 75% ODF Plus villages demonstrates In-
dia’s commitment to sanitation and hygiene, moving from
ODF to ODF Plus in Swachh Bharat Mission Phase II.
ODF Plus status means that a village has maintained its
Open Defecation Free (ODF) status while also implement-
ing solid or liquid waste management systems.
41. INDIA-UN CAPACITY BUILDING INI-
TIATIVE
Context:
India and the United Nations have jointly launched the “In-
dia-UN Capacity Building Initiative,” which aims to share
India’s development experiences, best practices, and ex-
pertise with partner countries in the Global South through
capacity-building and training programs.
• This initiative builds upon India’s extensive cooper-
ation in development and capacity building with
partner countries.
• The initiative complements the existing India-UN
partnership through the “India-UN Development
Partnership Fund”.
• The initiative will operationalize the develop-
ment-related goals of India’s G20 Presidency, in-
cluding the G20 Action Plan for Accelerating Prog-
ress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
and building Digital Public Infrastructure.
42. WORLD COFFEE CONFERENCE
Context:
The 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) was held in Bengal-
uru, and organized by the International Coffee Organization
(ICO), a UN body focused on highlighting the economic im-
portance of coffee.
• It is being held for the first time in an Asian cof-
fee-producing country.
One of the key topics discussed at the conference was “re-
generative agriculture,” a holistic farming approach that em-
phasizes soil health, food quality, biodiversity, water quali-
ty, and air quality.
About Regenerative agriculture:
Regenerative agriculture is a holistic farming approach that
focuses on improving soil health, biodiversity, and sustain-
ability by minimizing soil disturbance, diversifying crops, us-
ing cover crops, and integrating livestock. It aims to enhance
resources rather than deplete them, by adhering to prin-
ciples such as conservation tillage, crop diversification, soil
cover with cover crops, and integration of livestock.
About ICO:
ICO (established in 1963, under the UN; HQ: London) serves
as the only intergovernmental organization for coffee. It
administers the International Coffee Agreement (ICA), an
important instrument for development cooperation. Aims
to strengthen the coffee sector and promote sustainable
growth for the Global Coffee Value Chain (G-CVC). It is the
sole intergovernmental coffee organization, uniting export-
ing and importing governments. It has 43 exporting mem-
bers (including India) and 6 importing members.
www.insightsonindia.com 117

43. GITA MITTAL COMMITTEE
Context: The Supreme Court of India has informed petition-
ers involved in the Manipur ethnic violence case that it can-
not oversee the administration of the state and encouraged
petitioners to place their trust in the Justice Gita Mittal
Committee to address the issues.
• These issues include the distribution of Aadhaar
cards and disability certificates to displaced indi-
viduals, compensation for families of the deceased,
reconstruction of religious buildings and homes
damaged during the violence, handling of bodies,
and the functioning of courts in the state.
Justice Gita Mittal committee was established by the Su-
preme Court to monitor relief and rehabilitation efforts in
Manipur.
44. UNIFIED REGISTRATION PORTAL FOR
GOBARDHAN
Context:
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS),
Ministry of Jal Shakti, has introduced a Unified Registration
Portal for GOBARdhan to simplify the registration of Com-
pressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and biogas plants across India.
• So far, over 1,163 biogas plants and 426 CBG plants
have been successfully registered on the portal.
• These registered plants are eligible for assistance
under the Market Development Assistance (MDA)
scheme of the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry
of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
The Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme,
launched by the Department of Fertilizers aims to promote
the production and adoption of organic fertilizers generated
118 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
from GOBARdhan plants. It seeks to encourage sustainable/
organic agricultural practices, reduce reliance on chemical
fertilizers, and boost the use of bio-slurry in agriculture.
The GOBARdhan initiative, a multi-ministerial effort, aims
to transform organic waste, including cattle dung, agricul-
tural residues, and biomass, into valuable resources like
biogas, CBG, and organic manure. This initiative supports
high-value Biogas/CBG production and promotes the use of
bio-slurry to improve soil health, carbon content, and wa-
ter retention.
45. FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION REGULA-
TIONS ACT
Context:
Under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), NGOs
and associations registered to receive foreign contributions
must now annually declare details of movable and immov-
able assets created using those contributions.
About the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act:
• FCRA was enacted during the Emergency in
1976 amid apprehensions that foreign powers
were interfering in India’s affairs by pumping mon-
ey into the country through independent organisa-
tions.
• The law sought to regulate foreign donations to in-
dividuals and associations so that they functioned
in a manner consistent with the values of a sover-
eign democratic republic.
46. PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (PFRDA)
Context: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development
Authority (PFRDA) has requested the government to in-
crease the guaranteed pension amount under the Atal Pen-
sion Yojana (APY) due to concerns that the current amount
may not be attractive enough for potential subscribers
About Atal Pension Yojana (APY):
APY is a contributory scheme aimed at establishing a uni-
versal social security system for workers in the unorganised
sector. Currently, subscribers aged 18 to 40 contribute and
receive a fixed pension amount ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs
5,000 after reaching 60.
About Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Author-
ity (PFRDA):
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
(PFRDA) is a statutory body that regulates India’s pension
sector. It was established in 2013 by the Pension Fund Reg-
ulatory and Development Authority Act
Current Affairs 30

47. E-CABINET SYSTEM rails.

The advantages of the composite aluminium third rail over
Context: the steel third rail include:
The Tripura Chief Minister has launched an e-cabinet sys- • Reduction in resistive current loss and improved
tem in Agartala, making Tripura the fourth Indian state and traction voltage levels due to the lower resistance
of aluminium compared to steel.
the second in the Northeast to adopt this digital governance
• Improved acceleration with the same rolling stock.
initiative. • Reduced maintenance and life cycle costs, including
• With the e-cabinet system, all future cabinet meet- less frequent painting and dimension measurement
ings in the state will be conducted without paper of the third rail, as well as prevention of rust-related
documents, promoting environmental sustainabil- damage.
ity and reducing the carbon footprint. • Enhanced efficiency of train operations.
• The e-cabinet application will enable the uploading • Significant improvements in energy efficiency and a
of cabinet memos with date and time stamps, and reduction in carbon footprint.
ministers, the chief secretary, secretaries, and oth- • Improved train headway, leading to better train
er officials will be able to review and approve them scheduling and operations.
online.
The introduction of the e-cabinet system aims to eliminate
delays caused by the physical movement of paper docu- 50. GLOBAL FUND SECURES DEAL TO
ments and inject dynamism into the government’s deci- SLASH HIV TREATMENT PRICE
sion-making process.
Context:
The Global Fund, has reached an agreement with generic
48. MGNREGS SOCIAL AUDIT
pharmaceutical manufacturers to significantly reduce the
price of an advanced HIV drug named TLD.
Context:
• This deal will allow the drug to be provided for un-
The social audit units responsible for detecting corruption der $45 per person per year, marking a 25% reduc-
and malpractice in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Em- tion in cost.
ployment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) have shown poor • The TLD pill contains three essential drugs for HIV
performance in terms of fund recovery, raising concerns treatment: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivu-
about the scheme’s credibility. dine, and dolutegravir.
• In the ongoing financial year, these units flagged This combination has been recommended by the World
misappropriation of over ₹27 crore, but only about Health Organization as the preferred first-line treatment for
₹1 crore (about 14%) has been recovered so far HIV in adults and adolescents due to its effectiveness in sup-
• Several states have reported “zero cases” and “zero pressing the virus, minimal side effects, and ease of use.
recoveries” over the past three years.
• The situation has raised concerns about the effec-
tiveness of the MGNREGS audit process and its About Global Fund:
ability to combat corruption effectively. The Global Fund was established in 2002 to raise and dis-
About social audit units: burse funding for programs that reduce the impact of HIV/
The social audit units, mandated by the MGNREGS Act, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in low- and middle-income
are responsible for monitoring and identifying malprac- countries. The Global Fund raises and invests $4 billion a year
tice independently of the implementing authorities. How- to fight these diseases. The majority of the Global Fund’s fi-
ever, their performance has been hampered by inadequate nancial support comes from public resources. More than
funds, training, and personnel 80 countries have made or pledged contributions to the
Global Fund.
GS-3
51. NET ZERO PLEDGES OF BIG OIL COM-
49. THIRD RAIL OF KOLKATA METRO PANIES
RAILWAY
Context:
Context: A report by Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)
The Kolkata Metro Railway, India’s first metro system built has found that European Big Oil companies failed to fulfil
by Indian Railways, has decided to replace its steel third rail their Net Zero pledges in 2022.
with a composite aluminium third rail.
• This move aligns Kolkata Metro with prestigious Key Highlights:
international metro systems like those in London, • The 12 largest oil and gas companies in Europe pro-
Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul, which have duced only 0.3% of their energy from renewables,
also made the shift from steel to aluminium third

www.insightsonindia.com 119

with the rest coming from oil and gas.
• While these companies reported a 75% increase
in profits and a 70% increase in revenues in 2022,
their investments in green energy only rose by 37%.
• It called for stricter government regulations on fossil
fuel companies, including mandatory green infra-
structure investment and the decommissioning of
North Sea infrastructure.
• The report also urged governments to establish a
detailed roadmap for phasing out oil and gas across
Europe and to increase regulations on international
oil companies, including banning advertising.
About Net Zero Pledges:
Net-zero pledges are a goal to prevent the concentration of
carbon in the atmosphere from increasing. They require re-
ducing human-caused emissions, such as those from burn-
ing fossil fuels, as close to zero as possible.
52. NEW SPECIES OF LEAF INSECTS
Context:
An international research team, has identified seven previ-
ously unknown species of leaf insects, also known as walk-
ing leaves.
• These insects belong to the stick and leaf insect or-
der, which are known for their remarkable camou-
flage that makes them appear like parts of plants
such as twigs, bark, or leaves. This disguise offers
protection from predators and poses challenges for
researchers.
• Genetic analysis played a key role in identifying
these “cryptic species” that cannot be differentiat-
ed based solely on their external appearance.
About Leaf Insects:
Leaf insects are tropical insects that resemble leaves to
avoid predators. They are closely related to stick insects and
are known for their remarkable camouflage. Leaf insects are
found in the forests of Asia, Papua New Guinea, Australia,
and the islands of the Indian Ocean.
120 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
53. RED SAND BOA
Context:
A report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India
has highlighted 172 incidents of seizures involving the red
sand boa (Eryx johnii) between 2016 and 2021 in India.
• The report aims to shed light on the illegal trade of
red sand boas, particularly online, to raise aware-
ness and prevent further illegal collection and sale
of the species.
Key Highlights:
• The report reveals that illegal sand boa trade oc-
curred in 18 Indian states and one Union Territory,
spanning 87 districts across the country. Maharash-
tra recorded the highest number of incidents.
• The report recommends that local and internation-
al conservation organizations conduct research to
better understand the illegal reptile trade.
• It also suggests developing training programs for
journalism students and investigative journalists to
produce informed media stories on illegal wildlife
trade to increase awareness and reduce misinfor-
mation.
About Red Sand Boa:
• The red sand boa (Eryx johnii) is a non-venomous snake
that lives in the dry parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• It’s also known as the Indian sand boa. The red sand
boa is a thick-set snake that’s usually reddish-brown,
known for its blunt tail, which it uses to mimic its head
when it senses a threat.
• Classified as ‘Near Threatened’ by the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with a declin-
ing population trend.
• The red sand boa is highly sought after in the illegal wild-
life trade due to its demand in the pet trade and its use
in black magic.
54. KĀKĀPŌ PARROTS
Context:
Genetic mapping of the nearly entire kākāpō population,
a critically endangered flightless parrot found only in New
Zealand, has revealed valuable insights into specific traits
crucial for conservation efforts.
Current Affairs 30
About Kākāpō:
The kākāpō, also known as the owl parrot, is a large, flight-
less parrot that is native to New Zealand.  Kākāpō are
known for their unique appearance, which includes a facial
disc, owl-like eyes, and a large, gray beak.
IUCN Status: critically endangered.
They only breed every few years, triggered by the availabil-
ity of certain forest foods. Rimu fruit, which is part of the
kākāpō diet, is thought to trigger breeding.
55. LARGEST INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED
N-PLANT UNIT BEGINS OPERATIONS
Context:
The third unit of the indigenously developed 700-megawatt
electric (MWe) nuclear power reactor at the Kakrapar Atom-
ic Power Project (KAPP3) in Gujarat, India, has started oper-
ations at full capacity.
• This marks a significant achievement in India’s civil-
ian nuclear program, as it is the country’s first 700
MWe unit and represents a scale-up in technology.
• The reactor uses Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor
(PHWR) technology and is seen as a milestone in In-
dia’s effort to expand its nuclear power capacity to
22,480 MWe by 2031.
• The reactor design also incorporates enhanced safe-
ty features, including a Passive Decay Heat Remov-
al System.
56. CHANDRAYAAN-3 TAKES SEISMIC
READINGS FROM LUNAR SURFACE
Context:
India’s lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-3, Vikram
lander and Pragyan rover conducted their first in-situ mea-
surements of the lunar surface.
• The detection of seismic activity, which not only
registered the rover and scientific instruments but
also captured a “natural event”.
Further findings:
• Chandrayaan-3’s RAMBHA-LP payload made the
first-ever measurements of the lunar plasma envi-
ronment near the south pole.
• The assessment revealed relatively sparse plasma
near the lunar surface, with a density ranging from
approximately 5 to 30 million electrons per cubic
meter, particularly during the early stages of the lu-
nar daytime.
• These measurements are expected to aid in reduc-
ing noise in radio wave communication and contrib-
ute to improved designs for future lunar missions.
• The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on-
board the Pragyan rover detected sulphur and other
minor elements using a unique technique.
57. BS 6 STAGE II ‘ELECTRIFIED FLEX FUEL
VEHICLE’
Context:
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched the world’s first proto-
type of a BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’ in India.
This vehicle combines a flex-fuel engine with an electric pow-
ertrain, offering greater use of ethanol and improved fuel
efficiency. It aligns with India’s stricter emission standards
and has the potential to utilize excess ethanol resources.
What are Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and Electrified Flex Fuel
Vehicles?
Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs): It is designed to run on a flexible
combination of fuels, typically gasoline and ethanol. These
vehicles are equipped with engines that can adjust their fuel
mixture based on the available fuel blend E.g., E20 (20% eth-
anol and 80% gasoline) or even higher percentages.
Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles: They are a more advanced
version of FFVs that
offer the advantage of being able to operate on both eth-
anol-based fuels and electricity, providing increased fuel
efficiency and potentially reducing emissions compared to
traditional gasoline-only vehicles.
Significance:
• These vehicles offer higher ethanol use and better
fuel efficiency similar to Strong Hybrid Electric Ve-
hicles (SHEVs)
• Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles use minimal advanced
chemistry batteries to reduce dependence on im-
ports.
Challenges:
• Higher cost of ownership and running cost for cus-
tomers, which may affect their acceptance unless
www.insightsonindia.com 121

retail fuel prices are competitive.
• Developing FFVs requires significant effort and cal-
ibration with multiple fuel blends, making them less
viable without widespread fuel availability.
About Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme (EBPP):
• The target of 10% ethanol blending for 2021-22 has al-
ready been achieved.
• The National Policy on Biofuels – 2018 targets 20%
blending of ethanol in petrol by ESY 2025-26.
About Bharat Stage VI (BS VI):
It is a set of emission standards established to regulate the
level of air pollutants emitted from internal combustion and
spark-ignition engine equipment.
India has made it mandatory to follow BS-VI emission (from
previously BS-IV) norms starting on April 1, 2020.
• BS-VI contains enhanced fuel quality, and reduced the
permissible Sulphur content by 80%, from 50 Parts Per
Million (ppm) to a maximum of 10 ppm.
58. STEM CELL THERAPY
Context:
The Delhi High Court has allowed two children with autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) to undergo stem cell therapy for
their condition.
• This is overturning a previous recommendation by
the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB)
of the National Medical Commission (NMC) against
the use of stem cell treatment for autism spectrum
disorder.
• The EMRB recommended against the use of stem
cell therapy for ASD due to concerns about “preda-
tory marketing” and false hope, as well as the lack
of a well-established protocol for its use.
About Stem Cells:
Stem cells are cells from which all other cells in the body,
with specialized functions, are generated. There are two
main categories: pluripotent stem cells, which can differen-
tiate into any cell type in the adult body, and adult stem
cells, which are tissue-specific and can only generate cells
for a particular organ.
Stem cells have been used in medicine, particularly in re-
generative medicine, for over 90 years. Hematopoietic stem
cell transplantation, for instance, is used to treat conditions
like leukaemia and lymphoma, where healthy stem cells are
introduced to replace damaged cells.
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and develop-
mental disorder affecting communication, behaviour, and
learning. While there is no cure for ASD, various therapies
are used to manage symptoms and improve the individual’s
quality of life.
122 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
59. FISH RESISTANT TO MARINE HEAT-
WAVES
Context:
A recent study conducted by researchers from Canada, Eu-
rope, and the United States reveals that fish are surprisingly
resilient to marine heatwaves.
Key Findings:
• The study found no substantial evidence that ma-
rine heatwaves have a significant impact on region-
al fish communities.
• The study also investigated whether marine heat-
waves caused changes in fish community compo-
sition, such as shifts from cold-water species to
warm-water species (known as “tropicalisation”).
However, no consistent pattern of such changes
was observed due to marine heat waves.
Marine heatwaves, characterized by prolonged periods of
warm ocean temperatures, can have devastating effects
on marine ecosystems, including coral bleaching, seabird
deaths, harmful algal blooms, and more.
60. EXPORT CONTROL OF DUAL-USE
ITEMS
Context:
The Director General of Foreign Trade emphasized the gov-
ernment’s commitment to enhanced export control of du-
al-use items to prevent them from falling into the hands of
non-state actors and terrorists.
What are Dual-use items?
They are products, technologies, materials, or equipment
that can have both civilian and military or non-military appli-
cations. These items are designed or intended primarily for
civilian purposes but can also be used for military or other
prohibited purposes.
• Examples: precursor chemicals like sarin gas; Com-
ponents like centrifuges
Currently, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
prepares a specialized SCOMET (speciality chemicals, or-
ganisms, materials, equipment, and technologies) list of
dual-use items and these items are regulated as per India’s
Foreign Trade Policy.
The new foreign trade policy emphasizes expediting the
SCOMET licensing process to ensure that sensitive and du-
al-use goods are traded in compliance with international
regimes, including the Missile Technology Control Regime.
What is MECR (Missile and Dual-Use Export Control Re-
gimes)?
They are voluntary agreements among major supplier coun-
Current Affairs 30
tries aimed at preventing the proliferation of certain mili- Export Ranking 4th largest fish exporter, contrib-
tary and dual-use technologies, particularly those related to uting 7.7% to global fish produc-
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). tion.
These agreements are independent of the United Nations
Production Rankings 1st in inland capture fish produc-
and apply only to their member countries, with no obliga-
tion, 3rd in overall fish produc-
tion for others to join.
tion worldwide.
India is a member of three out of the four MECRs, excluding
Livelihood Impact Provides livelihood to about 3
the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
crore people in India.
The four MECRs include: Initiatives related to the Fisheries Sector:
• Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for nuclear technol-
ogy control Initiatives Description
• Australia Group (AG) for chemical and biological Pradhan Mantri Matsya Government scheme to boost
technology control Sampada Yojana fisheries and aquaculture.
• Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) for Palk Bay Scheme A program focused on the Palk
rockets and aerial vehicles related to WMD delivery, Bay region to enhance fisher-
• Wassenaar Arrangement for conventional arms and ies.
dual-use goods and technologies. Fisheries and Aquacul- Fund for developing fisheries
ture Infrastructure De- infrastructure.
61. MULTI-PURPOSE SEAWEED PARK velopment Fund (FIDF)
(TAMIL NADU)
62. ECOCIDE
On the third day of Sagar Parikrama Phase VIII, the Ministry
of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying laid the Founda-
tion Stone for a Multi-Purpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu
(Valamavur, Ramanathapuram district).

What are Seaweeds?

Seaweeds are a type of marine algae, often found in coastal
waters. It can vary in size and colour and is used in various
industries, including food, cosmetics, and agriculture. Sea-
weed is rich in nutrients and has diverse applications world-
wide.

About the Park:

The park aims to promote seaweed cultivation for employ-
ment, value-added products, and conservation. It involves
136 coastal fishing villages and offers support to entrepre-
neurs. The Multipurpose Seaweed Park is a significant in-
vestment to promote seaweed cultivation and research,
benefiting scientists, researchers, and local communities.

About Sagar Parikrama Yatra

It aims to raise awareness about sustainable marine re-
source use and promote schemes for coastal communities.
It emphasizes a balance between marine resource use for
food security and livelihoods while protecting marine eco-
systems.
Status of the Fisheries Sector in India:
Status About
Production Ranking 2nd largest fish producer through
aquaculture globally.
63. AAROGYA MAITRI CUBE
India has built the world’s first portable disaster hospital,
called the “Aarogya Maitri Cube”. The hospital can be air-
lifted and assembled into 72 cubes that contain essential
medical equipment and supplies. The cubes can support 200
survivors for 48 hours during natural disasters or crises.
• It has been developed indigenously under the Proj-
ect BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita
and Maitri).

www.insightsonindia.com 123

The hospital includes Operation theatres, mini-ICUs, Venti-
lators, Blood test equipment, an X-ray machine, a cooking
station, Food, Water, a Shelter, Power generator.
About:
The “Aarogya Maitri Cube” is part of “Aarogya Maitri” proj-
ect. The project aims to provide essential medical supplies
to any developing country affected by natural disasters or
humanitarian crises.
64. VIZAG INTERNATIONAL CRUISE TER-
MINAL (VICT) (VISAKHAPATNAM)
The Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT) in Visakhapa-
tnam will be inaugurated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping
and Waterways.
This terminal will facilitate passenger vessels with a capaci-
ty of 2,000 passengers per vessel and a draft of 8.1 meters.
These developments aim to enhance the infrastructure and
facilities at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA).
Few important stats about India’s port sector:
• India’s strategic location on global shipping routes
with a 7,517 km coastline
• Maritime transport handles 70% of India’s trade
• India owns 30% of the global ship-breaking market
• Sagar Mala Program focuses on port-led develop-
ment with $123 Bn investment
• 100% FDI allowed via government and automatic
routes.
• India has 12 major ports and 200 non-major/inter-
mediate ports.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust is the largest major
port, and Mudra is the largest private port.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port is the first 100% Landlord
Major Port
124 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
65. REVIVING BOT MODEL
Context:
The Minister of Road Transport and Highways in India, has
suggested the revival of the Build Operate Transfer (BOT)
model for road construction projects.
• This proposal is in response to a lack of private in-
vestments in the sector, which has strained the
government’s finances.
• In recent years, the government has primarily fund-
ed highway construction through the hybrid annu-
ity model (HAM) and engineering, procurement,
and construction (EPC) model, resulting in a signif-
icant increase in budgetary support to the National
Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
66. DEMENTIA
Context:
The Dementia India Alliance (DIA) has launched a nation-
al dementia support line and an online memory screening
clinic called DemClinic.
• These services are designed to provide information,
support, and guidance related to dementia, pro-
mote timely diagnosis, and offer memory screening
services.
• These initiatives aim to raise awareness, reduce
stigma, and provide support for people affected by
dementia in India.
Dementia is a general term for a group of symptoms that
affect memory, thinking, and social abilities. Dementia is
not a specific disease, but rather a result of various diseas-
es and injuries that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is
the most common type of dementia and may contribute to
60–70% of cases
Current Affairs 30
67. SELF-CONFINING RADIOACTIVE-ISO-
TOPE ION TARGET
Context:
Researchers in Japan have developed a sophisticated setup
to study unstable atomic nuclei, including those that don’t
exist naturally, using electron scattering.
• This method, called SCRIT (Self-Confining Radioac-
tive-isotope Ion Target), allows scientists to trap
target ions in three dimensions along an electron
beam, improving the chances of successful colli-
sions and reducing the number of required ions.
• By analyzing electron-ion interactions and interfer-
ence patterns, physicists can gain insights into the
internal structure of atomic nuclei, bridging gaps in
our understanding of nuclear physics.
• This technology, known as a femtoscope, offers a
new tool to investigate the structure of atomic nu-
clei and address unresolved questions in the field.
68. CARTESIAN COORDINATES
Context:
A coordinate system is a numerical framework used to pin-
point the location of a point in a given space.
• One well-known coordinate system is Cartesian co-
ordinates, which employs a set of three numbers to
determine a point’s distance from three mutually
perpendicular planes.
• In simpler terms, Cartesian coordinates use pairs of
numbers (x and y) on a plane or triples of numbers
(x, y, and z) in three dimensions to specify the posi-
tion of a point.
This system was invented by the 17th-century French philos-
opher and mathematician René Descartes, bridging the gap
between algebra and geometry and giving rise to analytic
geometry.
Cartesian coordinates find widespread applications in fields
like astronomy, engineering, and computer graphics, en-
abling the representation of spatial data and geometric de-
sign.
69. KYLINXIA ZHANGI: THREE-EYED “FOS-
SIL MONSTER”
Context:
Scientists have examined an exceptionally well-preserved
fossil of Kylinxia zhangi, a creature related to arthropods,
using a CT scanner.
• The fossil, which is approximately 520 million years
old, was discovered in China’s Chengjiang biota,
known for its remarkably preserved animals from
the Cambrian period.
• Kylinxia had three eyes on its head and possessed
formidable claws, likely used for catching prey. The
fossil’s preservation allowed researchers to digitally
examine its features and observe that its head had
six segments, similar to modern arthropods.
• This finding suggests that Kylinxia and contempo-
rary arthropods share a common ancestor with a
six-segmented head.
This study provides valuable insights into the early evolution
of arthropods and related organisms, shedding light on the
morphology and characteristics of Kylinxia.
70. UPI QR CODE-CENTRAL BANK DIGI-
TAL CURRENCY INTEROPERABILITY
Context:
Several Indian banks, have initiated interoperability between
the Unified Payments Interface’s (UPI) Quick Response (QR)
codes and their central bank digital currency (CBDC) or e₹
applications.
• This integration allows users of the retail digital ru-
pee to perform transactions by scanning any UPI
QR code at a merchant outlet, simplifying payments
for customers and merchants.
The digital rupee, issued by the RBI, is a tokenized digital ver-
sion of the rupee, stored in a digital wallet linked to a cus-
tomer’s savings bank account.
This move aims to increase the adoption of the digital rupee
by leveraging the widespread use of UPI.
About Interoperability:
As defined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), it enables a
payment system to work seamlessly with other payment
systems. In this context, it means that all UPI QR codes are
compatible with CBDC apps, eliminating the need for sepa-
rate QR codes for transactions.
71. BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
Context:
The Indian government has approved viability gap funding
(VGF) to cover up to 40% of the total capital cost for the es-
tablishment of a 4,000 MWh battery energy storage system
(BESS) in the country.
• This initiative is aligned with India’s renewable
energy goals, as the country has seen significant
growth in solar and wind energy capacity, meeting
25% of its energy demand from renewables, includ-
ing large hydro plants.
• The BESS aims to enable the use of stored renew-
able energy during peak hours, promoting round-
the-clock renewable energy supply.
• The scheme supports India’s ambition to achieve
50% of its energy requirements through renewable
and non-fossil energy sources by 2030, while also
contributing to carbon emissions reduction.
www.insightsonindia.com 125

About Battery Energy Storage Systems:
Term Definition
Battery Energy A system that stores electrical energy in
Storage System batteries for later use.
(BESS)
Purpose To store surplus electricity when avail-
able and discharge it when demand is
high or during power outages.
Components • Batteries (lithium-ion, lead-ac-
id, etc.).
• Inverters for converting DC to
AC power.
• BMS (Battery Management
System) for monitoring and
managing battery health and
performance.
Applications • Grid stabilization and frequen-
cy regulation.
• Energy shifting to optimize en-
ergy consumption.
• Backup power during outages.
• Integration of renewable ener-
gy sources.
Benefits • Smoothing out intermittent re-
newable energy generation
• Reducing peak demand and as-
sociated costs
• Enhancing grid reliability
• Supporting renewable energy
adoption.
Types • Residential BESS for homes
• Commercial BESS for business-
es
• Utility-scale BESS for large-
scale energy storage.
Environmental BESS can reduce greenhouse gas emis-
Impact sions by improving energy efficien-
cy and integrating renewable energy
sources.
Challenges • High initial costs
• Battery degradation over time
• Recycling and disposal of bat-
teries
• Regulatory and grid integration
issues.
72. MISSING GREEN GROWTH
Context:
A recent analysis indicates that 11 high-income countries,
including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark,
France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden,
and the United Kingdom, may require over two centuries
to achieve a 95% reduction in their 2022 greenhouse gas
126 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
emissions.
• The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health,
highlights that if current trends persist, these na-
tions would emit 27 times their fair share of the 1.5
degrees Celsius carbon budget defined by the Paris
Agreement.
• The researchers found that “green growth” is unat-
tainable for these high-income countries, and their
pursuit of economic growth contradicts the climate
and equity goals of the Paris Agreement.
• The study emphasizes that there is nothing envi-
ronmentally friendly about the economic growth
in these countries, and the term “green growth” is
misleading, akin to greenwashing.
Solution suggested:
To achieve emissions reductions in line with the Paris
Agreement, these nations should adopt a “post-growth”
approach, focusing on equitable reductions in carbon-in-
tensive production and consumption while enhancing live-
lihoods and well-being through policies like public job guar-
antees, reduced work hours, living wages, minimum income
guarantees, and universal access to affordable housing and
quality public services.
73. NEW UPI FEATURES
Context:
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has in-
troduced new features for the Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) with the goal of achieving 100 billion monthly trans-
actions.
• These features include a credit line on UPI, a con-
versational payment mode called ‘Hello UPI,’ BillPay
Connect, UPI Tap & Pay, and UPI Lite X.
Features:
• The credit line on UPI allows users to make pur-
chases by scanning a QR code with their UPI-linked
app, choosing their bank, entering the transaction
amount, and opting for the credit line as the pay-
ment option.
• ‘Hello UPI’ is a conversational payment mode that
can understand spoken language and silence, con-
vert text to numerical values, and offer text-to-
speech capabilities.
• UPI Lite X enables peer-to-peer transactions with-
out an internet connection, using near-field com-
munication (NFC) functionality on compatible
phones.
• UPI Tap & Pay involves small cards with NFC chips
linked to a user’s QR code and UPI ID. Users can
obtain these cards from partner banks, personalize
them, and attach them to their mobile phones for
convenient tap-based payments.
Current Affairs 30
74. HUMAN EMBRYO
Context:
Scientists have managed to grow a human embryo-like struc-
ture in a laboratory without using traditional sperm or eggs.
• This remarkable achievement involved using a com-
bination of stem cells, which can differentiate into
various cell types, and chemicals to create an em-
bryo-like structure that mimics the molecular char-
acteristics of an early human embryo.
• The process involved a mixture of stem cells and
chemicals, with only 1% of the mixture sponta-
neously forming different types of cells needed for
foetal development, including those providing nu-
trients, those guiding body development, and cells
responsible for structures like the placenta and um-
bilical cord.
Importance:
• The significance of this research lies in the fact that
ethical constraints make it challenging for scientists
to study the early stages of embryo development
after implantation in the uterus. These early stages
are crucial because most miscarriages and birth de-
fects occur during this period.
• These lab-grown embryo-like models cannot be
used for pregnancy, and they are typically destroyed
after 14 days of study, in line with legal and ethical
regulations in many countries. The 14-day limit on
embryo research corresponds to the point when
embryos naturally complete implantation and be-
come individuals.
• These models have allowed scientists to investigate
genetic and environmental effects on embryo de-
velopment, shedding light on genetic defects and
potential treatments for various conditions.
75. ‘ATLANTIFICATION’ OF THE ARCTIC
OCEAN
Context:
A recent study has identified the cause of the decline in
Arctic Ocean Sea ice since 2007. Researchers found that the
periodic reversal of an atmospheric phenomenon known as
the Arctic dipole plays a significant role in driving drops in
sea ice.
• The study, published in the journal Science, explores
the ecosystem responses to the Arctic dipole and its
impact on the Arctic Ocean climate, a phenomenon
referred to as Atlantification.
• The Arctic dipole follows a roughly 15-year cycle,
and data spanning several decades suggest that it is
approaching the end of its current regime.
• The current “positive” phase of the Arctic dipole,
which has been in place since 2007, involves high
pressure over the Canadian Arctic and low pressure
over the Siberian Arctic.
• This wind pattern drives upper ocean currents and
has year-round impacts on air temperatures, heat
exchanges, sea-ice drift, and ecological conse-
quences.
Significance:
• The study highlights the importance of water ex-
changes between the Nordic seas and the Arctic
Ocean for the Arctic climate system, with sea ice
decline serving as a significant indicator of climate
change.
• Researchers observed changes in Atlantic water
flow into the Arctic Ocean, including decreased flow
through the Fram Strait and increased flow into the
Barents Sea, which they referred to as a “switchgear
mechanism” driven by the Arctic dipole.
• This change in water flow has had a significant im-
pact on sea ice loss, slowing it down from 2007 to
2021.
• The study also notes that these changes in water in-
flow have profound effects on marine life, creating
more favourable conditions for sub-Arctic boreal
species in certain areas.
76. HEATWAVES LEADING TO OZONE
POLLUTION
Context:
A recent report by the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) highlights that climate change is leading to more
frequent and intense heatwaves, which are contributing to
ozone pollution and worsening air quality.
• Heatwaves are linked to an increased risk of wild-
fires, which release various pollutants, including
ozone and particulate matter (PM), into the atmo-
sphere.
• The report emphasizes that short-lived reactive
gases such as nitrogen oxides and biogenic volatile
organic compounds generated during wildfires con-
tribute to the production of ozone and PM.
77. ONE SUN, ONE WORLD, ONE GRID
(OSOWOG)
Context:
A one-day conference in New Delhi (“Transnational Grid
Interconnections for One Sun, One World, One Grid”), or-
ganized by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited,
focused on cross-border energy connectivity and collabora-
tion.
www.insightsonindia.com 127

78. BHARAT DRONE SHAKTI 2023
Context:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is collaborating with the Drone
Federation of India to co-host ‘Bharat Drone Shakti 2023’,
at the IAF’s airbase in Hindan, Ghaziabad.
• This event aims to showcase the capabilities of the
Indian drone industry and promote the use of drone
technology in various sectors.
• The event will feature over 50 live aerial demonstra-
tions, including survey drones, agriculture drones,
fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance
drones, heavy-lift logistics drones, loitering muni-
tion systems, drone swarms, and counter-drone
solutions.
The event serves as a significant step toward India’s goal
of becoming a global drone hub by 2030, highlighting the
country’s growing interest in drone technology across vari-
ous sectors, including defence and civilian applications.
79. INCREMENTAL CASH RESERVE RATIO
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the discon-
tinuation of the incremental cash reserve ratio (I-CRR) in a
phased manner.
• The I-CRR was aimed at absorbing surplus liquidity
in the banking system, primarily due to various fac-
tors like the return of Rs 2,000 banknotes, govern-
ment spending, and capital inflows.
About I-CRR:
Banks are typically required to maintain 4.5 per cent of
their Net Demand and Time Liabilities as CRR with the RBI.
128 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
However, in periods of excess liquidity, the RBI can impose
incremental CRR, which means that banks will have to park
even more liquid cash with the RBI. This measure helps the
central bank manage liquidity and acts as a buffer during
times of stress in the banking system.
80. GATI SHAKTI VISHWAVIDYALAYA
(GSV) VADODARA
Context:
Indian Railways’ Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) Vadoda-
ra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Airbus to strengthen the Indian aviation sector.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Ashwini Vaish-
naw, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics,
and IT, who is also the First Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vish-
wavidyalaya.
About Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV)
It is a Central University established through an Act of Par-
liament in 2022. It replaces the National Rail and Transpor-
tation Institute (NRTI) and is sponsored by the Ministry of
Railways. The Chancellor of GSV is the Union Minister of
Railways. GSV is the first-of-its-kind university with a man-
date to create high-quality talent for the transportation and
logistics sectors. Its significance lies in fulfilling the objectives
of the National Developmental Plans, including the PM Gati
Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and National Logistics Pol-
icy 2022, covering railways, shipping, ports, highways, roads,
waterways, and aviation.
About Airbus:
It is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial aircraft
and a leading producer of helicopters, defence, and space
equipment. Airbus has recently partnered with Tata to es-
tablish a C295 aircraft facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, focusing
on design, innovation, manufacturing, and development in
India.
81. XRISM SPACE TELESCOPE AND SLIM
LUNAR LANDER
Context:
Japan’s X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM)
and Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) were suc-
cessfully launched by Japan.
• XRISM is focused on studying X-ray emissions from
celestial objects to better understand the universe’s
structure and evolution. It will observe phenomena
like black holes, neutron stars, and galaxy clusters.
• SLIM aims to demonstrate precision landing capa-
bilities on the Moon, allowing for targeted scientific
investigations and safe placements of future landers.
Both missions represent significant advancements in space
exploration technology and research.
Current Affairs 30
82. BUBBLE OF GALAXIES
Context:
Astronomers have discovered a massive “bubble of galax-
ies” in the nearby universe, approximately 820 million light
years away from our Milky Way galaxy.
• This cosmic structure spans a billion light years in
diameter, making it about 10,000 times wider than
our galaxy.
• Inside the bubble, there is the Bootes supercluster
of galaxies, surrounded by a vast void referred to as
“the Great Nothing.”
• The discovery confirms a phenomenon first theo-
rized by cosmologist Jim Peebles in 1970, where
sound waves created bubbles in the early universe,
and these structures have been preserved over time.
This bubble, named Ho’oleilana, represents the first known
single baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) and was discovered
by chance during a search through new galaxy catalogues.
The finding opens the possibility of discovering more such
bubbles across the universe using advanced telescopes.
Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) are regular, periodic
fluctuations or ripples in the distribution of matter (primar-
ily baryonic matter, which includes protons and neutrons)
in the universe.
These oscillations are a fundamental feature of the large-
scale structure of the cosmos and provide important clues
about its geometry, expansion rate, and the distribution of
dark matter and dark energy.
83. GLOBAL BIOFUELS ALLIANCE
Context:
India is proposing the creation of a Global Biofuels Alliance,
which is likely to be launched during the G20 summit.
• This initiative aims to accelerate the transition to
sustainable biofuels and reduce the world’s depen-
dency on traditional fossil fuels.
• India sees this alliance as a means to advance ener-
gy transitions in developing countries and promote
a circular economy.
About Biofuels:
Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from bio-
mass, such as crop stubble, plant waste, and municipal sol-
id waste.
India, a major oil importer, is working on building its ca-
pacity to produce biofuels, particularly from sugarcane and
agricultural waste. The country aims to increase the blend-
ing of ethanol in petrol to 20% by 2025 and is establishing
compressed biogas (CBG) plants.
Significance of Global Biofuels Alliance:
• The Global Biofuels Alliance focuses on promoting
sustainable biofuels, especially in the transporta-
tion sector, and aims to enhance markets, support
global biofuel trade, share policy insights, and pro-
vide technical assistance to national biofuel pro-
grams worldwide.
• The initiative aligns with India’s goal of transition-
ing to alternative fuels and reducing its carbon
emissions, with a target of achieving net-zero emis-
sions by 2070.
84. MQ-9B PREDATOR DRONES
Context:
India has formally requested the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B
Reaper or Predator-B drones from the United States.
• These drones, including their weapons packages,
ground control systems, and equipment, are part of
a significant arms deal.
• These high-altitude, long-endurance drones, to be
assembled in India by General Atomics, will be in-
ducted into the armed forces over the next six to
seven years.
• They are designed for intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance missions and come equipped
with air-to-ground missiles and smart bombs.
85. WORLD FOOD PRICE INDEX
Context:
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) reported that the world food price index fell to a new
two-year low recently.
• This decline reversed a previous month’s rebound,
with most food commodities experiencing decreas-
es, although rice and sugar prices increased.
FPI, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) is a measure of the monthly change in international
prices of a basket of food commodities.
It consists of the average of five commodity group price
indices - cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sug-
ar, weighted with the average export shares of each of the
groups.
86. CRUDE OIL BENCHMARK
Context:
Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) fu-
tures fell due to a stronger dollar.
Benchmark Region/Source Characteristics
Brent Crude Europe, Afri- Light oil; International
ca, Middle East benchmark; Used by
(North Sea) OPEC
www.insightsonindia.com 129
 Current Affairs 30

WTI United States (US Light and sweeter than borrower harassment.
oil fields) Brent; Benchmark for • Building Trust: They address issues like market in-
the US market tegrity, data privacy, and cybersecurity, building
trust among consumers, investors, and regulators.
Dubai/Oman The third major
benchmark crude;
Functions of SROs:
• Communication: Serve as a link between members
87. SELF-REGULATORY ORGANISATION and regulatory bodies like the RBI.
• Standards: Set industry benchmarks and encourage
(SRO) FOR FINTECH ENTITIES professional conduct.
• Training: Provide member training and awareness
Context:
programs.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed the establish-
• Dispute Resolution: Establish a uniform grievance
ment of a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for fintech
resolution framework.
entities.
Advantages of SROs:
What are fintech entities? • Expertise: SROs offer industry expertise and insights
Fintech entities are financial technology companies that to members.
leverage technology to provide innovative financial services • Ethical Standards: They enforce ethical standards,
and solutions. They often operate in areas such as digital enhancing industry trust.
payments, lending, investing, insurance, and wealth man- • Oversight: Act as watchdogs, preventing unprofes-
agement. Examples of fintech entities include Paytm, Pho- sional practices.
nePe, PolicyBazaar, Zerodha, CRED etc.
88. MANDATORY HALLMARKING
What is an SRO?
An SRO is a non-governmental organization that sets and Context:
enforces industry rules to protect customers, and promote The third phase of mandatory hallmarking in India, starting
ethics, equality, and professionalism. They ensure compli- from September 8, 2023, will include an additional 55 dis-
ance through impartial mechanisms, maintaining discipline tricts, bringing the total number of districts covered under
and enforcing penalties. this system to 343.
• SRO regulations complement existing laws and reg-
ulations.
What is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is like a quality stamp for jewellery and precious
metal items. It tells you how pure or good the metal is.

The principal objectives of the Hallmarking Scheme are to

protect the public against adulteration and to obligate man-
ufacturers to maintain legal standards of fineness.

Hallmarking in India:
• At present two precious metals namely gold and sil-
ver have been brought under the purview of Hall-
marking.
• Mandatory hallmarking order is applicable on 14, 18
and 22 carats of gold jewellery/artefacts only.
• BIS assigns a unique HUID (Hallmarking Unique ID)
number to all hallmarked items
• Consumers can verify the authenticity of hallmarked
items using the ‘verify HUID’ feature in the BIS Care
app.

What is the Hallmarking scheme?

The need for SROs in fintech:
Under the Hallmarking scheme of the Bureau of Indian Stan-
• Promoting Responsibility: SROs promote respon-
dards(BIS), Jewellers are registered for selling hallmarked
sible practices and ethics in fintech to prevent un-
jewellery and recognised testing and hallmarking centres.
ethical behaviours like excessive interest rates and

130 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Mandatory Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery: Mandatory Hall-
marking of Gold Jewellery has come into force from June
2021. In the first phase, mandatory hallmarking was imple-
mented in 256 districts of the country with effect from 23
June 2021 and in the second phase additional 32 districts
were covered.
Aim of the scheme:
• To protect consumers against victimization due to
irregular gold or silver quality
• Develop India as a leading gold market centre in the
World and develop export competitiveness
89. FUJIANVENATOR
Context:
Scientists in China have uncovered fossils of a peculiar, bird-
like dinosaur named Fujianvenator prodigiosus, which lived
around 148 to 150 million years ago in southeast China.
• This dinosaur had long legs and arms resembling
wings, with an unusual anatomy suggesting it may
have been a fast runner or lived like a modern wad-
ing bird.
• Researchers believe that Fujianvenator sheds light
on a critical evolutionary stage in the origin of birds.
Features:
• It is described as a “bizarre” animal with bird-like
features but significant differences, such as three
claws on its wing-like forelimb.
• Fujianvenator’s discovery contributes to our under-
standing of the evolutionary history of birds, which
evolved from two-legged, feathered dinosaurs
known as theropods during the late Jurassic period.
• The fossils are relatively complete but lack the skull
and parts of the feet, making it challenging to deter-
mine their exact lifestyle and diet.
• Notably, its lower leg bone (tibia) was unusually
long compared to its thigh bone (femur), a feature
distinct from other theropods like Tyrannosaurus.
90. WHITE SAMBAR DEER
Context:
Researchers have made a rare discovery of a “white” sam-
bar deer with a condition called leucism, resulting in white
or pale skin, in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka,
India.
• Leucism is a genetic condition that affects the pig-
mentation of an animal’s skin, feathers, scales, or
fur. Unlike albinism, which causes a complete ab-
sence of pigment, leucism results in a partial loss
of pigment, leading to white or pale colouration in
affected areas.
About Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary:
This sanctuary spans three districts and serves as a crucial
connection between Bannerghatta National Park in the
north and Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve and
Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in the south.
91. NUCLEAR-ARMED SUBMARINE
Context:
North Korea has introduced its first operational “tactical
nuclear attack submarine,” known as Submarine No. 841,
which has been assigned to patrol the waters between the
Korean peninsula and Japan.
• This submarine, named Hero Kim Kun Ok, is deemed
a key component of North Korea’s naval force and is
likely a modified version of a Soviet-era Romeo-class
submarine acquired from China in the 1970s.
• It is equipped with 10 launch tube hatches, suggest-
ing it may carry ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.
TNWs typically refer to short-range weapons that have not
been classified as “strategic” under the Strategic Arms Re-
duction Treaty (START).
92. VARUNA-23
Context:
The 21st edition of the India-France bilateral naval exercise
‘Varuna-23’ took place in the Arabian Sea. This exercise in-
volved guided missile frigates, a tanker, Maritime Patrol
Aircraft, and helicopters from both the Indian and French
Navies.
His exercise has a long history, dating back to 1993, and has
evolved into a symbol of the strong India-France strategic re-
lationship, providing a platform for learning and cooperation
in maritime security.
Other defence Exercises between India and France:
• Varuna – Naval exercise
• Desert Knight-21 and Garuda (Air exercise)
• Shakti – Army exercise
93. SHANTI SWARUP BHATNAGAR PRIZE
(SSB) 2022
Context:
Twelve male scientists were awarded India’s top Shanti
Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (SSB) for Science and Technology in
2022. The awards were announced at the inaugural session
of the CSIR-NIScPR’s One Week One Lab Programme.
• However, no female scientists have been chosen for
this year
• The awards were last announced in 2021
About the award and CSIR:
www.insightsonindia.com 131

Shanti Swarup Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) annu-
Bhatnagar (SSB) al Prize for Science and Technology,
Prize established in 1957. Named after Dr.
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, the found-
er-director of CSIR. Since its inception,
only 19 women scientists have been
the recipients of the SSB award
About CSIR Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research was established by the Gov-
ernment of India in 1942 (HQ: New
Delhi) as an autonomous body that
has emerged as the largest research
and development organisation in In-
dia and also among the world’s largest
publicly funded R&D organisations
Comprises 37 national laboratories,
39 outreach centers, 3 Innovation
Complexes, and 5 units.
The Ministry of Science and Technol-
ogy operates autonomously under the
Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Scope Encompasses various fields including
physics, genomics, nanotechnology,
mining, aeronautics, and more; Con-
duct scientific and industrial/applied
research of national importance
Structure President: Prime Minister of India
(Ex-officio); Vice President: Union
Minister of Science and Technology
(Ex-officio)
Initiatives Addressing COVID-19 through tech-
nology verticals including diagnostics,
drug repurposing, and more.
Developing indigenous technologies
like Head-Up-Display for aircraft, solar
trees for clean power, and lithium-ion
battery fabrication.
Agriculture initiatives such as Bacteri-
al Blight blight-resistant rice, white-
fly resistant cotton variety, and more.
Healthcare projects like Genomics and
other omics technologies for medical
decision support and Ksheer-scanner
for milk adulteration detection.
Food and nutrition efforts including
Double-Fortified Salt to address ane-
mia.
94. GOA ROADMAP AND ‘TRAVEL FOR
LIFE’ PROGRAM
Context:
During the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Delhi, the leaders en-
132 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
dorsed the “Goa Roadmap” and the “Travel for Life” pro-
gram, both aimed at boosting the tourism sector.
Initiative Description
Goa Roadmap Aligned with India’s G20 Presidency
theme - Emphasizes the pivotal role
of tourism in sustainable socio-eco-
nomic development and environ-
mental stewardship - Focuses on five
priorities: Green Tourism, Digitaliza-
tion, Skills, Tourism MSMEs (Micro,
Small, and Medium-sized Enterpris-
es), and Destination Management
G20 Tourism and Launched by the Ministry of Tourism
SDG Dashboard in collaboration with the UNWTO
(United Nations World Tourism Orga-
nization) - Serves as a global reposito-
ry showcasing best practices and case
studies on sustainable tourism from
G20 nations
Tourism for To- To be launched by the Ministry of
morrow Competi- Tourism - A national competition
tion aimed at identifying and recognizing
best practices aligned with the prior-
ities of the Goa Roadmap
Travel for LiFE Pro- Inspired by the concept of “Lifestyle
gram for Environment” (LiFE) promoted
by India’s Prime Minister - Encour-
ages tourists and tourist businesses
to take simple actions benefiting the
environment and climate - Promotes
responsible and sustainable tourism -
Recognizes both tourists and tourism
businesses for their sustainable prac-
tices
95. GLOBAL REGULATION OF CRYPTO-
CURRENCIES
Context:
The article highlights the differences in cryptocurrency regu-
lations worldwide.
What is cryptocurrency and how it is different from Central
bank currencies?
Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual form of currency that
uses cryptography for security. It operates on decentralized
technology called blockchain, which records all transactions
transparently.
Unlike central bank currencies (fiat currencies), cryptocur-
rencies are not issued or regulated by a central authority
like a government or central bank. They are decentralized,
borderless, and typically have limited supply, making them
immune to government manipulation and often subject to
Current Affairs 30
price volatility. testing, certification, redundancy, and standard operating
procedures.
The current regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in
India: The submersible’s design includes a 2.1-meter diameter
• In 2018, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) banned In- sphere made of 80mm-thick titanium alloy, capable of
dian banks from engaging in cryptocurrency trans- withstanding the immense pressure at 6,000 meters depth,
actions. which is 600 times greater than sea level pressure. The vehi-
• In 2020, the Supreme Court of India overturned the cle is designed to operate continuously for 12 to 16 hours,
RBI’s ban on cryptocurrency transactions. with a 96-hour oxygen supply.
• In the 2022-23 Union budget, India proposed a 30%
tax on income generated from digital asset transfers About Mission Samudrayaan:
and a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on crypto- • The Samudrayaan mission is part of the Deep Ocean
currency transactions. Mission, and sea trials at a depth of 500 meters are
planned for the first quarter of 2024. The mission’s
The major view of the IMF and the Financial Stability Board full realization is expected by 2026.
(FSB) paper on cryptocurrencies: • It’s worth noting that only a few countries, includ-
• Difficulty in Banning Cryptocurrencies: Banning ing the US, Russia, Japan, France, and China, have
cryptocurrencies may not be an effective option developed manned submersibles.
as it could lead to activities shifting to more cryp- • In addition to searching for valuable minerals like
to-friendly jurisdictions and push transactions out- nickel, cobalt, and manganese, Matsya 6000 will
side a country’s oversight, raising financial risks. investigate the chemosynthetic biodiversity in hy-
• Regulation Over Ban: The paper suggests that su- drothermal vents and low-temperature methane
pervising licensed crypto-asset issuers and service seeps in the ocean.
providers can help fill information gaps and facilitate
the monitoring of cross-border crypto activities.
• Anti-money Laundering Standards: It recommends
implementing the Financial Action Task Force’s
standards to combat money laundering and terror-
ist financing related to cryptocurrencies.
The G20 Leaders Declaration endorsed the FSB’s recommen-
dations and welcomed the paper’s roadmap for a coordinat-
ed and comprehensive policy and regulatory framework.
About FSB:
The Financial Stability Board (founded in 2009; HQ: Basel,
Switzerland) is an international body that monitors and
makes recommendations about the global financial system.
It was established after the G20 London summit (2009) as a
successor to the Financial Stability Forum.

96. PROJECT SAMUDRAYAAN

Context:
Indian scientists are gearing up for an ambitious project
called Samudrayaan, which involves sending three people
6,000 meters underwater in a domestically developed sub-
mersible named Matsya 6000.
• This mission aims to explore the ocean depths of
precious metals and minerals such as cobalt, nickel,
and manganese.
About Matsya 6000:
Matsya 6000 has been in development for nearly two years
and will undergo its first sea trials in the Bay of Bengal off
the Chennai coast in early 2024. The submersible’s design
has been reviewed carefully, taking into account materials,
97. GENETIC ENGINEERING TO CONTROL
MOSQUITOES
Context: Genetic engineering is being used to upgrade mos-
quito control efforts due to the ongoing threat of mosqui-
to-borne diseases.
• Recent advancements in genome sequencing tech-
nology have provided researchers with access to
mosquito genomes, particularly Anopheles ste-
phensi, a major malaria vector mosquito.
• Genetic manipulation, including gene-drive technol-

www.insightsonindia.com 133

ogy, is employed to control mosquito populations
by interfering with their reproduction.
Gene-drive technology, originally conceived by Austin Burt
in 2003, alters mosquito DNA to reduce their reproductive
capabilities or make them sterile, preventing the transmis-
sion of diseases like malaria. Some approaches involve en-
hancing genes in mosquitoes to produce antimicrobial sub-
stances, disrupting disease transmission.
Genetically modified mosquitoes, such as OX5034, have
been released in certain areas to reduce mosquito popu-
lations, showing promising results in decreasing disease in-
cidence. However, these technologies come with potential
risks, such as ecological disruptions and unintended conse-
quences in the ecosystem.
98. NEW CENTRAL EMPOWERED COM-
MITTEE (CEC) FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IS-
SUES
Context:
The Union Environment Ministry has established a new
Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to replace an ad hoc
expert panel with the same name that has been assisting
the Supreme Court on forest and environmental issues
since 2002.
• This move has raised concerns about the commit-
tee’s independence under government control.
Under the new structure, the CEC will consist of a chairper-
son, a member secretary, and three expert members, all
appointed by the Union government. The chairperson must
have at least 25 years of experience in environmental, for-
estry, or wildlife fields or substantial administrative exper-
tise in government, serving a maximum term of three years.
Need for restructuring:
• The restructuring of the CEC comes following the
passage of the Forest Conservation (Amendment)
Bill, 2023, which some critics believe weakens ex-
isting safeguards in Indian forest law, potentially
facilitating construction projects in ecologically
sensitive regions.
• This change in the committee’s composition has
raised questions about its ability to function inde-
pendently and issue impartial judgments, given
that its members will now all be civil servants ap-
pointed by the government.
99. UNITED NATIONS’ GLOBAL STOCK-
TAKE REPORT
Context:
The United Nations’ Global Stocktake report was released
just ahead of the G-20 meeting.
134 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
About the report:
The United Nations’ Global Stocktake report serves as a blue-
print for discussions during the Conference of Parties and
aims to assess countries’ progress in curbing greenhouse gas
emissions since 2015.
Key takeaways from the report:
Takeaways Details
Positive takeaways
Paris Agree- The Paris Agreement has encouraged
ment’s Im- widespread climate action worldwide.
pact:
Temperature Global temperature rise is now expected
P r o j e c t i o n to be between 2.4-2.6°C, a significant im-
Improvement provement from the earlier projection of
3.7-4.8°C in 2010.
Negative Takeaways
E m i s s i o n Despite some progress, global emissions
Rate Exceeds are to exceed the limits set in the Paris
Limits Agreement
A m b i t i o u s Achieving net-zero CO2 emissions re-
Action Need- quires an 84% reduction in global green-
ed house gas (GHG) emissions below 2019
levels by 2050
Deficits in Cli- There are shortfalls in various aspects of
mate Action climate action, including mitigation, adap-
tation, and finance, indicating the need for
more comprehensive efforts.
Key recommendations of the Report
On Mitiga- Inclusive and equitable system transfor-
tion mation for transitioning from fossil fu-
el-based energy systems to renewable en-
ergy sources like solar and wind
Adaptation Integrate climate change risks into all as-
pects of planning and implementation.
Ensure transparent reporting on adapta-
tion efforts.
F i n a n c e Enhance access to climate finance in de-
Flows veloping countries.
About the Paris Agreement:
It is a legally binding international treaty on climate change
that was adopted by 196 countries. Its primary goal is to lim-
it the increase in the global average temperature to well be-
low 2°C above pre-industrial levels. It includes a mechanism
known as the Global Stocktake (GST), which aims to assess
the global response to the climate crisis every five years.
100. GRESHAM’S LAW
Gresham’s Law, named after Thomas Gresham, states that
Current Affairs 30
“bad money drives out good” when the government fixes
the exchange rate between two currencies at a level differ-
ent from the market rate.
Impact:
• This leads to the undervalued currency going out of
circulation, while the overvalued currency remains
but lacks buyers.
• The law can result in a currency shortage when de-
mand exceeds supply due to the fixed price.
Gresham’s law applies not only to paper currencies but also
to commodities. It can cause goods to disappear from the
formal market when their prices are forcibly undervalued by
governments.
Explanation using example:
Imagine a country where both gold coins and copper coins
are used as currency. The government sets an exchange
rate, saying that 10 copper coins are equal in value to 1 gold
coin, even though the market values them differently.
In this scenario, people will start hoarding and using gold
coins because they are more valuable. They will spend cop-
per coins, which are considered “bad money,” in everyday
transactions, keeping the “good money” (gold coins) for
themselves.
Eventually, the circulation of copper coins increases, while
gold coins become scarce in daily transactions. This demon-
strates Gresham’s Law in action, where the undervalued
(copper) currency pushes out the more valuable (gold) cur-
rency from everyday use.
The alternative:
Thiers’ law, on the other hand, states that “good money
drives out bad” when people have the freedom to choose
between currencies, and they prefer higher-quality curren-
cies.
101. DOLLY THE SHEEP
Context:
Ian Wilmut, the British embryologist renowned for leading
the team that created Dolly the Sheep, the world’s first
cloned mammal from an adult cell, has passed away recent-
ly.
About Dolly:
• Dolly the Sheep, born in 1996, marked a signifi-
cant scientific breakthrough in the 20th century.
Wilmut, along with his team, accomplished the un-
precedented feat of making an adult cell behave
like a cell from a newly fertilized embryo, resulting
in the creation of an animal genetically identical to
the donor.
• They achieved this by taking a cell from the mam-
mary gland of a deceased adult sheep, stimulating
it with electricity and chemicals to transform its
DNA into an embryo, and then implanting it into an
empty sheep’s egg, which was later placed into a
surrogate sheep.
• Dolly’s birth raised ethical debates about cloning
research, and it prompted then-U.S. President Bill
Clinton to announce a ban on human cloning exper-
iments about a year later.
• Dolly’s life was tragically short-lived, as she devel-
oped an incurable lung tumour and was euthanized
by scientists about six years after her birth.
Following the success of the Dolly experiment, Wilmut shift-
ed his focus to using cloning technology to create stem cells
for potential use in regenerative medicine. His research
played a crucial role in advancing treatments for genetic
and degenerative diseases by aiding in tissue repair within
the human body.
102. A NOVEL APPROACH TO DETECT AND
KILL CANCER CELLS
Context:
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have devel-
oped a novel approach to detect and potentially kill cancer
cells, especially those forming solid tumour masses.
• They created hybrid nanoparticles consisting of
gold and copper sulphide, which can both kill cancer
cells using heat and facilitate their detection using
sound waves.
• These hybrid nanoparticles possess photothermal,
oxidative stress, and photoacoustic properties.
When exposed to light, they absorb it and generate
heat, which can be lethal to cancer cells.
• Additionally, these nanoparticles produce singlet
oxygen atoms that are toxic to cells, providing a
dual mechanism for cell destruction.
• Moreover, these nanoparticles have the potential to
aid in cancer diagnosis. Their photoacoustic proper-
ty allows them to absorb light and generate ultra-
sound waves, which can be used to detect cancer
cells with high contrast once the particles reach
them.
• The small size of these hybrid nanoparticles (less
than 8 nm) makes them suitable for travelling within
tissues and reaching tumours.
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 Current Affairs 30

103. ARXIV
Context:
Recently, critique sparked a debate about the quality and
impact of research shared on the arXiv platform.
• The article discusses the role and controversies sur-
rounding arXiv, a widely used preprint server for
scientific research papers.

About ArXiv:
ArXiv was created to enable researchers in various fields,
including physics, computer science, mathematics, and as-
tronomy, to share early research findings with their peers.
It has gained immense popularity due to its speed and ac-
cessibility, as papers are shared without a lengthy peer-re-
view process.

Issues:
• Rising, debate about the quality and impact of re-
search on arXiv.
• Researchers were using arXiv to stake claims in
research areas, leading to a culture of rushing to
publish rather than asking original and meaningful
questions.

Benefits:
• arXiv provides open access to research papers,
making them easily accessible to students and in-
dependent researchers.
104. NIPAH VIRUS
Context:
Nipah virus infection has re-emerged in Kerala, with two re-
ported deaths and two individuals under treatment.
About Nipah:
• Nipah is a zoonotic disease, primarily transmitted to
humans through infected animals particularly bats
or contaminated food, and it can also spread from
person to person through close contact.
• Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, sore
throat, difficulty in breathing, and vomiting, with
severe cases potentially leading to encephalitis,
coma, and death.
• The virus is primarily transmitted through consump-
tion of contaminated food or direct contact with in-
fected animals, particularly fruit bats.
• It is highly lethal, with mortality rates ranging from
40% to 75%.
105. NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
Context:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) central bench has issued
a ban on the operation of cruise boats in the Upper Lake
(Bhoj Wetland) and other wetland sites in Madhya Pradesh
• Additionally, the NGT has prohibited any construc-
tion within the “no development zone” or “buffer
zone” as defined in the Wetland Rules of 2017.
Reasons for ban:
• They operate as part of the travel, entertainment,
or leisure industry and are run for profit.
• These vessels have the potential to discharge sew-
age and trade effluents into the water.
• The proximity of the cruise’s path to Van Vihar Na-
tional Park, which falls under a “silent zone,” yet
noise pollution was observed.
About National Green Tribunal:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized judicial
body in India established to handle cases related to environ-
mental protection and conservation. It is established under
the National Green Tribunal Act, of 2010.

The primary objective of the NGT is to provide effective and

expeditious solutions to environmental disputes and viola-

136 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
tions.
About the Bhoj Wetland
It is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, and earned its Ram-
sar site designation in 2002. It encompasses two man-made
reservoirs, the Upper Lake (Bhojtal) and the Lower Lake.
106. DATA-DRIVEN INNOVATIONS IN AG-
RICULTURE
Context: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural De-
velopment (Nabard) has entered into a partnership with
the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in In-
dia to co-create data-driven innovations in agriculture and
food systems to benefit smallholder farmers.
• This collaboration aims to enhance the lives and
livelihoods of smallholder farmers by sharing open-
source data for product development, technology
transfer, and policy framing.
• The partnership’s focus is on improving climate re-
silience in agriculture, and it involves the dissemi-
nation of collaborative digital public goods such as
DiCRA (Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture).
• DiCRA provides open access to key geospatial data-
sets relevant to climate-resilient agriculture and is
curated by UNDP and partner organizations.
The collaboration is seen as a significant opportunity to
leverage data and present it as a digital public infrastructure
for India’s rural farming community. Open data innovations
like this can promote best practices, optimize agricultural
investments, and enhance the resilience of smallholders,
especially women, against various risks.
107. NEW DISCOVERIES BY WEBB TELE-
SCOPE
Context:
Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have dis-
covered methane and carbon dioxide on the exoplanet K2-
18 b.
• K2-18 b is located in the “Goldilocks zone” around
the cool dwarf star K2-18, where it receives just
enough starlight to maintain liquid water.
• It’s considered a “Hycean planet,” a hypothetical
type of water-covered planet with a hydrogen-rich
atmosphere that some scientists believe is a good
candidate for the search for signs of life.
• The presence of methane and carbon dioxide, along
with a shortage of ammonia, supports the hypoth-
esis that K2-18 b may have a water ocean beneath
its hydrogen-rich atmosphere.
• The study also suggests the possible detection of a
molecule called dimethyl sulphide, which on Earth
is primarily produced by life, particularly phyto-
plankton in the oceans.
108. PLANET MERCURY
Context:
NASA recently shared a captivating image of Mercury, the
solar system’s smallest planet, on Instagram.
• The picture, taken by MESSENGER, the first space-
craft to orbit Mercury, showcases the planet’s tan
and blue hues, along with its cratered surface.
About Mercury:
• NASA provided intriguing details about Mercury,
emphasizing its diminutive size, its proximity to the
Sun (about 36 million miles or 58 million km away),
and its incredible speed, travelling at nearly 29 miles
(47 km) per second, resulting in a year on Mercury
being just 88 Earth days.
• The post also highlighted Mercury’s unique charac-
teristics, such as its thin exosphere consisting of el-
ements like oxygen, sodium, hydrogen, helium, and
potassium.
• Due to its lack of atmosphere and proximity to the
Sun, the planet experiences extreme temperature
fluctuations, ranging from a scorching 800ºF (430ºC)
during the day to a frigid -290 ºF (-180 ºC) at night.
• Additionally, Mercury possesses a relatively weak
magnetic field, only 1% as strong as Earth’s, which
interacts with solar winds to create magnetic torna-
dos across the planet’s surface.
109. ONE HEALTH APPROACH FOR PAN-
DEMIC PREPAREDNESS
Context:
The Government of India, in collaboration with the World
Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), organized a
multi-sectoral workshop titled “Risk-based management of
spillover events in wildlife in India” in Hyderabad.
• The workshop aimed to strengthen the One Health
approach for pandemic preparedness and featured
experts from various fields.
• The workshop’s efforts align with the global need
to enhance preparedness for future pandemics,
especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
WOAH is actively collaborating with partners in the
Quadripartite, including FAO, WHO, and UNEP, to
address these critical issues.
Key highlights of the workshop included:
• Objectives: The workshop focused on four main ob-
jectives: enhancing stakeholder knowledge about
wildlife-origin disease risk analysis, conducting a
comprehensive gap analysis of India’s risk assess-
ment and management, simulating disease spill-
over scenarios, and promoting communication and
awareness among relevant stakeholders.
• One Health Approach: The workshop exemplified
www.insightsonindia.com 137

the commitment of WOAH and the Government of
India to the “One Health” approach, which empha-
sizes collaboration and coordination among stake-
holders in addressing the interconnected health of
wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.
110. CYBERCRIME INVESTIGATION TOOL
Context:
A new cybercrime investigation tool has been developed to
track cyberattacks that target humans, such as insurance
fraud and online matrimonial fraud.
• This tool, known as the TTP (tactics, techniques, and
procedures)-based cybercrime investigation frame-
work, aids in tracking and categorizing cybercrimes.
• It identifies the chain of evidence required to solve
a case and maps evidence onto the framework to
convict criminals.
• The technology can create an approximate crime
execution path, suggest a crime path based on us-
er-derived keywords, compare the modus operan-
di used in different crimes, manage user roles, and
track activity for crime paths.
• By relying on criminals’ tactics, techniques, and
procedures (TTPs), the TTPs-based investigation
framework is expected to be highly effective in con-
victing cybercriminals quickly and precisely.
The developed cybercrime investigation framework and tool
are now ready for deployment with law enforcement agen-
cies. This advancement is expected to make it easier to track
and convict cybercriminals, ultimately reducing cybercrime
activities in the country.
111. CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS ACT
Context:
The European Parliament has approved the Critical Raw
Materials Act.
• The legislation aims to reduce the European Union’s
(EU) reliance on China for critical minerals, essen-
tial for green technologies like solar panels, wind-
mills, and electric car batteries.
The EU currently depends on China for 99% of rare earth
metals. The regulation sets the framework for ensuring a se-
cure and sustainable supply of these raw materials, diversi-
fying imports, and increasing processing capacity along the
value chain
About Critical Raw Materials:
Critical raw materials are natural resources that are of stra-
tegic importance to a country or region due to their eco-
nomic, industrial, and geopolitical significance.
These materials are essential for various industries, includ-
ing technology, manufacturing, energy, and defence, and
their availability can impact a nation’s economic security
and competitiveness.
138 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Examples of critical raw materials may include rare earth el-
ements, lithium, cobalt, graphite, platinum group metals,
and certain minerals and metals that are essential for ad-
vanced technologies and clean energy solutions.
112. NAVIC
Context:
The Indian government has announced its intention to make
it mandatory for smartphones to integrate with India’s
homegrown navigation system, NavIC
• The devices must either provide support for Nav-
IC-powered chips or use NavIC chipsets.
• For 5G phones, mandatory NavIC support is re-
quired by January 1, 2025, while all other phones
operating in the L1 band, currently using the Global
Positioning System (GPS), must provide mandatory
NavIC support by December 2025
This move comes after Apple agreed to support NavIC in
some of its newly launched iPhone 15 models. While NavIC
will be encouraged for use in mobile devices, it won’t be the
sole mandated navigation system, as cost and performance
competitiveness will also be considered.
NavIC is India’s indigenous alternative to GPS and currently
has seven satellites in orbit, with plans to expand to 12 in
the future.
113. BANNING GLUE PADS FOR RODENT
CONTROL
Context:
The Delhi government has banned the manufacture, sale,
and use of glue pads for rodent control, joining several Indi-
an states in taking this step.
• The ban follows an advisory by the Animal Welfare
Board of India (AWBI) in 2011 and a subsequent
one in 2021
About Glue Pads:
• Glue pads are considered a cruel method of killing
rodents as animals that get trapped in the strong
glue die slowly from starvation and extreme pain.
Rat poison, often used as an alternative to glue pads, is also
considered inhumane and poses risks to the ecosystem, an-
imals that feed on poisoned rats, such as cats, snakes, mon-
goose, and predatory birds, can be harmed by the toxins.
114. RUBBER
Context:
The Rubber Board, is undertaking a project to increase the
area under natural rubber cultivation in the northeastern
states of India, excluding Sikkim but including West Bengal
Current Affairs 30
115. RED FIRE ANTS
Context:
Red fire ants, known scientifically as Solenopsis invicta and
originating from South America, have invaded Europe.
• These invasive ants are ranked as the world’s
fifth-costliest species to combat.
• Their painful stings can cause pustules, allergies,
and even fatal anaphylactic shock. The researchers
believe that climate change may facilitate their fur-
ther spread in Europe.
• Invasive species: drive plant and animal extinctions,
threaten food security and exacerbate environ-
mental catastrophes.
116. C295 AIRCRAFT
Context:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken delivery of the first of
56 C295 aircraft in a significant move to replace its ageing
Avro-748 fleet.
• The C295, a versatile tactical transport aircraft, is
set to revolutionize India’s military aircraft manu-
facturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
C295 Aircraft Features:
• The C295 aircraft, designed by Airbus, is a versatile
tactical transport capable of various missions, in-
cluding troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol,
surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support,
medical evacuation, VIP transport, and firefighting.
• It can carry up to nine tonnes of payload or 71 per-
sonnel at a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots.
The aircraft can operate from unpaved, soft, and
sandy/grassy airstrips and has a cruising altitude of
up to 30,000 feet.
Indigenous Production:
While major components such as engines and avionics are
sourced from the US, Airbus will transfer manufacturing
technology to TASL for most other components.
• This is intended to achieve 95% indigenous produc-
tion within a few years. The aircraft will feature in-
digenous radar warning receivers, missile approach
warning systems developed by Bharat Electronics
Limited, and a countermeasure dispensing system
provided by Bharat Dynamics Limited.
117. ‘ANTI-TRUST’ LAW
Context:
Google is currently facing allegations in a U.S. court that it
used illegal tactics to maintain a monopoly in online search.
• The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and sever-
al U.S. states argue that Google’s “arrangements”
with companies like Apple to be the default search
engine on their devices constitute unlawful monop-
oly building.
• Google contends that its success is due to providing
superior services rather than stifling competition.
This case is significant not only for Google but also for other
major internet companies like Amazon and Meta, as it could
set a precedent for how antitrust issues are addressed in
the tech industry.
While the European Union has previously fined Goo-
gle for antitrust violations, this case represents a growing
“techlash” in the U.S. against the influence and practices of
big tech companies.
“Anti-trust” issues, refer to concerns related to antitrust
laws and regulations, which are designed to promote fair
competition and prevent anti-competitive practices in the
marketplace. These issues typically involve situations where
companies or organizations engage in activities that hinder
competition, limit consumer choice, or create monopolies
or dominant market positions.
www.insightsonindia.com 139

118. UNIFIED PORTAL FOR AGRICULTURAL
STATISTICS
Context:
The Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg Portal -
www.upag.gov.in) was officially launched recently.
• This innovative platform is designed to revolutionize
data management in India’s agriculture sector, ad-
dressing complex governance challenges.
• The portal aims to provide real-time, reliable, and
standardized information, empowering stakehold-
ers and facilitating more responsive and efficient
agricultural policies.
Key Points:
• The UPAg Portal addresses key challenges in agricul-
ture data, including lack of standardization, verifica-
tion, dispersion, and different update frequencies.
• It offers data standardization, advanced analytics,
granular production estimates, commodity profile
reports, and flexibility for users to prepare their
own reports.
• The UPAg Portal is part of the Digital Public Infra-
structure for Agriculture, focusing on harnessing
data for growth, transparency, and agility in India’s
agriculture sector.
• This initiative aligns with e-governance principles
and aims to enhance data-driven decision-making
for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in
the agriculture domain.
119. WATER ON THE MOON
Context:
A recent study using data from the Chandrayaan-1 mission
has suggested that high-energy electrons in Earth’s magne-
tosphere might be contributing to the formation of water
on the Moon’s surface.
• The research indicates that electrons in our planet’s
plasma sheet, a region of trapped charged particles
within Earth’s magnetosphere, may play a role in
weathering processes on the lunar surface, poten-
tially leading to the formation of water.
• The study builds upon previous research that
showed oxygen in Earth’s “magnetotail” is causing
rusting on iron in the lunar polar region.
The analysis of remote sensing data collected by the Moon
Mineralogy Mapper during the Chandrayaan-1 mission re-
vealed that water formation in the magnetotail appeared
to be consistent whether the Moon was inside or outside of
it. This suggests the presence of water formation processes
or sources not directly associated with solar wind protons.
140 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
120. INDIA SEEKS AUSTRALIA’S HELP TO
COMBAT NIPAH VIRUS
Context:
India is seeking Australia’s assistance in combating the
Nipah virus outbreak, which has claimed 12 lives in the
country.
• The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR)
has reached out to the Queensland government in
Australia to obtain an antibody developed there for
testing its effectiveness in neutralizing the Nipah
virus in humans.
• While the antibody has shown promise in vitro
(outside the body in artificial conditions), it has not
been tested on humans.
• The move aims to generate data on the efficacy of
the antibody against the virus, which has a high
mortality rate of 50 to 70%.
Currently, there is no specific vaccine or treatment for Nipah
virus infection, and the treatment for human cases primari-
ly involves supportive care.
121. SEGUR ELEPHANT CORRIDOR
Context:
A Supreme Court-appointed committee has declared 12 pri-
vate resorts along the Segur elephant corridor illegal.
• This corridor is vital for the movement of elephants
and other wildlife between habitats in the Nilgiri
Biosphere Reserve.
• The resorts were challenged by the owners who
claimed the corridor did not comprise an elephant
habitat. The committee ruled in favour of protect-
ing the corridor, noting that the resorts had erect-
ed illegal structures that hindered elephant move-
ment.
• While this decision safeguards the corridor, it has
economic consequences for local communities reli-
ant on resort employment.
Current Affairs 30
122. ANAMUDI SHOLA NATIONAL PARK
Context:
The Munnar Wildlife Division in Idukki, India, has success-
fully transformed the Pazhathottam area in the Anamudi
Shola National Park from a burnt-out land filled with exotic
tree species into a lush 50-hectare forest.
• This eco-restoration project carried out with support
from the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), removed exotic species and planted natu-
ral grass, revitalizing the area.
As a result, wildlife like bison and wild elephants have re-
turned, and bird species like the Nigiri Pipit are now regular
visitors. The project also revived natural streams, ensuring
water security downstream.
An eco-development committee named “Haritha Vas-
antham” was formed for the project, involving local resi-
dents in its implementation.
123. WORLD OZONE DAY
Context:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
celebrated the 29th World Ozone Day, commemorating the
signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which aimed to
phase out Ozone Depleting Substances.
• The theme for World Ozone Day 2023 is “Montreal
Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing cli-
mate change.”
About Ozone Layer:
The ozone layer or ozone shield is a region of Earth’s strato-
sphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
It contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) in relation to
other parts of the atmosphere, although still small in relation
to other gases in the lower part of the stratosphere (15-35
Km above the surface of the earth)
Montreal Protocol and its amendments are successful
in eliminating up to 99% of Ozone Depleting Substances
(ODS) (long-lived man-made chemicals which destroy the
protective ozone layer). The ozone layer is predicted to re-
turn to 1980 levels over Antarctica by 2066, 2045 for the
Arctic, and 2040 for the remainder of the planet.
India has been proactive in implementing the Montreal Pro-
tocol, phasing out harmful substances and achieving reduc-
tions. Initiatives include:
• India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) to address refrig-
erant transition, energy efficiency, and technology
advancement in cooling systems
• The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol fo-
cuses on reducing the production and consumption
of high global warming potential HFCs, with India
committed to phasing them out gradually.
• The Ozone Cell collaborates with the Indian Insti-
tutes of Technology to promote research and devel-
opment of low global warming potential chemicals.
124. ‘PRALAY’ BALLISTIC MISSILES
Context:
The Indian defence ministry has approved the acquisition
of a regiment of ‘Pralay’ ballistic missiles for deployment
along the Line of Actual Control and the Line of Control.
• ‘Pralay’ will become the longest-range sur-
face-to-surface missile in the Army’s inventory and
will form a key part of India’s Rocket Force, along-
side the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
About Pralay:
• ‘Pralay’ has a strike range of 150 to 500 kilometres
and can carry a conventional warhead of 350 kg to
700 kg.
• It is highly versatile, capable of carrying different
types of warheads, and features advanced technol-
ogy to counter interceptor missiles.
• It can alter its trajectory mid-flight and is powered
by a solid propellant rocket motor.
• Developed by the Défense Research and Develop-
ment Organization (DRDO).
125. DHANUSH GUNS
Context:
The Indian Army is on track to complete the induction of
114 Dhanush artillery guns by 2026, with one regiment al-
ready operational.
About Dhanush:
• These 155 mm, 45-caliber towed artillery guns have
a range of 36 km and have demonstrated a range of
38 km with specialized ammunition.
• It is the first indigenously built long-range artillery
gun.
Features:
Equipped with an inertial navigation-based sighting system,
and auto-laying facility. An advanced day-night direct firing
system. Self-propulsion unit allows the gun to deploy itself
in the field.
www.insightsonindia.com 141

126. SUPRA THERMAL AND ENERGETIC
PARTICLE SPECTROMETER (STEPS)
Context:
India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, has begun collecting
data using the Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spec-
trometer (STEPS) sub-system, one of the seven instruments
on board.
What is STEPS?
STEPS stands for Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spec-
trometer. It is a sub-system onboard India’s Aditya-L1 space-
craft and part of the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment
(ASPEX) payload. It is designed to measure fast-moving
charged particles generated by processes within the Sun.
STEPS helps scientists analyze the behaviour of particles sur-
rounding Earth and provides valuable data for solar science
and space weather research.
About Aditya-L1:
It was launched on September 2, and is currently in Earth’s
orbit, but it is scheduled to leave this orbit and move to-
wards the Earth-Sun system’s Lagrange 1 (L1) point.
127. OPERATION SAJAG
Context:
The Indian Coast Guard conducted a coastal security drill
named ‘Operation Sajag’ along the west coast.
• This drill aimed to involve all stakeholders in the
coastal security system, reaffirm the effectiveness
of coastal security measures, and raise awareness
among fishermen at sea.
• To enhance coastal security, several measures have
142 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
been implemented, including the issuance of bio-
metric cards for fishermen, color-coding of fishing
boats according to each state, manned fish landing
centres, access control at entry/exit points, coast-
al mapping, allocation of specific marine band fre-
quencies for security agencies, and training of ma-
rine police personnel by the Indian Coast Guard.
• Biometric card readers have also been provided to
security agencies, and efforts are made to monitor
dhows, enhance island security, and establish com-
munity interaction programs as part of the coastal
security framework.
128. OLD PENSION SCHEME (OPS): A CAU-
TION BY RBI
Context:
Several Indian states reverting to the Old Pension Scheme
(OPS) from the New Pension Scheme (NPS) have been cau-
tioned by an RBI article, which deems this move a “major
step backwards” in fiscal management.
States such as Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab,
and Himachal Pradesh have switched to OPS.
What is fiscal management?
Fiscal management refers to the process of planning, orga-
nizing, and controlling a government’s finances to ensure
responsible and effective use of public funds. It involves ac-
tivities such as budgeting, revenue collection, expenditure
allocation, and debt management to achieve economic sta-
bility and meet government objectives.
Observations by RBI:
• Reverting to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) might
briefly reduce state expenses, but it will surpass the
New Pension Scheme (NPS) contributions by the
2030s.
• This shift could inflate the pension burden by around
4.5 times compared to NPS.
• By 2060, this additional OPS burden could reach
about 1% of GDP annually for states.
• This move goes against the global trend of adopting
defined contribution plans and is considered fiscally
unsustainable.
Current Affairs 30
129. PHOSPHORUS
Context:
India is facing a critical shortage of phosphorus, which is es-
sential for fertilizers but also a major environmental pol-
lutant.
• The phosphorus shortage is due to its limited avail-
ability in geological formations and its contamina-
tion of water bodies when not properly managed.
Reasons for Phosphorous shortage:
• Currently, only a few countries, such as Morocco
and the Western Sahara region, control most of the
world’s phosphorus reserves, raising geopolitical
concerns.
• A significant issue is the coexistence of cadmium, a
harmful heavy metal, with phosphorus in some de-
posits. Cadmium-laden fertilizers are often used in
agriculture, leading to health concerns, including
heart disease.
• India is the world’s largest importer of phosphorus,
primarily from cadmium-laden deposits in West Af-
rica.
• Moreover, only a small portion of mined phospho-
rus is used in food production, with a significant
amount lost to water bodies as agricultural runoff.
Most of the phosphorus consumed by people ends
up in sewage, exacerbating environmental prob-
lems like algal blooms and fish deaths.
To address the phosphorus scarcity, there is growing inter-
est in mining urban sewage for high-quality phosphorus.
This approach could create a sustainable source of phospho-
rus while mitigating environmental issues.
130. HYPERTENSION
Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its
first-ever report on the global impact of high blood pres-
sure (hypertension).
• The report highlights that approximately four out of
every five people with hypertension are not receiv-
ing adequate treatment.
However, if countries can expand their coverage of hyper-
tension treatment, it could potentially avert 76 million
deaths between 2023 and 2050.
Statistics on Hypertension:
• Hypertension is a significant risk factor for death
and disability in India, with less than one-fourth of
hypertensive patients having their blood pressure
under control during 2016–2020. The prevalence
of hypertension in India has increased, with 24% of
men and 21% of women reported to have hyper-
tension in the 2019–2020 National Family Health
Survey (NFHS-5).
• The number of people living with hypertension dou-
bled from 650 million in 1990 to 1.3 billion in 2019,
with nearly half of them unaware of their condi-
tion. Over three-quarters of adults with hyperten-
sion live in low- and middle-income countries.
• The WHO recommends lifestyle changes, such as
a healthier diet, tobacco cessation, and increased
physical activity, as ways to lower blood pressure.
131. ONE HEALTH FRAMEWORK TO FIGHT
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
Context:
A new OECD report highlights the importance of One
Health’s action to tackle AMR.
• The report emphasizes that antimicrobial resis-
tance (AMR), where microbes become resistant to
antimicrobial agents, is a significant global public
health threat with far-reaching consequences for
people, animals, and the environment. Without
stronger One Health action involving people, an-
imals, agri-food systems, and the environment,
AMR levels are expected to remain high for at least
the next 25 years.
Key findings from the report include:
• High Antibiotic Consumption
• Rising Resistance: Resistance proportions across 12
antibiotic-bacterium combinations stand at around
20% across OECD countries, meaning that one in ev-
ery five infections is now caused by superbugs.
• Global Impact: Approximately 79,000 people lose
their lives due to resistant infections across 34
OECD and EU/EEA countries annually
• Economic Costs: Treating complications due to resis-
tant infections can exceed USD 28.9 billion annually
across OECD and EU/EEA countries.
Policy Recommendations:
• The report recommends strengthening infection
prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship
programs, environmental and hand hygiene prac-
tices in healthcare settings, better food safety prac-
tices, improved biosecurity in farms, and increased
investments in research and development for new
antibiotics, vaccines, and diagnostics.
One Health Approach: The report underscores the need for
a One Health approach involving human and animal health,
agri-food systems, and the environment to tackle AMR ef-
fectively.
132. COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP ON
FORESTS
Context:
The Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) has issued
a joint call to action for forests towards 2030, emphasizing
the urgent need for global action to harness the potential
of forests for the benefit of people and the planet.
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 Current Affairs 30
Key points from the call to action include: 4. Star Formation Protogalactic clouds fragment
• Importance of Forests: The CPF highlights the grow-
into smaller clumps, giving
ing recognition of forests’ importance in achieving
SDGs, such as supporting sustainable agri-food sys- birth to stars.
tems, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, 5. Galaxy Formation Stars within the clouds begin
and desertification, and providing essential goods to orbit a common centre of
and services. mass, forming a galaxy.
• Progress and Challenges: Urgent action is needed
to meet international goals and targets, including 6. Galaxy Types The type and appearance of
increasing forest area by 3 per cent worldwide by the galaxy (spiral, elliptical,
2030 to contribute to carbon stock preservation, irregular) depend on various
landscape restoration, and resilient ecosystems. factors.
• Four Focal Areas: The CPF outlines four focal areas
to address challenges in protecting, restoring, and
sustainably managing forests: strengthening poli- 134. MARINE TARDIGRADE
cies and governance, improving data accessibility
and decision-making tools, enhancing finance and Context:
investment, and bolstering communication and Researchers at the Cochin University of Science and Technol-
awareness. ogy (Cusat) have discovered a new species of marine tardi-
grade in Mandapam, south-east Tamil Nadu.
133. GRAVITATIONAL INSTABILITIES AND
This tiny creature, measuring in micrometres, is known for
GALAXY EVOLUTION its resilience and survival abilities and is often referred to
as a ‘water bear.’ The newly identified species belong to the
Context: genus Batillipes and has been named Batillipes kalami in
A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics honour of the late former President and scientist A.P.J. Ab-
(IIA) aims to understand the connection between gravita- dul Kalam.
tional instabilities and galaxy evolution.

What are Gravitational Instabilities?
Gravitational instabilities refer to disruptions or fluctuations
in the gravitational forces within a celestial object, such as a
galaxy or a cloud of gas and dust. These instabilities can lead
to the formation of structures like stars, planets, or galaxies
as matter clumps together under the influence of gravity.
Findings of the study:
• The study shed light on the role of dark matter in
regulating galaxy stability.
• It found that gravitational instabilities in spiral galax-
ies like the Milky Way rapidly convert gas into stars,
depleting gas reservoirs.
• This led to higher star formation rates, lower stabili-
ty, and lower gas fraction in such galaxies.
About Tardigrade:
Tardigrades are tiny eight-legged animals that are extrem-
ophiles, capable of surviving in extreme conditions for up
to 30 years without food or water. When faced with harsh
environments, they enter a state of suspended animation
called the “tun” state, where their bodies dry out and ap-
pear lifeless. Their diet primarily consists of plants, but
some tardigrades are predatory carnivores. Tardigrades can
be found in various ecosystems beyond just aquatic environ-
ments.
Significance: This discovery is significant as it is the second
marine tardigrade found in Indian waters and the first on the
East Coast. It is also the first taxonomically described species
of the genus Batillipes from India.

How are galaxies formed? 135. MITHUN (‘FOOD ANIMAL’)

Stage Description
1. Primordial Matter Cosmic matter, including hy-
drogen and helium, is evenly
distributed throughout the
universe.
2. Gravitational Attrac- Gravity causes slightly denser
tion regions to form from the cos-
mic matter.
3. Protogalactic Clouds Denser regions accumulate
gas, dust, and dark matter
through gravity.

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Current Affairs 30
What are ‘Food Animals’?
A ‘food animal’ refers to an animal species that is raised and
utilized for human consumption as food. This category in-
cludes livestock like cattle, poultry, and pigs, and now, in the
case of the Mithun in Northeast India, certain indigenous an-
imals have been officially recognized as suitable for human
consumption.
Benefits of Recognition:
• This recognition has opened up opportunities for
farmers and tribal communities to benefit commer-
cially from the sale and processing of Mithun meat.
• Traditionally reserved for special occasions, Mithun
meat can now be sold in the market, offering eco-
nomic potential for farmers.
• Efforts include training farmers in better Mithun
care and promoting Mithun products in regions be-
yond their traditional consumption areas.
136. AGUMBE RAINFOREST COMPLEX
(ARC)
Context:
The Agumbe Rainforest Complex (ARC) in Karnataka, known
for its high rainfall, has seen a decline in its peak monsoon
rainfall over the past two years, losing its reputation to less-
er-known towns in the Udupi district.
Agumbe has historically been famous for receiving over
8,000 mm of rainfall during the monsoon and was nick-
named the ‘Cherrapunji of the South.’ However, towns like
Nadpal and Mudradi in Udupi district have recorded higher
rainfall than Agumbe recently.
137. RASHTRIYA VIGYAN PURASKAR
Context:
The Government of India has introduced a new set of Na-
tional Awards in the field of Science, Technology, and Inno-
vation called “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar.”
• These awards aim to acknowledge exceptional con-
tributions made by scientists, technologists, and
innovators, whether individually or in teams, across
various domains of science and technology.
It is open to individuals working in government, private
sector organizations, or independently, as well as to People
of Indian Origin residing abroad whose contributions have
benefited Indian society.
These awards are categorized as follows:
• Vigyan Ratna (VR) award: Recognizing lifetime
achievements and contributions in any field of sci-
ence and technology.
• Vigyan Shri (VS) award: Acknowledging distin-
guished contributions in any field of science and
technology.
• Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB)
award: Encouraging young scientists under the age
of 45 who have made exceptional contributions in
any field of science and technology.
• Vigyan Team (VT) award: Presented to teams com-
prising three or more scientists, researchers, or in-
novators who have made exceptional contributions
while working collaboratively in any field of science
www.insightsonindia.com 145

and technology.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar covers 13 domains, including
Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Com-
puter Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Scienc-
es, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology
& Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology,
and Others.
138. BASEL-III CAPITAL FRAMEWORK
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced new norms
based on the Basel III capital framework for All India Finan-
cial Institutions (AIFIs), which will take effect from April
2024.
• India has five AIFIs under RBI regulation: Export-Im-
port Bank of India (EXIM Bank), National Bank for Ag-
riculture and Rural Development (Nabard), National
Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development
(NaBFID), National Housing Bank (NHB), and Small
Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
The key provisions of the new norms are as follows:
• Capital Adequacy: AIFIs will be required to maintain
a minimum total capital of 9 per cent by April 2024.
This includes a minimum tier-I capital of 7 percent
and common equity tier-I (CET-1) capital of 5.5 per-
cent.
• Consolidation of Financial Subsidiaries: All financial
subsidiaries, except those involved in insurance and
non-financial activities (both regulated and unregu-
lated), must be fully consolidated for the purpose
of capital adequacy.
• Investment Caps: The RBI has imposed limits on AI-
FIs’ investments in capital instruments of banking,
financial, and insurance entities, capping them at 10
percent of their capital funds.
• Equity Investment Limits: AIFIs’ equity investment
in a single entity cannot exceed 49 percent of the
equity of the investee.
• Capital Planning and Risk Management: AIFIs are
advised to focus on effective and efficient capital
planning and long-term capital maintenance.
About BASEL-III Norms:
Basel-III norms were adopted by financial regulators to im-
prove the banking sector’s ability to absorb shocks arising
from financial and economic stress.
It was developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Super-
vision in the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2007-08. It
mandates banks to maintain a CAR or Capital to Risk-weight-
ed Assets (CRAR) of at least 8%.
CRAR is a ratio that compares the value of a bank’s capital
(or net worth) against the value of its various assets weight-
ed according to risk.
146 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
139. WILFUL DEFAULTERS
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced stricter mea-
sures against wilful defaulters, aiming to prevent them from
accessing additional credit facilities or credit restructuring.
• The RBI has also barred any lender from extending
credit to entities associated with wilful defaulters.
Measures taken by RBI:
• Timeline for Identification: The RBI has set a time-
line of six months, starting from the classification
of an account as a non-performing asset (NPA),
within which a lender must identify borrowers who
should be categorized as wilful defaulters.
• Dissemination of Credit Information: The RBI’s pro-
posed changes include the establishment of a sys-
tem for sharing credit information about wilful de-
faulters.
• Identification Process: In cases of wilful default, an
“Identification Committee” will examine the situa-
tion.
• Criminal Action: Based on the specific circumstanc-
es of each case, lenders have the discretion to assess
whether criminal action against wilful defaulters is
warranted.
Definition of Wilful Default:
The RBI defines a wilful default as a situation where a bor-
rower fails to meet repayment obligations despit having
the capacity to do so, diverting the loan for purposes other
than its intended use, siphoning off funds that are no lon-
ger available in other forms, or disposing of assets securing
a term loan without informing the lender.
140. NORMAN E. BORLAUG AWARD FOR
FIELD RESEARCH AND APPLICATION
Context:
Indian scientist Dr. Swati Nayak, working at the Internation-
al Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has been awarded the 2023
Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Applica-
tion by the World Food Prize Foundation.
• Dr. Nayak is recognized for her innovative work in
engaging smallholder farmers in demand-driven
rice seed systems, focusing on climate-resilient
and nutritious rice varieties. This award is given to
exceptional scientists under 40 who contribute to
food and nutrition security and hunger eradication,
in memory of Nobel laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug,
known as the chief architect of the Green Revolu-
tion.
141. JP MORGAN GLOBAL BOND INDEX
Context:
JP Morgan Chase & Co. has announced the inclusion of In-
dian government bonds into its emerging markets bond in-
Current Affairs 30
dex, effective from June 2024. Artificial reefs are human-made structures or objects that
• This move is expected to attract approximately $25 are intentionally placed on the seabed to mimic the char-
billion in foreign investment into India’s domestic acteristics of natural reefs. These structures serve various
government securities market. ecological, economic, and recreational purposes.
Significance:
• India will reach a maximum weight of 10 per cent in
the GBI-EM Global Diversified Index (GBI-EM GD) 144. VIBRIO VULNIFICUS
as part of the inclusion.
• Analysts estimate that the inclusion could result in Context:
nearly $26 billion in passive inflows, with the po- Vibrio vulnificus, a marine bacterium, could pose a major
tential for additional active flows of around $10 bil- threat to coastal populations due to ideal conditions creat-
lion, bringing the total inflows to approximately $40
ed by climate change.
billion over the next one and a half years.
• This bacterium can cause life-threatening infections
and has a high mortality rate, particularly among
142. PEROVSKITE those with weakened immune systems or comor-
bidities.
Context:
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in solar Issues:
panel technology using a nanoscale “ink” coating. • Underreported Cases: Researchers suggest that
• This innovation could potentially accelerate the cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections are likely un-
transition to renewable energy sources. The re- derreported in India.
searchers found that this coating can enhance the • Climate Change Impact: As climate change leads to
stability of perovskite solar cells, making them suit- more frequent cyclones, heavy rainfall, and flooding,
able for mass production. coastal communities may face an increased risk of
exposure to Vibrio vulnificus.
• India’s sea surface temperatures are conducive to
About Perovskite:
the growth of Vibrio vulnificus.
• Perovskite solar cells are cheaper, lighter, and more
• Mortality Rate: Vibrio vulnificus has a high mortali-
efficient than traditional silicon-based cells.
ty rate, particularly when it enters the bloodstream.
• However, they face challenges related to a drop in
• Preventive Measures: Researchers are developing
efficiency and energy output during the manufac-
tools to predict the abundance of Vibrio vulnificus
turing process. The researchers identified an alu-
based on sea surface temperature and phytoplank-
minium oxide that minimizes this efficiency drop
ton levels
during the conditioning of perovskite solar cells.
• Perovskite has been recognized as a “miracle ma-
terial” with the potential to revolutionize various 145. PTERYGOTRIGLA INTERMEDICA –
industries, including renewable energy. NEW FISH SPECIES
• Recent advancements have enabled the creation of
self-healing solar panels and improved efficiency
when combined with silicon in tandem cells. Context:
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have
discovered a new species of deep-sea marine fish in Digha
143. ARTIFICIAL REEF (AR) Mohana, West Bengal, named Pterygotrigla intermedica,
commonly known as gurnards or sea-robins.
Context:
• This fish belongs to the Triglidae family and is char-
The Department of Fisheries is actively promoting the use
acterized by its vibrant orange color. It is the fourth
of Artificial Reefs (AR) as a means to rejuvenate coastal fish-
species of the Pterygotrigla genus reported in India
eries.
and adds to the 178 species of the Triglidae family
• Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
(PMMSY), the department has approved 732 artifi- found worldwide.
cial reef units for 10 coastal states.
• These projects are part of the “Integrated Modern
Coastal Fishing Villages” program within the Cen-
trally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
• The implementation of these artificial reefs is being
carried out with technical support from the Fishery
Survey of India (FSI) and ICAR-Central Marine Fish-
eries Research Institute (CMFRI).
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was
launched in May 2020 to bring about a Blue Revolution by
promoting sustainable and responsible development in the
fisheries sector.

www.insightsonindia.com 147
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146. GALACTIC TIDES

Context:
Galactic tides, similar to the tides in Earth’s oceans but on a
much larger scale, are caused by gravitational forces within
galaxies, resulting from interactions between celestial ob-
jects like stars and gas clouds.
• These tidal forces play a significant role in shaping
the evolution of galaxies. They can alter a galaxy’s
structure by creating features like tidal tails and
bridges, stimulating star formation, and disrupting
smaller star systems.
• Over vast stretches of time, galactic tides also per-
turb the orbits of stars, leading to long-term chang-
es in the structure of galaxies. Galactic tides even
influence how neighbouring galaxies interact with
each other.
• Galactic tides also impact supermassive black holes
located at the centres of galaxies, resulting in
events that alter how these cosmic giants interact
with nearby stars.

148. VEERANGANA DURGAVATI TIGER

147. NASA’S OSIRIS-REX
Context:
A NASA space capsule carrying the largest sample ever col-
lected from an asteroid landed on Utah’s Test and Training
Range.
• The capsule was released from the OSIRIS-REx
spacecraft, which had been in space for seven years
and collected the sample from the asteroid Bennu.
Scientists will use this sample to learn more about
the origins of the solar system.
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, renamed OSIRIS-APEX
(OSIRIS-Apophis Explorer), did not return to Earth’s surface.
Instead, it separated from the sample return capsule and will
continue its mission to study another near-Earth asteroid
named Apophis when it comes close to Earth in 2029.
RESERVE
Context:
Madhya Pradesh, known as the “tiger state” of India due
to its substantial tiger population, has officially designated
a new protected area for these magnificent creatures called
the ‘Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.’
• This newly established reserve becomes the sev-
enth tiger reserve in the state.
• Madhya Pradesh has consistently held the title of
the “tiger state,” with its tiger population increasing
from 526 in 2018 to 785 in the 2022 census.
The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve incorporates the
previously recognized eco-sensitive zone of Nauradehi and
Veerangana Durgavati sanctuaries, along with surrounding
forest areas, into the buffer zone.
149. THE STATE OF THE RHINO REPORT,
2023
Context:
The greater one-horned rhino population in India and Nepal
is growing, as highlighted in the State of the Rhino Report,
2023, by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF).
• While poaching and habitat loss remain significant
threats to rhinos globally, climate change is also im-
pacting their survival.

Key Findings:
• The collaboration among India, Bhutan, and Nepal,
along with strict government protection and man-
agement, has led to a 20 per cent increase in their
population over the past decade. India is estimated
to be home to 3,262 rhinos.

148 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
• Black rhino populations are increasing despite
poaching pressure. However, South Africa is grap-
pling with devastating poaching losses of its white
rhinos, particularly in certain reserves.
• One concerning aspect highlighted in the report is
that the status and whereabouts of 12 of the ap-
proximately 76 remaining Javan rhinos are un-
known. Sumatran rhinos are also increasingly
difficult to find, raising uncertainty about their pop-
ulation in the wild.
The report underscores the need for continued efforts to
protect and conserve rhinos and their habitats, address
poaching, and mitigate the effects of climate change to en-
sure the survival of these iconic species.
150. EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS-23
Context:
The 19th edition of “EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS” is scheduled
to take place from September 25th to October 8th, 2023.
• This annual exercise is a collaborative effort be-
tween the Indian Army and the United States Army.
• The theme of “EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS-23” centres
on the ‘Employment of an Integrated Battle Group
in Mountain/Extreme Climatic Conditions,’ follow-
ing Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.
The exercise will feature a Command Post Exercise, as well
as Expert Academic Discussions on specific topics. The Field
Training Exercise will validate Integrated Battle Groups
against hostile forces at the Brigade level, Integrated Sur-
veillance Grid at the Brigade/Battalion level, and the use of
Heliborne/Airborne elements and Force Multipliers.
It will also assess logistics and casualty management during
operations, evacuation, combat medical aid, and other as-
pects relevant to High Altitude Areas and Extreme Climatic
Conditions.
151. INDIAN STANDARDS ON BIOFUEL
Context:
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced that
Indian standards on biofuels will significantly support the
objectives of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
• BIS has developed nine Indian standards on biofu-
els, including specifications for anhydrous ethanol,
biodiesel, biogas, biodiesel-diesel fuel blends, hy-
drous ethanol, E85 fuel, E20 fuel, aviation turbine
fuel containing synthesized hydrocarbons, and eth-
anol as a fuel for spark-ignition engine-powered
vehicles.
• Additionally, BIS is working on a standard for paraf-
finic (green) diesel derived from 2G feedstock.
The G20 leaders launched the GBA during the 18th G20
Summit in New Delhi, and it aims to facilitate the adoption
of biofuels worldwide. India, the USA, and Brazil are major
producers and consumers of biofuels, contributing signifi-
cantly to the global ethanol market.
152. GREEN HYDROGEN-RUN BUS
Context:
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has introduced India’s first
green hydrogen-powered bus, which emits only water va-
pour as its by-product.
• Green hydrogen is an environmentally friendly op-
tion as it only emits water vapour when burned and
has three times the energy density of other fuels.
It requires 50 units of renewable electricity and 9
kg of deionized water to produce one kilogram of
green hydrogen.
153. MAHARASHTRA’S EPHEMERALS
Context:
In parts of Maharashtra, certain plant species known as
“ephemerals” wait for the monsoon season to bloom.
• These ephemerals include both annual and peren-
nial plants. Annual ephemerals form new individu-
als each year, briefly appearing for a short period,
producing seeds, and remaining dormant until the
next year. Perennials have underground structures
like tubers or bulbs, with the same individual per-
sisting while other parts like stems and flowers are
newly formed each year.
www.insightsonindia.com 149
 Current Affairs 30
eco-tourism.
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Saris-
ka-Delhi wildlife corridor, supporting leopard movements
from Rajasthan to Delhi.

154. KOLE WETLANDS

Context:
The Kole wetlands in Kerala, an internationally important
Ramsar site known for its high biodiversity, are facing a new
threat from an invasive alien plant species called Cabomba
furcuta, also known as Pink Bloom.
• This species, originating from Central and South
America, has been introduced to Kerala as an aquar- 156. NILGIRI TAHR
ium plant and has now become a menace to the
Kole fields, alongside existing threats like water hy- Context:
acinth and Salvinia molesta. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is planning to conduct a
• Cabomba furcuta, characterized by its massive pink
comprehensive census of the endangered Nilgiri tahr, along
flowering. While its vibrant pink appearance may
seem picturesque, it poses a significant threat to with Kerala.
the biodiversity and agricultural productivity of the • There are believed to be a little over 3,100 Nilgiri
region. tahrs in the Western Ghats region.
• For the first time, drones may be used in the cen-
sus as Nilgiri tahrs prefer montane grasslands with
steep and rocky terrains at altitudes between 300
and 2,600 meters above sea level.

155. ASOLA BHATTI SANCTUARY

Context:
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, is set to con-
duct a study on the biodiversity of the Asola Bhatti Wildlife
Sanctuary in Delhi and formulate a management plan for
the sanctuary.
• The study aims to assess the potential socio-eco-
nomic impacts on nearby villages by preserving
the ecological integrity of the ecosystem. It will also
examine the mined-out pits and their attributes,
including associated plant and animal components
and habitats, with a focus on promoting sustainable

150 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
157. BHARAT DRONE SHAKTI 2023
Context:
The first-ever drone exhibition and display, “Bharat Drone
Shakti 2023,” was inaugurated by India’s Defence Minister,
at the Hindan Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
• This event, jointly organized by the Indian Air Force
(IAF) and the Drone Federation of India (DFI), show-
cases over 75 drone start-ups from across India.
• The displayed drones have applications in both mili-
tary and civilian sectors and aim to support the gov-
ernment’s initiative to establish India as a major
drone hub by 2030.
The inauguration of “Bharat Drone Shakti 2023” was fol-
lowed by the formal induction of the first C-295 MW trans-
port aircraft into the Indian Air Force (IAF). This medium-lift
tactical aircraft is capable of taking off and landing from un-
prepared landing grounds and will replace the HS-748 Avro
aircraft.
158. USING NEWSPAPERS FOR HANDLING
FOOD
Context:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
has urged consumers and food vendors to stop using news-
papers for packing, serving, and storing food due to health
hazards.
Issues with using Newspaper for handling food:
Issue Description
Ink Contami- Newspapers contain ink with bioactive
nation materials that can contaminate food and
pose health risks.
Recycled paper boxes can also have con-
taminants like mineral oils and chemicals,
potentially causing digestive problems
and toxicity
C h e m i c a l Printing inks may contain chemicals, in-
Leaching cluding lead and heavy metals, which can
leach into food.
Su sc e ptible Newspapers are exposed to various envi-
to Contami- ronmental conditions during distribution,
nation making them susceptible to bacterial or
viral contamination.
P o t e n t i a l Contaminants from newspapers can lead
F o o d b o r n e to foodborne illnesses when ingested.
Illness
Absorbs Ex- Newspapers should not be used to absorb
cess Oil excess oil from fried food as per regula-
tions.
V u l n e r a b l e Vulnerable groups, like the elderly and
Groups those with weakened immune systems,
are at greater risk of cancer-related health
issues from food packed in such materials.
Violation of According to the Food Safety and Stan-
Regulations dards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, the
use of newspapers or similar materials for
storing and wrapping food is strictly pro-
hibited.
About FSSAI:
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (est. 2008;
HQ: New Delhi) is an autonomous statutory body (under
the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006) established under
the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
159. NATIONAL POLICY ON RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION IN THE
PHARMA-MEDTECH SECTOR
Context:
The Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Minis-
ter of Health & Family Welfare in India, has launched a sig-
nificant initiative known as the National Policy on Research
and Development and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech
Sector.
• This policy aims to transform India’s pharmaceuti-
cal and medical technology industries from being
cost-based to becoming value-based and innova-
tion-driven.
Key Highlights:
• Transformation Goals: The need to shift the focus
of India’s pharmaceutical and MedTech sectors to-
wards innovation and value creation.
• Ecosystem Building: The policy seeks to establish an
ecosystem that fosters skills and capacities, involv-
ing academia and the private sector.
• Prioritizing Research and Development: Importance
of research and development to achieve self-reli-
ance in pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
• Infrastructure Development: The scheme aims to
develop world-class research infrastructure at in-
stitutions like NIPERs (National Institutes of Phar-
maceutical Education and Research) and other re-
search institutes.
• Focus on Priority Areas: The initiative identifies spe-
cific priority areas to enhance India’s pharmaceuti-
cal industry’s global position.
• Economic Growth and Employment: The scheme
anticipates that the launch of commercially viable
products will accelerate the growth of India’s phar-
maceutical sector.
• Healthcare Solutions: One of the objectives is to
develop affordable and accessible healthcare solu-
tions for primary health concerns, thereby reducing
the healthcare burden on the nation.
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160. RODTEP SCHEME
Context:
The Indian government has announced the extension of
export benefits under the Scheme for Remission of Duties
and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) for an additional
year, until June 2024.
• The RoDTEP scheme provides exporters with re-
funds for taxes, duties, and levies incurred during
the manufacturing and distribution of goods, which
are not reimbursed through other mechanisms at
the central, state, or local levels.
• This move is expected to assist the exporting com-
munity in negotiating international export con-
tracts under the current global economic condi-
tions.
The RoDTEP scheme replaced the Merchandise Exports from
India Scheme (MEIS), which concluded the previous year.
161. SOCIAL BONDS
Context:
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD) has successfully raised Rs 1,040.50 crore through
a five-year social bond.
• The social bonds issued by NABARD have received
‘AAA’ ratings from CRISIL and ICRA, and they will be
listed on the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange).
• NABARD recently introduced a Sustainability Bond
Framework, aimed at financing and refinancing
green and social projects.
Social bonds are a type of financial instrument or invest-
ment vehicle issued by governments, companies, or orga-
nizations to raise capital for projects or initiatives with a
specific social or environmental purpose. These bonds are
typically designed to fund projects that have a positive im-
pact on society or address social and environmental chal-
lenges.
162. BREAKTHROUGH AGENDA REPORT
2023
Context:
The Breakthrough Agenda Report 2023 is an annual collab-
oration between the International Energy Agency (IEA), the
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the
United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champions.
• Its focus is on strengthening international cooper-
ation to accelerate the reduction of global green-
house gas emissions.
Key Findings:
• The report evaluates progress made since 2022 in
priority areas for global collaboration.
• It offers recommendations for countries to work
152 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
together in these sectors to reduce emissions over
the next decade and mitigate the worst effects of
climate change.
• The report acknowledges the accelerating transition
to clean energy and sustainable solutions in various
sectors, particularly in technologies like electric ve-
hicles and solar PV.
• It notes that electric passenger cars are expected
to represent 18% of total car sales in 2023, and
clean energy technology investments are surpassing
spending on fossil fuels.
• However, some high-emission and challeng-
ing-to-decarbonize sectors, including steel, hydro-
gen, and agriculture, are not transitioning rapidly
enough, despite progress in certain aspects.
The report highlights modest progress in strengthening in-
ternational collaboration over the past year, with expanded
financial assistance to developing countries and increased
joint research and development initiatives.
163. PET46
Context:
A recent study involving scientists from Kiel University (Ger-
many) has discovered a deep-sea enzyme, PET46, capable of
continuously breaking down PET plastic, commonly found in
plastic bottles.
About PET46:
PET46 has unique properties, such as the ability to degrade
long-chain and short-chain PET molecules, making it valu-
able for biotechnology applications. This research is part of
the PLASTISEA project and sheds light on the potential for
plastic waste degradation in the sea and on land.
What is PET plastic?
PET plastic, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a common
type of plastic used to make bottles, containers, and synthet-
ic fibres. It is known for its transparency, lightweight nature,
and recyclability. PET is widely used for packaging beverages,
food, and personal care products.
Previously, Researchers from the University of Cambridge
had created a system to turn PET plastic waste and green-
house gases into sustainable fuels and valuable products us-
ing solar energy.
Current Affairs 30
164. BALSAMS
Context:
In Munnar, a popular tourist destination in India, balsams
(genus Impatiens) are currently in full bloom, providing a
delightful visual spectacle.
• Balsams are sometimes referred to as ‘touch-me-
not’ due to their tendency to burst and distribute
mature seeds upon touch.
• Balsams are considered significant indicator species
for climate change, reflecting alterations in plant
populations when climate change occurs.
Idukki district, where Munnar is located, is renowned for its
diverse range of balsams, earning it the nickname of a “bal-
sam paradise” among scientists. The high-altitude areas
surrounding Anamudi, the highest mountain in the West-
ern Ghats, are particularly known for their rich diversity of
wild balsams.
165. QUBIT CIRCUIT
Context:
Researchers at MIT have made significant progress in devel-
oping a novel superconducting qubit architecture that can
perform operations between qubits with much greater ac-
curacy than previously achieved.
• They used a relatively new type of superconducting
qubit called fluxonium, which has a longer lifespan
than traditional superconducting qubits.
• This allowed them to achieve single-qubit gates
with 99.99% accuracy and two-qubit gates with
99.9% accuracy, well above the threshold needed
for certain error-correcting codes.
Fluxonium is a type of qubit (quantum bit) that is based on
operations at important junctions in a superconducting cir-
cuit
Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field that utilizes
quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than
classical computers. A qubit is the basic unit of information
in quantum computing
166. HIV ACT
Context:
The Supreme Court of India has directed the central and
state governments to ensure the effective implementation
of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Im-
mune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act,
2017, also known as the HIV Act.
• The court also instructed all courts, tribunals, and
quasi-judicial bodies to prioritize cases related to
HIV-infected individuals for early disposal as per
the mandate of Section 34(2) of the HIV Act and
maintain the anonymity of HIV-infected individu-
als.
• It emphasized the protection of the property of chil-
dren, their parents, or guardians affected by HIV/
AIDS and the care and support of children infected
with HIV or AIDS.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks
the body’s immune system. It can lead to AIDS (acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome) if it’s not treated. There is
currently no effective cure, but with proper medical care,
HIV can be controlled
HIV is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person
with HIV
HIV attacks the white blood cells called CD4 cells. This makes
a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseas-
es. As the immune system weakens, the person is at risk of
getting life-threatening infections and cancers
167. GREEN AMMONIA
Context:
Recently, the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tamil
Nadu, India, successfully received and handled Green Am-
monia Containers from Egypt.
• Green ammonia is ammonia that is produced using
renewable energy and hydrogen from water elec-
trolysis. This makes green ammonia production vir-
tually carbon dioxide-free.
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168. LITHIUM-ION BATTERY FIRES
Context:
Lithium-ion battery fires, although relatively rare, can be in-
tense and long-lasting.
• They are mainly caused by a phenomenon called
“thermal runaway,” triggered by factors like inter-
nal failures (such as short circuits) or external dam-
age. This can lead to a battery catching fire or even
exploding.
• Using water to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires is
counterproductive as it can fuel the fire by reacting
with lithium, producing flammable hydrogen gas.
Water also conducts electricity, posing additional
risks of electrical shocks or short-circuits.
• To combat these fires, experts recommend using
specialized fire extinguishers, such as Class D fire
extinguishers designed for lithium-metal fires or
dry chemical fire extinguishers suitable for electri-
cal fires.
Aftermath of these fires includes the release of toxic gas-
es like carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, and hydrogen
chloride, which can be hazardous when inhaled in significant
quantities, especially in confined spaces.
169. CONOCARPUS TREES
Context:
The state government of Gujarat in India has imposed a ban
on the plantation of Conocarpus trees in both forest and
non-forest areas due to their adverse impacts on the envi-
ronment and human health.
• The decision to ban Conocarpus comes after re-
search reports highlighted its adverse effects, in-
cluding spreading pollen that can lead to diseases
like cold, cough, asthma, and allergies.
• Conocarpus trees have deep roots that can damage
154 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
telecommunication lines, drainage systems, and
freshwater systems
Conocarpus erectus, commonly called buttonwood or but-
ton mangrove, is a mangrove shrub that grows on shore-
lines in tropical and subtropical regions around the world
170. ROUGH DIAMONDS
Context:
The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and other
leading associations in the diamond industry have instructed
their members to suspend the import of rough diamonds
for two months.
• This move comes in response to a significant in-
crease in the inventory of polished diamonds due
to a sharp decline in exports.
• The aim is to balance the demand and supply in the
industry, protect asset values, and boost consumer
confidence.
The diamond market has been facing challenges, with de-
mand for polished diamonds and jewellery slowing down
in major consumer economies like the US and China, result-
ing in a 27% decrease in gem and jewellery exports in the
first five months of this fiscal year
What is the Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process is an international certification
scheme that regulates trade in rough diamonds. It aims to
prevent the flow of conflict diamonds while helping to pro-
tect legitimate trade in rough diamonds.
Rough diamonds are uncut, unpolished, and unprocessed
diamonds in their natural form as they are mined from the
earth or extracted from other sources like alluvial deposits.
Current Affairs 30
171. GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 2023
Context:
India has retained its 40th position in the Global Innovation
Index (GII) 2023.
• This ranking is attributed to India’s vibrant start-up
ecosystem, knowledge capital, and contributions
from public and private research organizations.
• India also maintained its top position in the low-
er-middle-income group and the Central and South
Asian region.
About Global Innovation Index:
• The GII, published by the World Intellectual Prop-
erty Organisation (WIPO), evaluates 132 economies
on their innovation capabilities.
• Switzerland secured the top position in the index,
followed by Sweden, the United States, the United
Kingdom, and Singapore.
• China ranked 12th among middle and lower-mid-
dle-income economies, with no others in the top 30.
172. COOKIES
Context:
Cookies are a vital component of the digital world, enhanc-
ing online experiences by remembering login information,
preferences, and interactions on websites.
• Cookies come in various types, including session
cookies (temporary), persistent cookies (long-last-
ing), secure cookies (encrypted), and third-party
cookies (from domains other than the visited site).
Benefits:
They are like keys to a secure club, granting seamless ac-
cess to websites. Cookies enable personalization, as seen on
platforms like Amazon, which use them to provide tailored
product recommendations and shopping cart persistence.
Challenges:
• Privacy concerns arise as they can track online be-
haviour, potentially encroaching on digital privacy.
• Inadequate security can lead to data breaches.
Privacy regulations like GDPR and the California
Consumer Privacy Act require websites to seek user
consent for certain cookie types, leading to pop-ups
and prompts.
India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 mandates
explicit user consent for data collection via cookies.
173. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING EMIS-
SIONS
Context:
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international ship-
ping have increased by 20% over the last decade, according
to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Develop-
ment (UNCTAD).
• The shipping industry accounts for nearly three per
cent of global GHG emissions and more than 80%
of global trade volume.
• The sector faces challenges in transitioning to alter-
native fuels, as 98.8% of the global fleet still uses
conventional fuels.
• Only 1.2% of vessels use alternative fuels, such as
liquefied natural gas (LNG), battery/hybrid, lique-
fied petroleum gas (LPG), and methanol.
To address emissions, the International Maritime Organiza-
tion has set a target of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by
around 2050 and aims to ensure that zero or near-zero GHG
fuels represent at least five per cent of energy used by inter-
national shipping by 2030.
174. NEW ASIAN PANGOLIN SPECIES
Context:
Researchers analysing confiscated pangolin scales in Hong
Kong and China’s Yunnan province have identified a new and
distinct pangolin species named Manis mysteria through
DNA analysis.
• This discovery marks the ninth known species of
pangolin.
• Pangolins have been poached for bushmeat, but in
the last decade, their skins, scales, and whole bod-
ies have been in high demand in countries like Viet-
nam, China, and the US. This has led to a decline in
their populations.
About Pangolin
• Pangolins are among the most trafficked wild mammals
globally.
• India is home to two species:
o Indian Pangolin (EN), found across the subcontinent
o Chinese Pangolin (CR), is found across a larger area in
south Asia.
• Both species are included under India’s Schedule I of
the Wildlife Protection Act (Jail term for those hunting
animals listed here)
• Appendix I of CITES (meaning they are most endan-
gered)
• Ecological Importance: They play a vital role in ecosys-
tem management, mostly in aerating and adding mois-
ture to the soil as well as the succession of plant commu-
nities through burrowing.
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 Current Affairs 30

175. FISH MINT 1. ESPORTS IN ASIAN GAMES (HANG-

Context:
Fish mint is a unique herb known for its fish-like taste and
smell.
Its medicinal properties are well-documented in tradition-
al Chinese, Japanese, Ayurvedic, and Siddha medicine. It
grows in Southeast Asia, thriving in moist soils and resisting
flooding.
In India, it goes by various names and is used in salads and
vegetables. Fish mint has numerous health benefits, includ-
ing treating asthma, mitigating fever’s impact, preventing
infectious oral diseases, and potentially aiding in managing
COVID-19 symptoms. It is also linked to weight reduction,
improved insulin resistance, and cosmetic applications for
irritated skin.
ZHOU)
Esports officially debuted as an official event at the Asian
Games 2023 (in Hangzhou, China), featuring seven top
titles, including League of Legends, and involving teams
from over 30 countries.
The competition included both PC and mobile games,
covering multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) and sin-
gle-player genres. Gold medals were awarded for each
game.
What is Esports?
Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to organized
competitive video gaming. It involves individuals or teams
competing in various video games at a professional level,
often in tournaments with significant prizes.

More about Esports:

• Esports was previously featured as a demonstra-
tion sport at the Jakarta Asian Games (2018) and
proved highly popular.
• Esports inclusion in the Olympics remains uncer-
tain, with concerns about violent or discriminatory
content in some games.
SPORTS CORNER • Notably, winning a gold medal in esports at the
Asian Games could exempt South Korean players
from compulsory military service.

What are the types of online gaming?

• E-sports (well-organized electronic sports which
include professional players),
• Fantasy sports
• Casual games: these can be either skill-
based (mental skill) or chance-based (based on a
random activity like a roll of a dice) online games.

MAPPING
1. MICRONESIA AND COFA
Context:
The United States signed agreements with Micronesia to ex-
tend economic assistance to the island state. The U.S. is also
negotiating similar agreements with Palau and the Marshall
Islands.

Aim:
The agreements were part of a strategic pact that the U.S. is
using to counter China in the Pacific

156 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
The Compact of Free Association (COFA) is an internation-
al agreement between the U.S. and the three Pacific Island
states (Micronesia, Palau, and Marshall Islands). The COFA
allows the U.S. to base troops in these countries in exchange
for economic and migratory benefits. The COFA also denies
military access to these countries by any outside party with-
out U.S. consent.

3. 9 DASHED LINE

Several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines,

Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan, have joined India in rejecting
China’s new national map and 9 Dashed Line in the South
2. KIGALI (RWANDA) China Sea.
Context:
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) conducted its 5th re- India specifically protested China’s claims over Arunachal
gional meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. Pradesh and Aksai Chin

What is a Nine-dash line?

ISA grants have facilitated the implementation of nine so-
The nine-dash line is a historical demarcation line on a map
lar power demonstration projects in Uganda, Comoros,
used by China to assert territorial claims in the South China
and Mali. These projects included the solarization of rural
Sea.
healthcare centres and primary schools in these countries.
• ISA also launched the SolarX Startup Challenge, promot-
ing entrepreneurship and clean energy in Africa. China asserts a claim to 90% of the South China Sea, primar-
• The Global Solar Facility aims to boost innovative solar ily based on the historical U-shaped nine-dash line drawn
technologies in Africa through private investment and on a map in the 1940s and encompassing several islands,
guarantees. notably the Paracels and Spratlys.
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda. Kigali Genocide Memo-
rial documents the 1994 mass killings in Rwanda, associated However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration under UNCLOS
with the country’s civil war. (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) has de-
termined that China’s claim in this region lacks a legal foun-
Rwanda is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley of dation
Central Africa, where the African Great Lakes region and
Southeast Africa converge. Located a few degrees south of
the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Bu-
rundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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4. ISRAEL
Israel’s Prime Minister has proposed a fibre optic cable
project that aims to connect Asia and the Arabian Peninsula
with Europe through Israel and Cyprus.
Current Affairs 30
an Ocean. It encompasses savannah, lakelands, the dramat-
ic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands. It’s also home
to Maasai Mara Reserve, known for its annual wildebeest
migrations, and Amboseli National Park, offering views of
Tanzania’s 5,895m Mt. Kilimanjaro.

This project underscores the cost-effectiveness and security

of using fibre optic connections for international communi-
cation. It also builds on Israel’s ongoing collaboration with
Cyprus and Greece, including energy projects like the Eur-
Asia Interconnector, an undersea electricity cable.

Israel, a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea,

is regarded by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the biblical
Holy Land. Its most sacred sites are in Jerusalem. Within its
Old City, the Temple Mount complex includes the Dome of
the Rock shrine, the historic Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque
and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

6. SIANG RIVER

India is planning to build a large barrage on the Siang River

to protect it from a Chinese dam being built in Tibet. The
dam is being built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet’s
Medog district.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu warned that

5. NAIROBI (KENYA)
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) has
released a zero draft for an international treaty aimed at
ending plastic pollution.
It is divided into four parts:
• The objectives
• The life cycle of plastics and plastic products
• Sustainable production and consumption of plastics
• Collectively addressing the implementation of the
instrument
if India does not respond to the dam, his state and neigh-
bouring Assam could face environmental disasters, including
floods.
What is a barrage?
A barrage is a dam or barrier built across a river or water-
course to control the flow of water. It typically consists of
gates or sluices that can be opened or closed to manage the
flow of water downstream.
Barrages are primarily used for flow control and water di-
version, while Dams are designed for water storage and reg-
ulation on a larger scale.

The treaty aims to promote sustainable production and
consumption of plastics and improve waste management.
Kenya is a country in East Africa with a coastline on the Indi-
Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra) breaks through the
Himalayas in great gorges (including the Yarlung Tsangpo
Grand Canyon) and enters into Arunachal Pradesh, where it
is known as Dihang or Siang.

158 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

8. IMOR-LESTE
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the
opening of an Indian embassy in Dili, the capital city of
Timor-Leste, during the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta.

Timor-Leste is a Southeast Asian nation occupying half the

island of Timor and is ringed by coral reefs teeming with ma-
rine life. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor,
of which the western half is administered by Indonesia, the
exclave of Oecusse on the island’s north-western half, and
the minor islands of Atauro and Jaco. Australia is the coun-
try’s southern neighbour, separated by the Timor Sea.

7. MOROCCO Timor-Leste was a Portuguese colony until 1975, followed

by Indonesian rule after the conflict. In 1999, it gained inde-
pendence through a UN-sponsored act and became the 1st
A powerful earthquake struck Morocco, affecting areas in-
sovereign state of the 21st century (in 2002)
cluding the Atlas Mountains and the historic city of Mar-
rakech. Earthquakes are relatively rare in North Africa, and
this was described as the strongest ever recorded in the
mountain region.

Morocco lies along the boundary of the African and Eur-

asian tectonic plates. Here the two massive plates interact,
and their movements can result in seismic activity.

Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic

Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its Berber,
Arabian and European cultural influences.

9. MOODBIDRI (DAKSHINA KANNADA,

KARNATAKA)

In recent archaeological explorations near Moodbidri, Dak-

shina Kannada, unique terracotta figurines were discov-
ered (related to the Megalithic Dolmen site). These figurines
provide valuable insights into the study of the Bhoota cult or
Daiva Aradhane. They are datable to the period of 800-700
B.C. The discovery includes various figurines, such as cow
bovines, a mother goddess, peacocks, a horse, and more.

Mudbidri is a town and taluk in Dakshina Kannada district.

It lies 34 km northeast of the district headquarters, Manga-
lore, in Karnataka. Because of the widely grown bamboo in
ancient days, this place was named Moodabidri.

www.insightsonindia.com 159

What is a megalithic dolmen?
It is a type of ancient burial structure consisting of large
stone slabs. These stones are arranged to create a chamber
or tomb, often with a capstone on top.
10. LIBYA
Devastating floods in Derna, eastern Libya, have resulted
in over 5,000 feared dead and thousands missing due to
breached dams and flash floods caused by the Mediterra-
nean storm named Daniel.
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Current Affairs 30
What is a Mediterranean storm?
A Mediterranean storm, also known as a Mediterranean
cyclone or a Mediterranean low, is a type of weather sys-
tem that forms over the Mediterranean Sea. Mediterranean
storms can vary in intensity and impact, but they often lead
to heavy precipitation, which can result in flooding, land-
slides, and other weather-related hazards.
Libya is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It
is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt
to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad to the south, Ni-
ger to the southwest, Algeria to the west, and Tunisia to the
northwest.
11. HARAMI NALA (SIR CREEK, GUJARAT)
Recently, Union Home Minister visited “Harami Nala” in the
Sir Creek area of Kutch, Gujarat, along the India-Pakistan in-
ternational border.
Harami Nala is a 22-kilometer tidal channel that serves as a
natural boundary between India and Pakistan. The channel
carries water and mud and is inhabited by protected marine
species. Vast marshy mudflats surround it, with tempera-
tures reaching above 50° Celsius in summer.
Sir Creek, originally Ban Ganga, is a 96-km tidal estuary in
the uninhabited marshlands of the Indus River Delta on the
border between India and Pakistan. The creek flows into the
Arabian Sea and separates Gujarat state in India from Sindh
province in Pakistan.
Current Affairs 30

13. MEGA OIL REFINERY AND PETRO-

CHEMICALS PROJECT (RATNAGIRI, MAHA-
RASTRA)

The project was initially proposed in 2015 as a joint effort

by India’s public sector refiners, including Indian Oil Corpo-
ration (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), and Hin-
dustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL), in partnership with
Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) and later joined by Abu
Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

The refinery project in Maharashtra’s Konkan belt (Ratnagiri

district) has faced challenges and delays but remains signifi-
cant for India’s long-term energy strategy.

About the Konkan belt:

It is a coastal plain in western India that extends along the
western coasts of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. The
Konkan is a narrow lowland that›s only about 50 km
wide. It’s bounded by the Western Ghats Mountain range
to the east, the Arabian Sea to the west, the Daman Ganga
River to the north, and the River Aghanashini to the south.

12. NYOMA AIRFIELD (EASTERN LADAKH)

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will construct India’s

highest fighter airfield in Nyoma, a village in Ladakh. The Ny-
oma village is located close to the south Bank of Pangong
Tso at an altitude of about 13,700 feet. Nyoma is around 46
kilometres from the Line of Actual Control with China.

Also, the Construction of the Shinkun La Tunnel, the world’s

highest tunnel at an altitude of 15,855 feet is set to start.
The tunnel will connect Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal to the Zas-
kar Valley in Ladakh and provide all-weather connectivity

14. TONGA

In 2023, record-high temperatures have been observed glob-

ally. Scientists attribute this unusual heat to various factors,
including an underwater volcanic eruption off Tonga (Hunga
Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai) in the South Pacific in January 2022.

While most volcanic eruptions typically cool the planet due

to sun-dimming particles, this eruption released a significant
amount of water vapour and Sulfur dioxide into the strato-
sphere, a natural greenhouse gas that traps heat.
The volcano is located in the Tonga island of the South Pacif-
ic Ocean. It is part of the Tonga–Kermadec Islands volcanic

www.insightsonindia.com 161

arc formed due to the subduction of the Pacific Plate under
the Indo-Australian Plate.
Tonga is a Polynesian kingdom of more than 170 South Pa-
cific islands, many uninhabited, most lined in white beaches
and coral reefs and covered with tropical rainforest.
15. GLOBAL NORTH/SOUTH DIVIDE
(BRANDT LINE)
The Brandt Line (an imaginary line) is a concept that catego-
rizes the world into richer countries mainly in the Northern
Hemisphere and poorer countries mostly in the Southern
Hemisphere, highlighting global economic disparities.
“Global North” (wealthier communities) and a “Global
South” (poorer communities) exist both within and among
nations.
The line is based on the “North-South: A Programme for
Survival”, a report addressing the problems of international
inequality
162 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
16. NARMADA RIVER
Context: Severe rains in Gujarat caused the Narmada River
to flood, displacing thousands. Some blame the Sardar Saro-
var Dam operators for their delayed actions.
The Sardar Sarovar Dam (opened 2017) is a concrete gravity
dam built on the Narmada River in Navagam near the town
of Kevadiya, Narmada District, in the state of Gujarat. The
dam was constructed to provide water and electricity to four
Indian states: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and
Rajasthan
The Narmada is the largest west-flowing river, the fifth-larg-
est in India, flowing through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
and Gujarat before reaching the Gulf of Cambay. It is situat-
ed between the Vindhya and Satpura Ranges. Notable dams
in the Narmada Basin include the Sardar Sarovar Dam, Rani
Avanti Bai Sagar (Bargi) Dam, and Maheshwar Dam.
17. AZERBAIJAN (NAGORNO-KARABAKH)
Azerbaijan launched a military operation in the disputed
Nagorno-Karabakh region, resulting in casualties and sig-
nificant tensions. The region, recognized as part of Azerbai-
jan but controlled by ethnic Armenians, has been a source
of conflict for decades, with recent escalations in 2020 and
2023.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is an ethnic and territorial
dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It centres on the
Nagorno-Karabakh region, predominantly Armenian-popu-
lated but within Azerbaijan’s borders. A ceasefire mediated
by Russia in 1994 left the region under Armenian control,
though it’s still recognized as part of Azerbaijan. The area is
now governed by separatist Armenians and called the “Na-
gorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast.”
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About Azerbaijan
It is a former Soviet republic nation and is bounded by the
Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains, which span Asia and
Europe. Its capital, Baku, is famed for its medieval walled In-
ner City.
18. TUNGARESHWAR WILDLIFE SANCTU-
ARY
Context:
The Surya Regional Water Supply Project in Mumbai has
achieved a significant breakthrough by completing the tun-
nelling work of the Tungareshwar tunnel.
Aspect Description
Location Located on a plateau east of Vasai and Vi-
rar in the Palghar district, 75 km north of
Mumbai. It forms a corridor between Sanjay
Gandhi National Park and Tansa Wildlife
Sanctuary.
Landscape Characterized by hilly terrain, dense forests,
and small rivers or streams.
Vegetation Three different types of forests – Dry Decid-
uous, Moist Deciduous, and Semi Evergreen.
Temples Several ancient temples are within its bound-
aries, with the most famous being the Tun-
gareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
19. BANGKOK (THAILAND)
Context: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Pollution-Control
Vessel ‘Samudra Prahari’ conducted a Pollution Response
Table-Top exercise and demonstration at Khlong Toei Port
in Bangkok, Thailand, showcasing India’s maritime expertise
and commitment to addressing shared challenges, particu-
larly marine pollution.
The visit under the India-ASEAN initiative aligns with India’s
commitment to regional security and growth (SAGAR) and
the theme of India’s G20 Presidency ‘Vasudhaiva Kutum-
bakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
About Thailand:
Thailand (capital Bangkok) is a Southeast Asian country lo-
cated on the Indochinese Peninsula. Thailand shares borders
with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, and mari-
time boundaries with Vietnam, Indonesia, and India.
The history of Thailand includes the migration of Tai peoples
from China, Indianized kingdoms, European contact in the
16th century, and the rise of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. De-
spite Western imperialism in Asia, Thailand remained un-
colonized, although it made concessions in unequal treaties.
20. ARGENTINA
India is on the verge of finalizing agreements for the acqui-
sition of five lithium blocks in Argentina through the State-
owned joint venture, KABIL.
Argentina, as part of the “Lithium Triangle” along with Chile
and Bolivia, is a significant producer of lithium, holding the
world’s third-largest lithium reserve.
KABIL is a joint venture, involving NALCO, MECL, and HCL,
and is focused on identifying and acquiring strategic min-
erals overseas for India’s use. It is also exploring opportuni-
ties for lithium partnerships and acquisitions in other Latin
American nations like Chile and Brazil, as well as in Australia
for lithium and cobalt exploration.
Argentina is a country in the southern half of South Ameri-
ca. Argentina is the second-largest country in South America
after Brazil. The Andes Mountains, which run through both
Argentina and Chile, are known for hosting lithium-rich
brine deposits. The region’s unique geological conditions
make it conducive to the formation and concentration of
lithium resources.
www.insightsonindia.com 163
 Current Affairs 30
brown bear and snow leopard. The Kishanganga River flows
through the valley.

22. HAIFA (ISREAL)

The Battle of Haifa (1918), fought during WWI as part of the

Sinai and Palestine campaign, was historically overlooked
until research by Brig. M S Jodha shed light on the contribu-
tions of Indian soldiers.

The Battle of Haifa had significant long-term effects, leading

to the partition of the Ottoman Empire and the creation of
several modern states. Indian soldiers from princely states
like Jodhpur (Jodhpur Lancers) played a crucial role, provid-
ing resources and troops to the British Indian Army.

Haifa Day commemorations were initiated in 2010, acknowl-

edging the Indian soldiers’ contributions. Teen Murti Chowk
in India was renamed Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in honour of
the Battle of Haifa’s centenary.
21. KAOBAL GALI-MUSHKOH VALLEY
Haifa is a northern Israeli port city built in tiers extending
Context: from the Mediterranean up the north slope of Mount Car-
The Kaobal Gali-Mushkoh Valley, which was once a battle- mel. The city’s most iconic sites are the immaculately land-
field during the Kargil War, has now opened up for tourists. scaped terraces of the Bahá’í Gardens and, at their heart,
the gold-domed Shrine of the Báb.
This transformation is attributed to the 43-month-long
ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, the en-
thusiasm of the local population, and efforts by both the
administration and businesses to capitalize on the tourism
potential.

About Kaobal Gali-Mushkoh Valley:

It is located in Kargil’s Drass Sector and was a battlefield
during the 1999 Kargil war between India and Pakistan. The
region includes the Gurez Valley in north Kashmir, which
was previously inaccessible to civilians due to shelling from
Pakistan but now connects with the Mushkoh Valley in Kar-
gil’s Drass Sector. Kaobal Gali, the highest pass at a height 23. KAIMUR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
of 4,167 meters in Gurez, connects Gurez to Mushkoh Valley.
Bihar is getting its second tiger reserve in Kaimur (Kaimur
Wildlife Sanctuary), expected to be established by the end of
The Gurez Valley is close to the Line of Control (LoC)   and
2023 or early 2024. The need for a second reserve arose as
is also home to ibex, musk deer and marmots, Himalayan
the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (Bihar’s 1st tiger reserve) reached

164 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
its capacity to manage tigers.

Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar’s largest, covers Kaimur

and Rohtas Districts. Established in 1979, it features diverse
forest types, rare flora and fauna, and historical sites like
Rohtasgarh Fort and Shergarh Fort. The government plans
to convert it into a Tiger Reserve.

25. BOJJANNAKONDA
Context:
Bojjannakonda, a centuries-old Buddhist heritage site in
(at Sankaram, near Visakhapatnam) Andhra Pradesh, is set
to become a major tourist attraction thanks to investments
from both the Central and State governments.

24. SUNDARBANS
India and Bangladesh have signed an agreement to address
climate-related loss and damage in the Sundarbans, a UNE-
SCO World Heritage Site shared between the two countries.
This consensus calls for a joint stakeholder initiative to raise
awareness of the Sundarbans’ climate challenges on the
global stage.
Despite contributing minimally to carbon emissions, the
Sundarbans face significant climate impacts, including cy-
clones, sea-level rise, and forced migration.
About Bojjannakonda:
Bojjannakonda and Lingalametta are ancient Buddhist mon-
asteries from the 3rd century BC. The main stupa at Bojjan-
nakonda is a rock-carved structure covered with bricks and
adorned with Buddha sculptures. Lingalametta boasts rows
of rock-cut monolithic stupas.
These sites show elements of all the three Buddhist phases:
• Theravada (Lord Buddha was considered a teacher)
• Mahayana (Buddhism was more devotional)
• Vajrayana (Buddhist tradition was more practised as
Tantra and in esoteric form)
The site is famous for many votive stupas, rock-cut
caves, brick-built edifices, early historic pottery, and Satava-
hana coins that date back to the 1st century AD. Visakhapa-
tnam is renowned for other Buddhist sites like Thotlakonda,
Appikonda, and Bavikonda

Sundarbans is a mangrove area in the delta formed by the

confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers
in the Bay of Bengal.

Features:
• Sundarban in India is its largest mangrove ecosys-
tem.
• Sundarban Reserve Forest of Bangladesh is the larg-
est mangrove forest in the world.
• It contains Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, Sundarban
Wetland, Sundarbans National Park and Biosphere
Reserve.
• It is the only mangrove forest in the world inhabited
by tigers

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